- Ash
- Newsletter
We can’t believe it’s already November! Wow, the year has flown by!
In this month’s newsletter, we discuss AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). There is lot of information out there, but it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Continue reading to learn the facts and myths of AAC, find out our toy of the month, Zingo! and meet our amazing Director Ainsley.
Facts and Myths about AAC
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
- Augmentative – refers to compensatory strategies used in conjunction with speech.
- Alternative – refers to alternative communication strategies to verbal output.
Some children and adults with significant communication difficulties may need to find other ways to get their message across. You might have seen someone write in a book to answer a question or use gestures or signs to communicate. You may have also seen others using pictures or using an iPad or computer to speak for them. These are all types of AAC.
Some people think AAC will hinder their child’s ability to use verbal language. Often AAC is thought to be just a last resort when nothing else is working. Click the link below to learn about how research debunks these myths!
Toy of the Month: Zingo!
There was a farmer who had a dog and Zingo was his name-o! Z-I-N-G-O!
Zingo is a fun bingo game with a twist!
Zingo is great toy to practice the following:
- ‘same/different’ concept (e.g. Can you see any of the same pictures?)
- Lidcombe or Oakville Program practice: using structured phrases to practice stutter-free speech (e.g. I have the __)
- PROMPT Stage III Mandibular Control (using the carrier phrase “I got the __”). Target words in the game include: heart, ball, cat, train, ghost, bird, house, bat, dog
- Turn-taking and sharing
Meet a team member: Ainsley
Ainsley Poulos, the principal of Eastside Speech Solutions has more than 30 years experience as a Speech Pathologist. She has worked in a broad range of settings with both adults and children.
Having children of her own who have experienced significant speech and language problems, Ainsley understands the anxiety experienced by parents of children with communication difficulties. She also speaks at many forums and appreciates the importance of effective communicating and maintaining a good voice!
- Ainsley’s favourite place in the world: Summer in Ballina with her family
- Fun fact: Ainsley loves snorkeling!
Eastside Speech is a vibrant private speech therapy practice centrally located in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.
Operating since 2001, our team of dedicated speech pathologists are passionate about helping the world to communicate better.
The practice is an approved NDIS service provider. We are registered with Medicare and are able to see clients using the Chronic Disease Management referral scheme. All our therapists are PROMPT trained.
