What Is Auditory Verbal Therapy (AVT)?
What is Auditory Verbal Therapy?
You may have heard the term Auditory Verbal Therapy (AVT) or Listening and Spoken Language Therapy (LSL) for children with hearing loss, but what exactly are these types of therapies, and why are they recommended?
According to The Alexander Graham Bell (AG Bell) Academy for Listening and Spoken Language, AVT is defined as: “Auditory-verbal therapy facilitates optimal acquisition of spoken language through listening by newborns, infants, toddlers and young children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Auditory-verbal therapy promotes early diagnosis, one-on-one therapy, and state-of-the-art audiologic management and technology. Parents and caregivers actively participate in therapy. Through guidance, coaching and demonstration, parents become the primary facilitators of their child’s spoken language development. Ultimately, parents and caregivers gain confidence that their child will have access to a full range of academic, social and occupational choices. Auditory-verbal therapy must be conducted in adherence to the “Principles of LSLS Auditory-Verbal Therapy”.
Who would benefit from AVT?
AVT promotes early identification and the use of advanced hearing technology in order to develop listening and spoken language skills. Even children with severe or profound hearing loss can access audition and follow an AVT intervention approach focused on achieving typical developmental milestones.
What age is it best to begin AVT?
The earlier the better! No infant is too young to work with. As soon a child is diagnosed with hearing loss, they should start early intervention services and seek a LSLS professional to start working with. The human brain learns most rapidly in infancy, and these important years should be capitalized on by starting therapy and parent training immediately.
Who Provides AVT?
A Listening and Spoken Language Specialist is a professional who is certified in supporting families and children with hearing loss to develop listening and spoken language skills through the use of appropriate amplification and early intervention. Listening and Spoken Language Specialists are designated as either LSLS Certified Auditory-Verbal Educators (LSLS Cert. AVEd) or LSLS Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapists or Audiologist (LSLS Cert. AVT.) Auditory Verbal therapy is a highly specialized approach which equips and empowers parents with the skills to maximize their child’s speech and language development through listening. Families who choose a listening and spoken language outcome for their child should seek a professional who is has this type of training.
How is AVT different from other kinds of speech therapy?
Many speech therapists provide services to improve communication skills for children with hearing impairments. Some therapists teach American Sign Language, while others use total communication or cued speech. However, few professionals are trained and certified as Listening and Spoken Language Auditory Verbal therapists. These professionals are equipped to provide individualized therapy, parent training, and education needed to maximize the child’s use of hearing as a primary sense for speaking.
AVT concentrates on early intervention and developing the listening part of the brain rather than relying solely or partly on visual cues.
AVT focuses on coaching the parents or caregivers of the child in the use of Auditory Verbal strategies and techniques to incorporate into everyday routines/activities.
AVT is delivered by a certified Auditory Verbal therapist, (LSLS Cert AVT/AVEd) accredited through the AG Bell Academy.
Where can you find AVT or a LSLS?
Hearing Loss/Cochlear Implant Programs in Central Florida
AdventHealth Sports Med and Rehab
Pediatric Hearing Loss/Cochlear Implant Program
1311 Minnesota Avenue, Suite C
Winter Park, FL 32789
407-303-1575 opt. 3
Nemours Children's Hospital
Cochlear Implant Program
6535 Nemours Parkway
Orlando, FL 32827
UCF Listening Center
Hearing Loss Program
Innovative Center Suite 500
Orlando, FL
Find a LSLS in your area here.
Auditory Oral Public School Programs in Central Florida
Orange County Public Schools
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program
(407)-317-3200 ext. 2002684
Auditory Oral PK program at Lake Como Elementary School
Seminole County Public Schools
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program
(407)-320-9406
Auditory Oral PK program at Layer Elementary School
For more information on Auditory Oral School Programs in the state of Florida please visit:
http://www.flhv.org/resources/florida-schools
If you have additional questions, please contact our hearing loss specialist at erica@collaborativecorner.org or visit the website!
Erica Clark, M.A., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT
Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Auditory Verbal Therapist
erica@collaborativecorner.org