Supporting Full Expression through Spelled Communication

You know your family member has more to say.

Let’s help them express it.

If your family member is non-speaking, minimally speaking, or unreliably speaking, you may feel like you’re constantly trying to guess what they think, feel, or need, and may often be dealing with stressful episodes of dysregulation and distress in the process.

Finding a reliable, robust way for them to fully express themselves is the key, and for many families, spelled communication is the answer.

For families spelled communication can mean:

No more guessing what they’re trying to say,

A deeper connection and understanding of your family member,

Practical tools to support communication at home and

Confidence in how to help.

For non-speakers this can mean:

A way to authentically express their thoughts, feelings and choices,

Freedom of expression and

Feeling understood.

What is Spelled Communication?

Spelled Communication (aka spelling) is a motor-based approach that supports individuals to poke or point to letters on a letterboard or keyboard to spell out their unique thoughts, feelings, hopes, dreams and wishes.

The approach is based on the understanding that non-speakers have and can understand language, but due to whole-body apraxia, they struggle with the motor planning needed for expressing themselves via speech.

Instead of focusing on speech, we build the skills needed to communicate through movement, by starting with low tech letterboards and working toward greater independence and autonomy e.g., typing on keyboards with voice output.

How I work

As a certified Spellers Method Provider, I:

Presume competence in your family member’s ability to understand and learn,
Work in an age-appropriate, respectful way,
Support regulation and accommodate their unique sensory needs,
Coach you to become a confident communication partner.

Sessions focus on building the motor skills needed for communication, while supporting your family member to feel safe, regulated, and successful.

Getting started

Spellers Method works best for individuals and families who are well prepared and understand what’s involved.

I recommend arranging a free 20 minute call with me to ask any questions you may have and to discuss your family’s needs and what’s required to maximise success.

You can email me on hello@becfowler.co.uk

What to expect from Sessions

Sessions are in-person in Worcester, UK and typically last for 55 minutes, with 45+ minutes spelling and time for questions and discussion.

In the beginning couple of sessions, I will assess your family member’s individual needs and tailor an approach to support you and them to succeed.

Parent/communication partner coaching is an integral part of sessions, supporting you to become skilled and confident at continuing at home.

Most families aim for one session per week and practice for 15+ minutes x 3+ times per week at home.

Sessions are £75. Some families seek local authority funding. If this is something you would like more information about please reach out.

"Becky’s sessions were incredibly helpful for our son.
She has a wonderful way with sensory-seeking children, using a calm voice, incorporating movement breaks, and thoughtfully exploring different sensory tools during her spelling sessions with William.
Over time, he progressed from being unable to sit still for more than a few minutes to being able to focus and maintain attention for most of the 45-minute sessions.
Becky adapted her approach to suit William’s needs, and as a result, he genuinely looked forward to each session.
Thank you, Becky."

Roselyne Crabtree

QUESTIONS?

Check out my FAQs to discover more