How to Help Non-Speaking Children in the Early Years

"""Bryony’s book is an absolute must-read for any parent, teacher, professional, educator or caregiver looking to better connect and communicate with children, especially non-verbal or neurodivergent kids. This wonderfully practical and accessible guide is filled with creative strategies to try, garnered from Bryony’s own practice and research. Her friendly, understanding and non-judgemental tone throughout the book helps to put you at your ease as you embark on the journey of tuning into your child's world, whether you have a verbal child, a late talker, or a child with additional needs. Bryony invites us to reflect on what makes our best interactions and relationships so special and reminds us that these sacred spaces of connection should be the core aim for speech therapy, not chasing arbitrary targets. You'll be liberated to slow down, let the child take the lead, and embrace any and all forms of communication that arise naturally through play. This book will help you to reflect on your interactions and expand your understanding of what it means to communicate meaningfully with children. I highly recommend this brilliant book - it's an investment in deepening your bond with your child in beautifully life-changing ways."" - Kathy Brodie, Early Years consultant and founder of Early Years TV ""How to Help Non-Speaking Children in the Early Years is a witty, compassionate and honest guide to nurturing communication. This book is for all non-speaking children and any person who supports them. Bryony’s strength based view of ability shines through whilst offering quality exercises and reflections to try out in practice."" - Lyra Wright, Early Childhood Teacher ""This is a glorious, gentle book that will be supportive, accepting and inspiring to parents/carers and professionals working with children and young people with communication challenges. A book that truly encourages us to place the child at the centre of care but also that acknowledges the challenging, but oh so valuable, roll of parents and carers."" - Suzanne Churcher, Speech and Language Therapist and Lecturer, University of Sheffield ""Bryony writes from a personal and experienced perspective as a Speech and Language Therapist with joy, passion and insight. Her advice is approachable and compassionate.” Louise Coigley, Speech and Language Therapist, Lis’n Tell: Live Inclusive Storytelling ""Bryony lays out a perspective shift for how to follow a child's lead and increase connection and joy to facilitate communication. From child-led therapy, to observing the child, to being a communication partner that follows (rather than leads), this book lays out the ""how to"" of interaction that is fun, playful and facilitates language and connection for the children we work with."" - Sarah Lockhart, M.S. CCC-SLP, SLP Happy Hour ""What a joy to read. I urge anyone of whatever level of experience, to read this book. From initial Speech and Therapy training to CPD, it will encourage your reflective practice and make you an even better you. Bryony’s book helps to peel back the layers to find (or rediscover) the important core when supporting non-speaking children. I was reminded about being mindful in my work, being mindful of the child and starting with SHARED CONNECTION and not assessment. It reminds us of the importance of the child, waiting for them to lead and being ok with silence. In addition, it usefully raised questions like Do I really pay full attention to the details? and Do I really make my phrases sing? Through recognisable examples, Bryony shows us how we can word things differently, refocussing on small things that can make a big difference, providing many practical ‘take homes’ throughout. On Monday morning when I go into work, my first change is to set my SMART goals to one side to make space for some SCRUFFY goals (you will have to read it to find out!). Bryony reminds us to ‘trust in the value of what the child shows you’; I am grateful for the reminder and for this gift of a book. - Sarah Parsons, Speech and Language Therapist, Redriff Primary City of London Academy"