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8a. Examples of some Family and Carer Resources
Updated by Global Symbols with UNICEF ECARO
Families will require support to facilitate the use of AAC strategies.
Don’t give up! A typically developing child will hear 4000-6000 words per day and would need to hear a word approximately 500 times before they would be able to say it. Infants are immersed in language for a year before we expect them to use a first word. We can often put unrealistic expectations on AAC users for how quickly they will be able to start using it. As with any new system, it takes time and practice so be persistent, set realistic goals and celebrate success. (quote from Provide Community Carers, UK)
- Download two PowerPoint presentations about Families and AAC with practical tips and links to videos (in English) from the Global Symbols training site.
- Ideas from Spectronics that include the classroom but can also help with games at home - the blog is dated 2014, but much of the content is still very relevant and can be adapted for any langauge.
- Ensuring the team understand the stages of communication in the early years can be be helpful when discussing family expectations. This is a PDF called "Universally Speaking - The ages and stages of children’s communication development From birth to 5 years" by Speech and Language UK
- Poster from Speech and Language UK "Top techniques to develop children’s speech and language A guide for early years practitioners."
