Like many newly qualified therapists, I started with a mixture of excitement and nerves. University provided a strong foundation, but some of the most valuable learning has come from the children, families and professionals I have had the privilege of working alongside each day.
Making Communication Visible
Anyone who knows me knows that I love creating visuals. From VINFO (Visual Information) and visual timetables to symbol-supported resources and personalised supports, some of my favourite moments this year have involved finding creative ways to make language more accessible. It is always rewarding to see a resource become embedded into a child’s everyday environment.
I have also embraced a total communication approach throughout my practice. One of my favourite parts of our team meetings has been learning 10 new Makaton signs each time and making a conscious effort to use them in my everyday interactions. Before long, I found myself quizzing friends and family too, helping to spread awareness that communication comes in many different forms.
Developing My Passion for AAC
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) has become a real passion of mine this year. Through GRID training, opportunities to deliver training to school staff, and working alongside children and young people who use AAC systems, I have developed a much greater appreciation of how robust communication systems can support autonomy, participation and self-expression.
One particularly memorable experience involved securing charitable funding for a child to access an AAC device at home. Seeing communication support extend beyond the school environment and into family life was incredibly rewarding and highlighted the lasting impact that collaborative working can have.
Supporting Speech Sound Development
Alongside AAC and accessible communication, speech sound therapy has remained a core part of my caseload. Multisensory, play-based approaches, sorting activities, puppets, games and plenty of repetition disguised as fun have all helped children develop their speech in engaging and meaningful ways. Watching confidence grow as children begin using new sounds in everyday conversations has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role.
Learning Through Collaboration
One of the greatest privileges of my first year has been working alongside colleagues from a wide range of professional backgrounds. Collaborating closely with Occupational Therapists has had a particularly significant influence on my clinical thinking. Through joint working and shared discussions, I have developed a much deeper understanding of the relationship between regulation, participation and communication.
This has encouraged me to think more holistically about the children and young people I support. Communication is rarely an isolated skill; a child’s ability to engage, interact and express themselves is often influenced by how safe, regulated and supported they feel within their environment. This shift in perspective has become an important part of my developing clinical practice.
A Year of Learning
One of the things I have valued most about working at Wordful has been the commitment to continued professional development.
This year I have attended training in trauma-informed speech and language therapy, clinical supervision, Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and clinical reasoning from assessment through to intervention. Alongside this, I have continued my own learning in areas including Diverse Pathways, Autistic play patterns and AAC.
Each opportunity has challenged me to reflect on my practice, explore different perspectives and strengthen my clinical reasoning. Having access to such varied learning opportunities has enabled me to continue developing my confidence throughout my first year in practice.
I have also had the opportunity to support another Newly Qualified Practitioner as they began their own journey into practice. Having recently experienced that transition myself, it has been rewarding to share experiences, offer reassurance and, in doing so, recognise how much my own confidence has grown over the past academic year.
Looking Ahead
Looking back, it is incredible how much can change in a year. While there is still so much to learn, I feel far more confident in my clinical decision-making and in supporting children and young people with a wide range of communication needs.
I am incredibly grateful to the whole Wordful team for their support, encouragement, expertise and, of course, the endless office laughs along the way. Being part of a team that values collaboration, creativity and continual learning has made my first year one to remember.
I’m excited to continue building on everything I’ve learned and can’t wait to see what year two brings.
Alice Fraser-Clark
