1st Edition
Exploring Semi-Speaking as a Communication Identity A Reflective Practice Guide
Dedication
Meet the contributors and author bios
Acknowledgements
Foreword
Introduction
Section 1
1. What is semi-speaking?
2. Understanding neurodiversity. A term, a paradigm and a social justice movement.
3. An insight into the semi-speaking experience
Section 2
Introduction to Section 2
4. Preparing to support discussions exploring semi-speaking
5. Communication identity and semi-speaking
6. Supporting communication capacity
7. AAC and multi-modal communication
8. Exploring semi-speaking with other people; family, friends and education
9. Exploring semi-speaking at work/ supporting colleagues
10. Exploring semi-speaking in a single session
Section 2 conclusion
Section 3: Resources
1. Information sheet on semi-speaking
2. Suggestions for supporting AAC information
3. Creating spaces to explore AAC and multi-modal communication
4. AAC myth busting
5. Ideas for supporting colleagues at work
6. Ideas for supporting semi-speaking students
7. Tips for writing about semi-speaking
8. Frequently asked questions
9. Communication cards
References / bibliography
Index
Biography
Hat/Harriet Richardson is a white, semi-speaking, multiply neurodivergent Speech Pathologist, Neurodevelopmental Practitioner and writer. She runs the social media account @hat.talks.uk.
Kim Mears is a neurodivergent speech and language therapist who has multiple identities. She is a wife, a mother, daughter and friend. She also identifies as an AuDHD narrator and information sharer who loves learning, unlearning and disrupting.
"This is a pioneering book on semi speaking communication and identity. It gives an understanding of what semi-speaking identity is, guidance on how to explore this with others and support to develop perspective and practice. It has helped me as a clinician, but also as a leader, partner and parent."
Dr Becky Quicke, Clinical Psychologist and Founder, Autistic Girls
"This work is an invitation to unlearn what we think communication should be. Both authors have a genuine commitment to transforming their practice — to listening differently, to questioning power, to embracing the unfinished — making this book not just theory, but living practice."
Warda Farah, Founder Entangle Collective, Independent Researcher
