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Communication A to Z

Somebody hands you a leaflet that says AAC. A review mentions partner-assisted scanning. A ward asks whether your dad has a communication passport. Everyone else in the room seems to know what these words mean, and asking feels like admitting you're behind. You aren't. This library explains each one plainly: what it is, who it helps, how it works, and what you can do about it this week. Search by the word you heard.

Please note: This page is general information about communication and the ways people are supported to communicate. It is not an assessment, a diagnosis or speech and language therapy, and it does not know the person you have in mind. If you are worried about someone's speech, language or communication, ask a GP, a health visitor or a speech and language therapist. In an emergency, call 999; if you cannot speak, Relay UK on 18000 or the emergencySMS service reach the same operators.

12 topics filed under L, showing 1–10 (page 1 of 2).

L

Language milestones

Also called Ages and stages, Developmental milestones, Speech and language milestones

The ages and stages, given the way the NHS gives them: as a range, with the signs that matter more than the dates.

Laryngectomy

Also called Total laryngectomy, Voice box removal, Alaryngeal speech, Neck breather

Speaking after the voice box is removed: the valve, the electrolarynx and oesophageal speech, and what each sounds like and asks of the person.

Late talkers

Also called Late talker, Late language emergence, Delayed speech, Speech delay

Toddlers with few words at two. Most catch up; some do not, and the ones who do not are worth finding early.

Learning disability and communication

Also called Intellectual disability and communication, LD and communication

Most people with a learning disability have a communication need, most services aren't meeting it, and the law says they must: what the differences are and what the duties look like.

Least-to-most prompting

Also called Prompt hierarchy, Least-to-most prompts, Graduated prompting, System of least prompts

Give the smallest help that works, and step up only if it doesn't. The aim is a person who doesn't need you, not one who waits for you.

Linear scanning

Also called Item scanning, Single-item scanning, Sequential scanning

The highlight visits one cell at a time, in order, and the person presses on the one they want. Slow, but there is nothing to learn.

Lip-reading

Also called Lipreading, Speechreading, Speech reading

Reading speech from the face, why only about a third of English is visible on the lips, and what the rest is filled in with.

Literacy and AAC

Also called AAC literacy, Reading and writing for AAC users, Literacy for non-speaking learners

Why reading and spelling are the road to saying anything at all, and why non-speaking children are so often not taught them.

Local AAC services

Also called Local AAC, Community AAC, Local assistive technology service, Electronic assistive technology

Where most people who use AAC are actually seen: the local speech and language therapy and assistive technology teams, and what they can and cannot provide.

Locked-in syndrome

Also called LIS, Pseudocoma, Brainstem stroke and communication

Fully awake and aware with almost no voluntary movement: how a person locked in communicates through the eyes, and why establishing yes and no is the first medical priority.

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