Lisa Welch is a paediatric Speech, Language and Communication Therapist, with over fifteen years' experience working with children and their families. She has spent time working for the NHS and working privately; supporting communication skills in homes, nurseries, schools and clinic settings. At the centre of her therapy is a play-based, connection centred approach to support children; using their play passions to support their communication needs. Her experience has found that this not only nurtures progress but ensures children feel safe and regulated, allowing them to find joy in communication and thrive. Lisa was diagnosed as ADHD in her mid 30's and has two neurodivergent children (Autistic and ADHD). This further fuels her passion for finding affirming and supportive strategies for children and their families; celebrating and unmasking differences, and finding inclusive ways to encourage progress within settings. She runs the Instagram account @Peachy_Speech, where she shares her neurodiversity-affirming therapy ideas, her own ADHD journey of discovery and supporting her own neurodiverse household. Focusing on connection, not perfection, when setting up play opportunities or daily strategies that nurture new skills.
Description
Prologue Chapter 1: Seeing the whole child... Chapter 2: Regulation Chapter 3: Communication pyramid Chapter 4: Language strategies to layer into your play and your day Chapter 5: Play patterns Chapter 6: Sensory play Chapter 7: Total communication and supporting progress Chapter 8: Using play to support other skills Chapter 9: Neurodiversity-affirming considerations Chapter 10: Strategies for transitions Chapter 11: Supporting progress without overwhelm Chapter 12: Bringing play and communication into the classroom Chapter 13: Outdated advice for play and communication therapy Chapter 14: Ready to play - therapy ideas Epilogue/Conclusion