Push, push, push! That's it. Well done!
TJ is diagnosed as Autistic. TJ's non-verbal. He uses Makaton, a simpler version of British Sign Language. When TJ feels like he's not being understood, usually that ends in a meltdown. He can push and he will hit. A lot of his behaviour is due to the frustration of not being able to communicate.
As time went on, he's had a lot of speech therapy. The speech therapist and myself, thought that it would be a good basis to start teaching him basic Makaton signs. Family members pick up different signs so that they could try and communicate with him as well.
The most used Makaton words in this household are 'thank you','no' and TJ's ultimate favourite 'biscuit'. Using Makaton has massively opened up TJ's world and he loves making people laugh. He loves being the class clown. If we didn't use Makaton, I wouldn't have a clue what TJ wanted. I wish that there would be more people out there that would learn it, especially to communicate with people with special educational needs. You know, we all have the right to be able to communicate.
What is Makaton?
Makaton is a communication programme that uses signs and symbols to help people to communicate. The symbols are often printed on pieces of card and are simple black and white drawings. The Makaton symbols show what words mean. The cards can be used with people who prefer not to sign. Speech is also used alongside the symbols and basic Makaton signs.
Meet Carlie and her son TJ, who has autism.
TJ is non-verbal and is diagnosed as autistic. Sometimes he can become frustrated when he feels he is not being understood. Carlie has found that using Makaton has really helped her and TJ communicate with one another.
A speech and language therapist encouraged Carlie to start teaching TJ basic Makaton signs. Now all the family are involved and are able to communicate with TJ using basic signs.
Using Makaton signs and symbols has opened up TJ's world. The most used Makaton signs include 'thank you,' 'no,' and 'biscuit.'
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