1. Wendy Brotherton Advanced Speech and Language Therapist
Stepping Stones
Wendy Brotherton
Advanced Speech and Language Therapist

2. Rationale Children with SLCN Huge continuum: mild→moderate→severe
Not “one size fits all” – individual approach
Basic general principles
Visual support
Evidence based (see ICAN Visual Timelines Factsheet)
Auditory channel – transient
Visual channel – enduring
Range of strategies

3. Video clip

4. Visual Support Visual Timetables Objects of Reference
Hierarchy: Objects of Reference → photographs → concrete representation → arbitrary /sophisticated
Objects of Reference
the MMF rule: this refers to choosing objects of reference according to what is Meaningful, Motivating and Frequent for each individual.
Think of Objects of Reference for: going on the minibus; snack time; film; swimming; sensory room

5. Lo-tech communication aids
Big Mack
(Single message)
Signing
Record a message onto Big Mack / iTalk2 / GoTalk4
iTalk2
(Two message)
GoTalk4+
(4 message x 5 levels = 20 messages)

6. Choice Board Visual display of options
supports the comprehension of the auditory message and choice situation by circumventing the rapid disappearance of the spoken message regarding choices.

7. PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)
Schedule Boards
Depicts via pictures or text a series of events; a convenient way of announcing changes in the daily routine; to give information to the person and not to get information from him or her
PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)

8. First...Then... Boards
First
Then
(Velcro here)
(Velcro here)

9. Talking Mats
Talking Mats can help people arrive at a decision by providing a structure where information is presented in small chunks supported by symbols. It gives people time and space to think about information, work out what it means and say what they feel in a visual way that can be easily recorded.

10. Communication Books Progressive Motor planning principles Personalised
Ace Centre North: guide and template
Core and topic vocabulary
PODD book

11. Social Stories
A Social Story™ describes a situation, skill, or concept in terms of relevant social cues, perspectives, and common responses in a specifically defined style and format. The goal of a Social Story™ is to share accurate social information in a patient and reassuring manner that is easily understood by its audience.
I.e. An explicit written (and/or pictorial) description of a behaviour

14. Communication Passports
Present the person positively
Reflect own views and preferences, unique character, sense of humour etc.;
Describe the person's most effective means of communication
Place equal value on the views of all who know the person well, as well as the views of the specialist professionals.

16. General principles Total Communication Signing Speech Sign
Objects of Reference
Gesture
Symbol Exchange (PECS)
Visual supports / Symbol use
Signing
Functional, naturalistic
Sign of the week
Circle Time
Assemblies
Songs
use to augment existing packages such as Narrative Therapy

17. Next steps... Makaton www.makaton.org/
Social Stories
Talking Mats
Communication Passports
Low-tech communicators like Big Mack, iTalk2, GoTalk, etc. Available from e.g. and
PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) unitedkingdom.com/
Symbol software e.g. Communicate In Print 3 / Makaton / PCS / Boardmaker
Narrative Therapy
Visual timetables or CIP3
TEACCH