[senco-forum] non verbal communication

 I would like to pick the brains of anyone out there who has more experience
than I have of children who don't speak- not because they won't but because
their developmental level does not allow this. We have in our school an  11
year old girl who is working at P levels 3 and 4. We had some training from
our SALT (speech and language therapist and also our teacher for the deaf
(this girl has some hearing difficulties) but they can't give us very much
more time. The training was in objects of reference and intensive
interaction. PECS and signing has been tried in the primary school with no
success. So we are now trying to establish objects of reference; such as  a
fork for dinner, a talking photo box with a picture of the form tutor for
registration, etc. So far,if she wants something like a favourite toy and
can't reach it she will touch the member of staff to make them get it for
her. How do we get her to indicate this by pointing and eventually
indicating an object or even a picture of the item. She does like looking at
photos.She can match pictures of some animals although shows little interest
in other pictures. She loves cause and effect activities and can use
switches and manipulate objects. 
At present, the only lessons she attends are Art, Music, PE and Food
technology and she works with LSAs for the rest of the time on multi-sensory
activities. I have set up a link with our only special school in the borough
for pmld students and she uses some of their facilities - eg. Music therapy
and soft play areas.  
It is fascinating working with her- I would like to know how we can do it
better. 
Linda 

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