I use an approach where my goals, and strategies are based on the DTTC model (Dynamic Tactile Temporal Cues). I choose initial targets based on the child’s current phonemic repertoire, and use hand gestures to cue the placement of the individual sounds. Through child centered, active play, I elicit multiple repetitions with an action following / accompanying each production. I am known for my spontaneity and unconventional choice of activities and manipulatives, that may involve a sheet of bubble wrap, a large bucket of balls, or games like sliding picture cards off the table, or playing air hockey with a Connect Four set.

As well as working on sound segments through play, I teach use of common phrases, again based on the child’s current repertoire of sounds such as: I do, Not me, No way, Mine, My turn, I’m done, Oh man…. These phrases provide the child with the immediate use of verbal language, as well as a feeling of success.

As the child masters early targets, I begin to introduce new speech sounds, again always modeling the sound and cueing the placement, before eventually introducing more phonetically complex sound segments.

For those children who struggle for words, and whose use of effortless speech seems an unattainable dream, success in speech therapy begins with the client-therapist bond. Despite the chosen, time tested, evidence based strategies, speech therapy is only as successful as the child’s willingness to participate. Mutual trust, understanding, and compassion are the building blocks onto which the road to communication is laid.