Practical communication strategies for home, nursery, school, college and care settings.
| Area | What it means | Support ideas | Who can help | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total communication | Use speech, signs, symbols, gestures, objects, photos, visuals and AAC together. | Everyone around the child should use the same core signs/visuals consistently. | , school, family | how to help CYP;See and Learn |
| Makaton/signing | Signing can support understanding and expression while speech develops. | Use alongside speech; do not treat signing as a barrier to speech. | , Makaton tutor, DSUK/PADS | Positive About Down Syndrome |
| Processing time | Children may need extra time to understand, plan and respond. | Ask one question, wait, avoid repeated prompting, use visuals. | School, family, therapists | Down Syndrome Education International |
| Visual supports | Now/next boards, visual timetables, choice boards, emotion scales and social stories can reduce anxiety and improve independence. | Keep visuals simple and consistent. | School, family, / | DSUK Starting School |
| AAC | Some people may need picture exchange, communication books, devices or apps. | AAC should be available all day, not locked away or used only in therapy. | , school, AAC service | NICE NG213 |
| Speech clarity | Speech can be affected by low tone, hearing, oral-motor skills and language development. | Check hearing and seek support rather than assuming the child is not trying. | , audiology | other health conditions |
| Behaviour as communication | Refusal, distress, shutdown, aggression or withdrawal may communicate pain, confusion, anxiety, sensory stress or not being understood. | Ask 'what is this telling us?' before punishment. | Family, school, health | how to help CYP |
| Social communication | Friendships may need support with turn-taking, joining in, understanding rules, communication repair and safety. | Use structured peer activities, buddy systems and adult modelling. | School, , family | DSUK Starting School |
| Reading to support speech | Some children benefit from written words and reading activities to support vocabulary and speech. | Use high-frequency personal words and picture-word matching. | School, family, DSE resources | Down Syndrome Education International;See and Learn |
| Home-school communication | A communication diary or app can help families know what happened and prepare the child for tomorrow. | Include health, sleep, meals, mood, toileting, triggers and wins. | School, family | NICE NG213 |