Sam Brydon

AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) & early intervention for children with disability

What are your qualifications? 

A B.Sc(hons) in Speech Pathology from Manchester University in England, a Masters degree in Social Work, and a Diploma of Social Work from Leicester University, and a PhD from Massey University in New Zealand. The PhD was AAC focussed.

What sort of work have you done?

I have worked in community clinics and for an early intervention service in the UK, then in early intervention for the Ministry of Education in New Zealand, followed by a 14-year stint in a special school, and currently for the national AAC assessment service in NZ. I have over 25 years of experience.

What practice areas do you have the most experience in?

I have the most experience in the field of AAC; I have also worked extensively in early intervention, with children with disabilities, particularly autistic children.

What is your favourite work activity?

I love my job: watching children use AAC to communicate for the first time warms the cockles of my heart, and I also love working with parents to build their skills and confidence to support their children to communicate.

In what other areas do you have strengths?

I have also qualified and worked as a social worker for a few years. This has helped me to develop a holistic approach and deepened my understanding the difficulties faced by families living with disability.

How would other people describe you as a supervisor/mentor/presenter?

I think they would say that I am approachable, willing to share knowledge, passionate and caring

When you are not working, what do you like doing?

I am a nature nerd. I love watching wildlife, snorkelling, paddle boarding, and watching things grow.