I spoke to the woman who runs the special learning unit that we are hoping to send ds to next year. I asked her about use of makaton in the unit, and she said that they did use it but it is not a 'long term communication option' and the hope was that once in the school environment, language would start.
I know that makaton is supposed to be used in conjunction with speech, and that it is used in early years, when it is hoped that language will develop, but I also know of several older children and young adults who are non verbal and still use makaton.
Ds's (he is 3.4) previous SALT and the advisory teacher who observed him at preschool both said they felt that makaton wouldn't be enough for him, as he has a great desire to communicate, but has yet to verbalise anything or even start to babble.
He was issued with a GoTalk communication device, which has just been a source of frustration for both of us (to the point where ds ripped up all my lovingly made GoTalk sheets!) His new SALT has mentioned ipad apps that could be introduced in the future, and the head of the slu said that an ipad could be used in the unit as a communication device.
We have just found out that ds possibly has hearing loss and may need hearing aides, so would BSL be an option? How workable is BSL if there is also delayed understanding and delayed fine motor?
I am just wondering, because we have a TAC meeting tomorrow, at which all the reports are supposed to be put forward for statementing, and speech and language is going to be an important part of this (of course the SALT can't come to the meeting - grrr) and I would like to have some understanding of what sort of things we should be considering for the future.
Thankyou
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Makaton, BSL, AAC - what long term options for children who are non verbal?
14 replies
hazeyjane · 14/11/2013 11:04
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