I THINK and SPEAK, therefore I am!

By Joanne Stephen (Senior Speech Pathologist & Program Coordinator at AEIOU Foundation)

 

“I think, therefore I am,” Rene Descartes famously said. I’d say “I THINK and SPEAK, therefore I am”, since communication is the most effective tool to express my thoughts and ideas to the world around me.

At the recent ISAAC (International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication) 2018 conference, I was blown away at how individuals were able to tell their stories using an assistive communication device. It was more than a story; it was an experience. Hearing their encounters, their fears, wishes and desires showed how communication devices do not limit expression.

The common theme running through their speeches was the sure fact that someone believed in them. Someone believed they had more to say and the device gave them a means to say it. Their families, carers and therapists play a critical part in the development of their expression. These people are gatekeepers to the development of their communication.

Are you the gatekeeper of someone’s communication? When was the last time you stopped to reflect on how you are helping your child, partner, or a friend communicate their thoughts and desires? If communication is a two-way process, then we have an important role to play. To listen, to watch, to observe and to respond.

As a communication partner, we can encourage ideas and begin to stimulate minds to facilitate a greater desire to communicate. To me, Speech Pathology Week (19-25 August) is a celebration to remind us of the capacity we hold as communicators to support another to tell their story. 

“Communication access is communication for all”! Champion others by facilitating their communication. Support them to “THINK and SPEAK, therefore they become”. 

It’s been my pleasure to work with the Beall family since January 2016 to achieve functional communication for their beautiful son Owen. To mark Speech Pathology Week, Mum Brooke has kindly shared some of her experiences from their journey so far:

• What was the biggest challenge you faced when Owen started with AEIOU?

Owen had very limited communication skills and got frustrated very easily.

• As a parent, what did you fear most about Owen’s future in regards to his limited speech? 

We found it very hard to imagine what his future would look like and how he would be able to function in a school and community setting.

• Can you describe the turning point for you in Owen’s speech and language development?

About six months after starting at AEIOU, we noticed a huge improvement in Owen's speech and communication abilities. His behaviour improved which really had a positive impact on home and school environments.

• Now quite the chatterbox, what is Owen’s favourite conversation topic?

Owen likes to talk about his favourite items sharks, dinosaurs and his dog Jake.

• How has this changed your home life and the family dynamic?

Our home life is now a completely different dynamic. When communication was difficult and frustrations high, we found ourselves staying home more often than not for the fear of Owen having a breakdown due to communication frustrations. We now have an active social life and enjoy visiting family and friends quite frequently.

• What does the future now hold for Owen?

Owen will be starting at mainstream school in January and his future looks really bright, we are looking forward to the next adventure!

• What message of hope would you give to other families in a similar situation?

Ask for help. It is hard at first, but perseverance and guidance from your speech therapist can make all the difference. Stick with it and take every small advancement as a massive win.