Early Speech and Communication Support Matters
Some families arrive at early intervention through a diagnosis. Others, like Hector’s, arrive through observation and instinct. Rather than “wait and see”, Hector’s mum, Iris, sought early speech and communication support, a decision that shaped Hector’s pathway to participation and connection.
This blog is based on Hector’s story, shared with permission by his mum, Iris. Hector and his family’s experience highlights the importance of early access to speech pathology services, finding the right support, and trusting your instincts as a parent. You’ll hear Iris’ voice throughout, reflecting the practical steps, questions, and turning points that helped Hector communicate in a way that works for him.
Early Intervention: Trusting Parental Instincts
By around 18 months, Iris noticed that while physiotherapy was helping Hector’s movement, his communication skills weren’t developing at the same pace. Well-meaning advice suggested “he’s the third child” or “boys are slower”, but the pattern persisted. With encouragement from Hector’s physiotherapist, the family adopted a practical mindset: provide support where support is needed, regardless of labels.
We were encouraged to give support where support is needed, regardless of diagnosis, and that really guided our decisions.”
Access wasn’t straightforward. Local services had closed books and long waitlists, and the family travelled about 70 minutes to appointments. With support from Northcott, Hector received a flexible early intervention plan. The combination of parental instincts, professional input and a clear plan meant support could start early and remain responsive.
A personal connection with a speech pathologist helped Iris understand options and next steps. Together with Hector’s Speech Pathologist, they focused on functional goals: helping Hector express wants and needs, participate in routines and reduce frustration. This early speech and communication support did not depend on a confirmed diagnostic label; it focused on what would help Hector communicate effectively now, while keeping the door open for new information as he grew.”
Introducing AAC as Part of Early Communication Support
When Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) was suggested, Iris felt the same concerns many families do: increased screen time and whether AAC might replace speech. The A Growing Understanding team proposed a short trial so the family could decide from experience.
I was apprehensive about AAC, and whether he’d lean on it instead of his voice. I was so naïve. This could not have been further from our experience.”
The change was immediate. With AAC, Hector could request, comment and participate more easily. Communication moved from guesswork to clarity.
It honestly felt as though Hector was given a voice. What seemed like just a tool to us felt like control, assertiveness and autonomy to Hector.”
A note for families: AAC doesn’t stop speech. Used alongside modelling and therapy, AAC can give children a reliable way to communicate now, which often supports speech development over time.
The Impact of Consistent Access to Communication
A clear sign of the impact that the AAC device had on Hector’s everyday experience came when the two-week trial ended and the device was returned. Hector’s participation dropped, most noticeably at mealtimes.
He dramatically reduced eating, relying on infant formula. We initlally thought he was unwell, but after 10 days, we knew it was a response to having the AAC device removed. It honestly felt like we had taken Hector’s voice.”
With support from A Growing Understanding, a loan device was arranged quickly. The difference was immediate and practical.
In the car on the way home from the speech pathology appointment, Hector requested ‘The Wiggles’ using the device, and as the music filled the car, his face lit up. Later he ate five chicken nuggets after days of barely eating. It wasn’t about the music. It was about having the ability to communicate and connect.”
What Early Access Can Look Like (For Any Family)
Hector’s story highlights the power of early access and how timely speech and communication support can turn daily moments into opportunities to connect. At A Growing Understanding, we’re big believers in support-and-see (rather than wait-and-see). That means helping families start sooner, with clear next steps, coordinated supports, and practical strategies that fit real life. Early intervention doesn’t need to be complicated; it looks like small, consistent actions that add up.
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Act early on observations. If progress feels off-track, chat with a speech pathology service. Earlier information leads to earlier support and steadier gains.
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Function first. Plan around what helps your child now to make choices, express their needs, take turns in play, follow routines and particpiate in things like mealtime.
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AAC supports communication, it doesn’t replace speech. Use AAC devices, visuals and gesture alongside speech goals to reduce frustration and open more opportunities to practise language an connect.
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Coordinate the team. Align speech pathology, allied health services, educators and funding partners around the same 2 to 3 priorities so goals and strategies are consistent across a variety of settings including home, school and community.
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Keep it flexible. Review goals regularly and adjust tools as skills grow. Short, frequent practise often beats occasional long sessions.
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Measure what matters. Look for change in everyday moments and celebrate every win.
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Partnership is essential. Parents sit at the centre as your instincts guide priorities; clinicians coach and coordinate.
Together, these steps capture the heart of early intervention: responsive support, delivered early, that helps children participate and connect today while building skills for tomorrow.
A Way Forward: Early Support, Real Connection
Hector’s story is a reminder that progress rarely comes from waiting; it comes from early, targeted support that meets a child where they are. With early intervention, early speech and communication support, and the right tools, including AAC, Hector moved from being ‘understood’ some of the time to being able to communciate and connect in a way that worked for him. This wasn’t about shortcuts or quick fixes; it was about a clear plan, coordinated supports, and everyday strategies that gave him reliable ways to communicate.
We completely underestimated how ready Hector was to communicate. AAC didn’t replace his voice – they revealed it.”
For families, the message is practical and hopeful: trust your instincts, start sooner rather than later, and build a plan around participation and connection. There’s no one-size-fits-all pathway, and that’s okay. Goals and supports will evolve as your child grows.
