Presuming Competence

What is “presuming competence”? What does that look like in real life?

In this post, I will talk all about presuming competence and why it is at the core of a lot of my work at CB Speech Therapy LLC.

What Does “Presuming Competence” Mean?

Presuming competence means starting from the belief that a child is capable. That they are capable of learning. That they are capable of understanding more than what they show. It is about believing that every child deserves access to rich vocabulary and communication.

What It Does NOT Mean

Presuming competence does NOT mean ignoring a child’s attempts to communicate their needs or ignoring the supports that they need in place. It is NOT expecting skills before the child is ready. And it is NOT about withholding any accommodations.

Presuming competence provides access without a need for proof.

Want an example?

Let’s say Johnny is just learning to speak (by whatever modality he would like). Let’s say Johnny is sitting in the living room, and you have offered Johnny cookies or chips. Johnny says sandwich. These are not two options that you have offered Johnny.

Presuming competence would mean that we presume what Johnny has said is what Johnny meant. Even if it was not one of the choices. Even if it was what Johnny had earlier for lunch.

What Presuming Competence Looks Like IRL

In real life, presuming competence with your child means speaking to them in a respectful, age-appropriate way. It means modeling language via all modalities, even if a child is not independent in those modalities just yet. It means offering choices and wait time for a child to respond to you.

It means always assuming that communication attempts are meaningful!

Why This Matters

Children rise to the expectations we hold for them, especially when those expectations are paired with support. Research Insight: High expectations paired with access improve communication participation (Light & McNaughton, 2014).

In conclusion…

Presuming competence is about dignity, access, and possibility.

Presuming competence is at the heart of neuroaffirming care… and it is what CB Speech Therapy LLC is all about. In-home, play-based, neuroaffirming speech-language therapy.

Have more questions specific to your child? Contact to schedule your free, initial consultation today.

Additional sources:

Biklen, D., & Burke, J. (2006). Presuming competence. Equity & Excellence in Education, 39, 166–175.

Light, J., & McNaughton, D. (2014). Communicative competence for individuals who use AAC. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 30, 1–18.

ASHA Practice Portal: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Trevarthen, C., & Aitken, K. J. (2001). Infant intersubjectivity. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 42, 3–48.