Laser Lessons - Lesson

Be able to overcome barriers to communication.

Table of Contents

Watch this video from the Social Care Institute for Excellence titled 'Working with people with autism: the professionals'. The page contains a video showing good practice in communicating with individuals with autism. The practitioner in the video uses a particular method of communication to engage with the individuals and meet their needs. Read the messages for practice and consider them in relation to your role.

Table of Contents

Does the ethos of your setting encourage respect towards all adults? Ask to see your setting’s policies which relate to equal opportunities and developing good relationships with individuals, staff and visitors. These policies help to make sure that everyone in your setting feels included and welcomed. Does your practice reflect your policy? Share your findings with your staff team at your next staff meeting and find ways to develop and improve what you do.
Find and read a copy of ‘The Equal Opportunities Handbook’ (4th revised edition) by Phil Clements and Tony Spinks, published by Kogan Page.
Look on the internet to find websites that provide information about speech difficulties. Could you learn Makaton speech and sign, perhaps? What else can you discover that helps your understanding of others and the way they communicate?
Your role will often bring you into contact with adults who have difficulties communicating with you. Use the internet to find out ways that you can adapt the way you communicate to ensure effective communication with those:Who have a hearing impairment;For whom English is not their first language;Who do not speak English;Who have a visual impairment;Who have a stammer, or other speech impediment.
Click the icon to visit the Communication Matters website. This is a UK charitable organisation of members concerned with using assistive technologies and devices to aid communication, including eye pointing, word boards, and speech output devices.
Click the icon to watch this video on augmentative and alternative communication from Communication Matters, called ‘The Power of Communication’.

Think And Challenge