At Allenvale School our aim is to ensure that all students with communication needs have a consistent and coherent approach to meeting their needs throughout their lives and in all environments. We use a total communication approach where all appropriate modes of communication are encouraged in order to maximise the student’s ability.
This may include using speech, natural gesture, facial expressions, Makaton, visual strategies, PECS, communication books, low tech and high tech augmentative communication devices and computer programmes e.g. Clicker 5, Writing with Symbols and Symwriter.
Visuals
Visuals are used to assist students in understanding and communicating.
Visuals are used throughout the day to support the curriculum and classroom programmes e.g. visual timetables, visually presenting choices and using visuals to support behaviour strategies.
PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)
Picture Exchange Communication System is a unique augmentative/alternative communication system that allows children and adults with autism and other communication deficits to initiate communication to request and further develop language.
Clicker 5, Writing with Symbols and Symwriter
Clicker 5, Writing with Symbols and Symwriter are three computer programmes that are used for language and literacy.