CONNECT First

<p><strong style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>What if supporting your child's communication didn't mean squeezing in more therapy more strategies or more pressure-but instead meant noticing what's already there and building on it?</strong></p><p></p><p><strong style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>In this honest practical and empowering guide speech and language therapist Susannah Burden shares her CONNECT Framework®-a relationship-first neurodiversity-affirming approach that helps families support their child's communication emotional regulation and confidence in the moments that matter most.</strong></p><p></p><p><span style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Drawing from lived experience on both sides of the table-as a professional and as a parent- Susannah invites readers into a more compassionate functional way of working with children and young people of all ages. Whether they are speaking or not yet using words autistic anxious sensory-seeking deaf or simply wired differently this book will help you understand what's going on beneath the surface and how to support growth through everyday routines and real-life connection.</span></p><p></p><p><span style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>You won't find pressure perfection or step-by-step scripts here. Instead you'll find clarity practical ideas and a reminder that what your child needs most... is you.</span></p><p></p><p><span style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Written for parents teachers and SEND speech/language and allied professionals </span><em style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>CONNECT First</em><span style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)> introduces The CONNECT Framework® for supporting children and young people with communication needs. Grounded in evidence-based practice and real-life experience this approach shifts the focus from fixing deficits to creating safety togetherness and genuine opportunities for language to flourish.</span></p><p></p><p><span style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>The book is structured around seven CONNECT principles:</span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style=color: var(--__dChNmAmGoMXsw4B#0f1111)>C - Connection First</span></li><li><span style=color: var(--__dChNmAmGoMXsw4B#0f1111)>O - Observe and Adapt</span></li><li><span style=color: var(--__dChNmAmGoMXsw4B#0f1111)>N - Natural Routines</span></li><li><span style=color: var(--__dChNmAmGoMXsw4B#0f1111)>N - Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice</span></li><li><span style=color: var(--__dChNmAmGoMXsw4B#0f1111)>E - Empowered Caregivers</span></li><li><span style=color: var(--__dChNmAmGoMXsw4B#0f1111)>C - Communication as an Outcome of Regulation</span></li><li><span style=color: var(--__dChNmAmGoMXsw4B#0f1111)>T - Togetherness</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style=color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Each chapter combines clear explanations neuroscience in accessible language and real stories from therapy sessions and family life. Practical reflection prompts invite readers to apply the ideas to their own situation while take-home strategies ensure the book is immediately useful in daily routines.</span></p><p></p><p><strong style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>More than a manual this book is an invitation to slow down notice and build stronger relationships. By starting with connection communication becomes not only possible but joyful and sustainable.</strong></p><p></p>