Auditory Verbal therapy is one approach for families of deaf children for developing spoken language. It differs from other spoken language approaches in how it is delivered and who it is delivered by. Below are some of the key features that are distinctive (but not necessarily exclusive) to AV therapy:

  • It supports the development of speech and spoken language through listening
  • It is delivered by a certified Auditory Verbal therapist who is a qualified teacher of the deaf, speech and language therapist or audiologist who has undergone a minimum of three years of post-graduate training to become a certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialist Auditory Verbal therapist or educator (LSLS Cert AVT or LSLS Cert AVEd)
  • It is an early intervention approach primarily offered to children from birth to 5 years old
  • It is a family-centred programme where parents and caregivers are supported and coached through regular sessions in strategies to stimulate their child’s listening and to develop spoken language throughout their everyday lives
  • It is diagnostic in its approach meaning it is continually tailored to the family based on formal and informal assessments that allow for progress to be monitored and evaluated in a way that is meaningful for the family
  • It focuses on listening and, therefore, doesn’t teach lip-reading, British Sign Language or Sign Supported English

Find latest evidence and research on AV therapy and outcomes.