Social communication difficulties

Social communication difficulties

Schools are complex social environments that children with additional social and communication needs can find challenging; managing social and sensory experiences can become overwhelming. Some children and young people may need additional support to reduce the pressure associated with:

• Managing time and transition periods;
• Changes to routine, daily structure and where there may be uncertainty;
• Sensory stimuli;
• Tasks where they perceive that they will fail;
• Social situations and unstructured times.
• Difficulties communicating in order to be understood by others;
• Their understanding of rules.

In addition, it may be useful for all adults to:

• Allow additional time for the processing of verbal information and avoid repeating yourself within this time;
• Use exactly the same language when repeating information;
• Use explicit, concise language as this can help with accurate processing of the information;
• Use their name before giving instructions or asking questions so that they recognise that what you are asking applies to them;
• Ask simple questions and use short simple instructions;
• Check that the child or young person has understood by encouraging them to repeat what you have asked.

“The word flexibility is crucial” (multiagency professional).

“I think if you've got a child who's already struggling, they need to know they can trust you” (parent).

“We've since gone down a diagnostic route and he's formally diagnosed with auditory processing disorder and autism. None of those needs are recognised in school and even despite trying to change school and finding a more supportive and nurturing environment, it was evident that he just couldn't cope in a school environment at all” (parent).