ABSTRACT
This chapter adopts a total speech approach. It focuses on illustrating this eclectic approach to therapy, in the form of practical techniques and ideas for adapting within the classroom or home environment, during small group therapy as well as individual therapy sessions. The authors have to work to help a child have that initial speech success before others around them sit up and take notice. It just takes one or two people to believe in the possibility that speech can come, for it to happen and to transform that child or young person’s life. The changes in self-esteem and confidence can be both instant and long-term when they realise that they have the ability to overcome such a huge barrier and struggle and begin to use their own voice to communicate successfully with others. Sometimes a combination of the right tools and the right timing comes into play.
