How to give extra help at home with my child / young person's understanding, talking and communication

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The resources here will help you reach the outcome: "I know what extra changes I can make at home that make understanding and communicating easier for my child."

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Switch off and talk

This webpage and leaflet provides you with information about why it is important to think about switching off electronic devices to help with communication development

Switch off and talk
EnvironmentIntervention
EnvironmentIntervention

Makaton sign and symbol resources

These free Makaton resources are available for you to access and use to support communication with your primary aged child.  These symbols and signs help you to provide extra information and clues about what you are saying as well as support the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening and understanding. 

Cost: Free

Makaton sign and symbol resources
Family SupportEnvironment
Family SupportEnvironment

Using visual support

Parents play a key role in supporting their child's language and communication skills in everyday life. Children learn about the world through their experiences and interests particularly within their play. Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust provide information and opportunities for families learn more about developing their child's speech and language - this video introduces how to use visual support to help communication.

Cost: Free

 Using visual support
Family SupportEnvironment
Family SupportEnvironment

Symbols

Widgit provides symbols that you can use to support communication such as creating communication books to share information; visual timetables to support understanding of structure and routine; task boards to support independent learning; pictures to develop vocabulary and to support children learning English as an additional language.  Here you will find more information about how to use symbols at home to help communication and independence.  It also include resources and ideas to get you started.

Symbols
Family SupportEnvironment
Family SupportEnvironment

Now and Next Boards

Birmingham Community Healthcare Speech and Language Therapists have produced this video to show you how to use a 'now and next' or 'first and then' board to help your child understand what is going to happen next and to encourage them to do what you want them to do.  It explains how using pictures can help if children are having difficulties with language.

Cost: Free

Now and Next Boards
Family SupportEnvironment
Family SupportEnvironment

Using Objects and Sensory Cueing

Birmingham Community Healthcare Speech and Language Therapists have produced this video to show you how to use objects and sensory cueing to link words, objects and routines. This helps children prepare for and anticipate what is going to happen next; supports language development; supports them to become engaged in a variety of daily routines.

Cost: Free

Using Objects and Sensory Cueing
Family SupportEnvironment
Family SupportEnvironment

Communication Boards

Birmingham Community Healthcare Speech and Language Therapists have produced this video to show you how to use communication boards through play and everyday activities to supporting understanding and as a way to allow your child to communicate with you.

Cost: Free

Communication Boards
Family SupportEnvironment
Family SupportEnvironment

Communication Boards

Birmingham Community Healthcare Speech and Language Therapists have produced this video to show you how to use communication boards through play and everyday activities to supporting understanding and as a way to allow a child to communicate with you.

Cost: Free

Communication Boards
Family SupportEnvironmentWorkforce
Family SupportEnvironmentWorkforce
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