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Communication

Communication (including comm profile)  

Intensive Interaction 

Intensive Interaction is an approach which has been designed to help the learner at the very early stages of development, including learners with autism, severe, profound or complex learning difficulties. Intensive Interaction focuses on early interaction abilities, it uses eye contact,facial expressions and vocalisations leading to speech, taking turns  and the enjoyment of communication and interaction as  an exchange. In addition ,intensive interaction at a very early stage support staff encouraging responses and engagement through mirroring appropriate actions e.g. pupil waving and staff member waving.   

 

Low Technology Devices   

 

Objects of Reference 

  

Objects of reference are items/objects that are used to represent a person, activity, place or event. The understanding  of real objects to communicate what is happening is the first stage of symbolic development, and so they can be used as a visual prompt in order to help a child / young person gain a better understanding of what is happening within their environment. 

Objects of reference can be used with individuals who find it difficult to understand spoken words, signs, symbols or photographs. The object can be: 

  • a real object, for example a toilet roll to represent going to the toilet 

  • part of a real object, for example part of a towel to represent bath time 

If you are unsure please see Emily Russ   to give assistance or your TLR holder, 

  • Signalong

Signalong is an augmented communication system which can be used highly effectively to support people of all ages who have communication and learning disabilities.

 

  • AAC  

 

At Ysgol Ty Coch we use several different forms of AAC. AAC is Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC includes all forms of communication other than oral speech (i.e. gestures, symbols, pictures, writing).  

AAC is commonly categorised in the following ways: 

  1. Non-aided AAC: This includes communication methods such as facial expressions, body language, gestures, and pointing. No additional tools or equipment are used beyond the human body. 

 

  1. Aided AAC 

  • Electronic AAC: This involves the use of electronic assistive technology, including dedicated hardware and software such as Eyegaze. Eye gaze or eye tracking is a way of accessing your computer or communication aid using a mouse that you control with your eyes. Eye gaze follows your eyes with amazing accuracy to see where you are looking on the screen. You can then select the item you are looking at by dwelling (staring at the screen for a length of time), blinking or clicking with a switch. Pupils in the school, for whom it has been agreed may also use LAMP ( Language Acquisition Motor Planning). LAMP is a therapeutic approach based on neurological and motor learning principles that uses a speech generating device to provide opportunities to learn language in engaging activities.  

  1. It gives individuals  access to core words on a speech generating device  

  1. Teaches those words in sensory- rich activities. 

  1. Accesses each word on the device with a consistent, unique motor pattern with auditory feedback providing a means for developing independent communication. 

 

  • Paper-based AAC: This involves using paper-based communication tools such as  e-tran frames. An E-tran frame, or "eye transfer frame," is a communication aid for pupils with severe speech and motor impairments. It is typically made of transparent plastic or acrylic and features letters, words, symbols, or pictures around its edges. Pupils communicate by looking at specific symbols or letters on the frame. A communication partner then observes the user's eye movements and interprets their selections to facilitate conversation. 

Pyramid Approaches  

Pyramid Approaches incorporates PECS. This is the Picture Exchange Communication System which is an augmentative and alternative communication system developed and produced  by Pyramid Educational Consultants. It was developed as a functional means of communication for individuals with a wide variety of communication challenges, originally developed for pupils with ASD, it is now used with individuals with varying diagnoses to support communication. PECS is an evidence based practice that has been highly successful  with regard to development of functional communication skills. 

The school is embarking on a multi year professional learning journey with Pyramid. Currently 8 classes are having intense training with Pyramid in 24-25.