What do we mean by communication?
Communication includes a wide range of skills and preferences including the use and understanding of spoken (verbal) and non-spoken (non-verbal) communication, such as conversation and body language. It also includes social ‘exchanges’, such as sharing and taking turns.
Social communication and interaction skills are used to start, build and maintain friendships and relationships with other people.
Language is a system of sounds and symbols used in communication and is a significant part of social communication and interaction.
At Merryfields, we aim to reduce barriers and enhance our children’s ability to communicate and participate equally in society. This may be in the form of play-based social learning, talking therapies, Intensive Interaction, breaking spoken instructions down and allowing for extra processing time, recognising that behaviour is a means of communication or support through systems such as communication boards, PECS or Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC).
If you would like any support with communication at home, please contact your child’s teacher and they will signpost support.’