FAQs
Welcome to our FAQ section! We’re here to provide you with all the information you need about our speech and language therapy service specialising in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Here are some common questions we receive:
Who do you provide speech and language therapy for?
We work with children and adults of all ages who experience communication challenges. This includes individuals with cerebral palsy, acquired and traumatic brain injuries, autism, learning disabilities, genetic conditions, and progressive neurological conditions such as MND or Rett syndrome. Our focus is on supporting anyone with complex neuro and communication needs who cannot fully rely on speech.
Do you only work with non-verbal clients?
Not at all. Many of our clients have some speech, but it may be unclear, effortful or insufficient for their daily needs. We support a wide range of profiles, from people who are non-speaking to those whose speech breaks down under pressure. Our goal is to provide tools that build clarity, confidence and independence.
What does Berry Therapy do?
Berry Therapy is a specialist speech and language therapy service focused on complex communication and neuro needs. We are experts in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and provide therapy, assessment, training and support across the UK. We also offer speech therapy and neurorehabilitation following acquired and traumatic brain injury.
What is AAC and who is it for?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, which means tools and strategies that support or replace spoken language. These range from paper-based systems such as symbol boards and PODD books to advanced speech-generating devices with eye gaze or switch access. AAC is used by people with a wide range of neuro and communication conditions, including cerebral palsy, brain injury, stroke, autism and progressive neurological disorders.
Is AAC just for people who are non-speaking?
No. AAC is for anyone who cannot consistently rely on speech. Many AAC users have some speech, but it may not meet all their needs. AAC supports clarity, reduces frustration and empowers users to communicate in more situations, whether they are minimally verbal, living with aphasia or experiencing fatigue-related speech breakdowns.
Do you offer speech therapy as well as AAC?
Yes. While AAC is our specialism, we also provide a wide range of speech and language therapy approaches. This includes therapy for speech sound disorders, apraxia, aphasia, cognitive-communication difficulties and social communication challenges. Every therapy plan is tailored to the personâs strengths and goals.
What are other communication strategies for people with brain injuries?
 In addition to AAC, we offer:
- Cognitive-communication therapy for attention, memory, organisation and processing
- Expressive language therapy for aphasia or word-finding issues
- Motor speech therapy for apraxia or dysarthria
- Compensatory strategies such as written keywords, drawing or supported conversation techniques
We carefully assess which approaches, or combinations, will be most effective for each individual.
How do you support people with both speech and cognitive difficulties?
We integrate AAC with other evidence-based techniques such as spaced retrieval, memory cue cards, personalised vocabulary and supported conversation. For clients with complex neuro profiles, we focus on building functional communication step by step while reducing cognitive load.
Can you assess for and support alternative access needs?
Yes. We are highly experienced in supporting clients with physical access challenges. We assess motor skills and positioning and can recommend solutions such as eye gaze, head tracking, switch access or partner-assisted scanning to ensure everyone can access communication.
Can you provide speech therapy reports for EHCPs or tribunals?
Absolutely. We regularly provide detailed, quantified and specified reports for EHCPs, annual reviews and SENDIST tribunals. Our reports clearly evidence need and provision in line with legal requirements.
Do you work with case managers and solicitors?
Yes. This is a core part of our service. We work closely with case managers, medico-legal teams and multidisciplinary professionals to deliver rehabilitation-focused assessment and therapy. We understand the importance of clear goal-setting, outcome tracking and responsive communication.
Can you assess communication in relation to mental capacity?
While we do not assess mental capacity directly, we play a key role in supporting people to communicate their views and decisions. We collaborate with legal and clinical teams to ensure individuals have access to tools that help them participate fully in assessments and decision-making.
Where do you see clients?
We work flexibly depending on need. This may include home visits, therapy in schools or residential settings, clinic-based appointments or remote sessions where appropriate. Our aim is always to reduce barriers and ensure continuity of care.
What outcomes do your clients typically achieve?
Outcomes vary depending on goals, but many clients achieve:
- Improved ability to express needs, wants, and opinions
- Increased participation in education or daily life
- More successful interactions with family, peers, and professionals
- Greater independence and emotional wellbeing
- Reduced frustration and communication breakdowns
Is therapy for brain injury clients evidence-based?
Yes. We use current research and clinical best practice in neurorehabilitation. Our team is experienced in evidence-based approaches for aphasia, traumatic brain injury, cognitive-communication disorders and AAC implementation following injury.
What if someone has tried AAC before and it didnât work?
AAC success depends on many factors, including choosing the right system, providing training and support, and believing in the communicatorâs potential. We often work with clients who have had previous unsuccessful experiences and help them re-engage with communication through personalised and functional approaches.
If you have any other questions or would like to learn more about our AAC services, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help people communicate with confidence and independence!