Talking Lab Loves
Below are some fantastic products and services that we recommend for supporting your communication journey
I Talk Like A River - Jordan Scott
Talking Lab loves this book as it helps children see their stammer as part of who they are instead of ‘a problem’ or ‘needing to be cured’. Stammering is a completely acceptable variation of speaking and this book promotes normalising stammers.
Grid Player Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Talking Lab loves this easily accessible and FREE app on the Apple store to support alternative communication, using a visual symbol-based system on a tablet.
Little Bear Baby Signing
Talking Lab loves Little Bear Baby Signing as evidence proves that children who sign develop their communication skills faster! Little Bear Baby Signing supports families across Hampshire with children aged 0-2 years old to learn the magic of signing. They empower parents and their children to become confident signers.
Wonderfully Wired Brains: An Introduction to the World of Neurodiversity - Louise Gooding
Talking Lab loves this book as it helps children to understand being Autistic. Neurodiversity is still a relatively ‘new’ concept that can be tricky to understand, but this book breaks down the misconceptions and shows how neurodivergent brains work a little differently. The book is aimed at 7-9-year-olds, but is useful in explaining all of the awesome abilities that neurodiverse individuals have, introduces them to advocates who are challenging neurodiversity stereotypes, and most importantly gives them a safe space to feel accepted.
CHAOS Support
Talking Lab Loves CHAOS Support. CHAOS is an independent organisation based in Hampshire that supports individuals with a learning disability to achieve their goals in a variety of ways, through a range of activities. CHAOS has a strong focus on communication and many of their staff members are trained in Makaton signing.
You Choose - Pippa Goodhart & Nick Sharratt
Talking Lab loves You Choose books as pictures are a highly motivational way of engaging your child. It’s so easy to talk about the pictures that interest your child rather than sticking to a set story. Plus this book can be used with children of any communication level.
Book Trust - Bookstart reading packs
Talking Lab loves Bookstart reading packs which are available for FREE from your health visitor or local library. Getting involved in your local library is a great way to improve your child’s communication skills. Bookstart also offers dual language options for multi and bilingual families and a range of packs for children with additional needs including: children who are deaf, blind or partially sighted and children with conditions affecting their fine motor skills.
Hampshire Healthy Families
Talking Lab Loves Hampshire Healthy Families. Barnardo’s and Southern Health (Hampshire Healthy Families) work in partnership to offer a number of FREE workshops and courses to support you with your new baby through to starting school. We particularly love the ‘Baby Talk’, ‘Toddler Talk’, and ‘Five to Thrive’ workshops.