Auditory Verbal Therapy: Guide

AV Programme for families

Auditory Verbal therapy sessions are typically one hour and are attended weekly or fortnightly.  They include the primary caregivers, the child and the practitioner.  Every session is play based and highly functional in order to be integrated into your family's everyday routine.  The aim for each session is for the child to have fun whilst caregivers learn strategies to maximise their child’s language skills in everyday activities.  Sessions can be delivered face to face or via telepractice.  Evidence from Australia shows that the outcomes of children who have accessed AV therapy via Skype does not usually differ from the outcomes of children who have attended therapy face-to-face.  Read more about this evidence here.

Auditory Verbal UK provides a programme for families throughout the UK and overseas.  This includes a tele practice programme.

The Manchester Paediatric Cochlear Implant Centre offers a series of habilitation appointments post surgery.  They offer a range of habilitation options, depending on the child’s and families individual needs.  Five of their habilitation team are Certified Auditory Verbal practitioners.

There are other ways to access Auditory Verbal therapy through some local services or through private means.  You can find a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS) through the AG Bell Association for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing.