Learn to Communicate
Assisting nonspeaking, minimally speaking and
unreliably speaking children to communicate.
Led by Spelling to Communicate (S2C) Practitioner.
Book a free appointment to trial our sessions.
Qualified Teacher and Spelling to Communicate practitioner on the Gold Coast.
Spelling to Communicate (S2C)
At Inside Out Learning & Advocacy, our students engage with an innovative communication method called Spelling to Communicate (S2C). We are qualified Spelling to Communicate practitioners, specifically catering to nonverbal or nonspeaking individuals. S2C empowers those who struggle to speak, to overcome communication barriers and supports them to communicate in a robust and reliable way. Instead of speaking, individuals learn to point to letters on a board to express their opinions and ideas.
Early Intervention Play-based Therapy
Inside Out Learning offers highly specialised early intervention services centred around play-based therapy. Our approach is designed to support and enhance communication skills for nonspeaking children, including those who are autistic (typically diagnosed with ASD and as non-verbal). We create a nurturing environment through engaging and interactive play activities where children can explore, learn, and communicate uniquely. Our play-based therapy sessions are tailored to meet each child’s needs, addressing their specific strengths, challenges and goals.
Alternative Communication, Regulation and Support for Parents
Inside Out Learning & Advocacy offers specialised support for parents. Our sessions equip parents with the tools to effectively communicate with their nonspeaking or minimally speaking child. Through personalised coaching sessions, parents learn how to integrate alternative communication methods, such as letter boards, symbols, photos, AAC devices/apps, gestures, and sign language, into their daily interactions with their child. We aim to empower parents to create a supportive environment where their child can thrive, communicate confidently, and develop essential life skills.
What We Do - Who We Help
At Inside Out Learning, we specialise in providing comprehensive support for nonspeaking, minimally speaking, and unreliably speaking individuals, including autistic children and those with dyspraxia or complex communication needs.
Do you have a little person who is fabulously autistic? Who doesn’t need ‘changing’ or ‘fixing’ but must be supported for who they are?
Do you want to discover ways to communicate more effectively with your child? Do you want to get to know your child instead of just ‘guessing’ their opinions and ideas?
Inside Out Learning & Advocacy has a play-based Early Years Program and a spelling-to-communicate program for older littles. Both aim to be neurodiversity affirming and are designed to meet the child’s needs and the family’s preferences. We always presume competence and value each child for who they are and want to be while acknowledging the daily challenges that nonspeaking children and their families face.
Why Choose Us - How we can support you
Support for nonspeaking, minimally speaking and unreliably speaking individuals.
Our dedicated services encompass early intervention through play-based therapy and education, text-based communication sessions focusing on age-appropriate topics, and parent coaching that offers valuable advice and information. We extend our support through training sessions for communication and regulation partners, ensuring that families receive the guidance they need. We promote diverse forms of alternative communication, such as text-based, symbols, photos, low-tech AAC, high-tech AAC devices/apps, gestures, noises, and sign language. Our commitment lies in fostering respectful relationships, creating a safe space where every individual feels understood, and striving for universal access to reliable forms of communication.
Spelling to Communicate (S2C) and why we use it...
Helping people find their voice: S2C and Augmentative Communication
S2C, or Spelling to Communicate, is an approach that empowers individuals with autism and other sensory-motor difficulties to develop the purposeful motor skills needed for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). It focuses on building a strong connection between brain and body, allowing for clear expression. Through consistent practice, users progress from pointing at letters on specialised boards to independent typing on keyboards. S2C practitioners work closely with nonspeaking children and adults, guiding them in spelling words, sentences, and longer texts. But S2C goes beyond just the user. Practitioners also coach and support those who regularly interact with the nonspeaking individual, such as parents, teachers, siblings, or caregivers. This ensures consistent support and fosters a more effective and inclusive communication environment.
Book a free 60 minute session to see what we can do for you and your child.
We know you will love our program and the support that Inside Out Learning & Advocacy can give your child. We will work with you and your child to help you communicate with each other in a real and supported way.
Our Sessions
What services do we provide?
- Early Intervention through play-based therapy and education.
- Text-based communication sessions through age-appropriate topics.
- Parent coaching, advice and information.
- Training for communication and regulation partners.
Claim through NDIS
All sessions are age-appropriate, neurodiversity-affirming, and can be claimed through the NDIS. Sessions are usually 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes. The times can be adjusted based on the child and family preferences.
Where are sessions held?
Sessions are conducted in a play or office space at our Merrimac location on the Gold Coast or through convenient mobile sessions and are tailored to each individual’s goals and family preferences.
Meet Shelby Watson
Shelby Watson
Founder of Inside Out Learning Space
Early Childhood, Primary and Inclusion Teacher
Spelling to Communicate (S2C) Practitioner
What Our Clients Say
“Inside Out Learning has been a game-changer for our family. Our son, who is nonspeaking, has made incredible progress with Spelling to Communicate. The dedicated and compassionate team has not only helped him find his voice but has also provided us with invaluable support and guidance. We are so grateful for the personalised approach and the positive, nurturing environment they create. Thank you Shelby!”
Amanda
“Our experience with Inside Out Learning has been outstanding. The play-based therapy sessions are engaging and tailored perfectly to our daughter’s interests and needs. The improvement in her communication skills has been remarkable, and the supportive coaching for our entire family has made a huge difference. We couldn’t be happier with the results and the care we receive from Shelby.”
John
Latest Articles
How to help non-verbal children communicate through Spelling to Communicate (S2C)
Spelling to Communicate is a method developed by Elizabeth Vosseller, a Speech-Language Pathologist and the Director of the International Association for Spelling as Communication (I-ASC). S2C is designed to teach nonspeaking individuals the purposeful motor skills needed to point to letters on a letterboard, allowing them to spell out their thoughts, feelings, and desires. This method is particularly effective for individuals with autism who may face significant motor planning and execution challenges, often referred to as apraxia or dyspraxia........