Speech & Language Therapy Communication Training MRCPsych, RSH 21 st October 2010
What we will talk about today: What is communication How we all develop communication What is non verbal communication How to make communication easier using: –Photos & symbols –signing
Communication Chain Function Form Skills Code Context
Why (function) Express needs, wants & hopes Comment & report Socialise Request Gain attention Ask questions Refuse/complain Play/ pretend Emotions Skills ●Cognitive ●Sensory ●Physical How (form) Speech Writing Gestures & signs Facial expression Body Language Photos, symbols Vocalisation Reflexes Behaviour & other
Apple Exercise
Real Apple Most Concrete (sensory support: colour, size, sound, smell, context, 3D) Model (toy) Apple (colour, shape, 3D) Photo Of Actual Apple (colour, shape) Drawing Of Any Apple in colour (some aspects of colour, shape) Line Drawing Of Apple black and white (generalized shape) Word ‘Apple’ Most Abstract (none)
Development of communication
Non verbal communication The 7% 38% 55% rule (myth?) (Albert Mehrabian study) What are the non verbal features in speech? –Intonation –Rhythm –Stress What is non verbal communication? –Body language –Facial expression –Eye contact
Facial expression Emotions!!
Facial Expression Universal emotions Happy Sad Angry Scared Disgusted Surprised
Non verbal communication & Autism Literal comprehension Emotional literacy Facial expression Communication codes
Gesture & Body Language Exercise See what I mean
Signing BSL vs. Makaton
Communicating with Objects Shopping Bath Park Drink Morning routine Pub
Communication with photos vs symbols or
Communicating with Symbols
Some symbols can be learnt quite easily Communicating with Symbols
MakatonPCS Symbols, concrete & abstract
How to use photos and symbols to make communication easier Accessible care plan Thickened drinks sheet
Useful tips Make sure you get the person’s attention before you speak to them. Get to know what they use to communicate. Use simple sentences with easy words. Support your language with visual information i.e. symbols pictures etc Check with the person that they understood. Have a clear display of what will be happening. Avoid surprises!! Say it as you mean it! Don’t use metaphors.
Any questions?