You are here

Learning material

    Labelling the environment

    import-pdf:9880

    Symbols can be used as visual reinforcement or in support of conventional forms of communication. The symbols can be linked to the object or event that they represent or can be more abstract. There are a number of symbol systems available from commercial and other sources.

    Symbols

    import-pdf:9859

    People with profound and complex difficulties may use symbols to support
    spoken or written communication. They can be used successfully with
    individuals who are able to recognise photographs and other two-dimensional
    images such as pictures or computer graphics.

    Using objects

    import-pdf:9860

    Individuals with profound and complex difficulties can use objects to
    communicate. These could be personal objects, such as a pair of gloves to
    represent an outing or a hairbrush to represent a bath.

    Vocalisation

    import-pdf:9861

    People with profound and complex learning difficulties can use their voice to
    good effect, even when they do not develop language, by developing a
    repertoire of meaningful sounds.

    Natural gesture

    import-pdf:9853

    People with profound and complex difficulties can use a wide range of facial
    expression, gesture and body movements to communicate. These include
    making eye contact, smiling, eye pointing or pushing people away. Staff can
    identify and then respond to these behaviours in order to develop intentional
    communication.
    This example illustrates how staff interpret a

    Photographs and pictures

    import-pdf:9854

    Practitioners working with people with profound and complex difficulties have
    been successful in using images to develop communication. Some
    individuals who have previously used objects for communication may be able
    to move onto use photographs, line drawings and potentially into using
    symbols and text.

    Pages

    Subscribe to Learning material