Communication and Interaction

Communication and Interaction

The Communication Pyramid

This model shows the layers involved within learning language. The bottom of the model shows the core skills that are needed to enable a child to work towards the top of the model.

Speech Link Speech Link has a number of resources which can support your child with parts of speech, understanding, attention and focus.

The Communication Trust Here are a number of resources that can be used to support your child with language differences.

NHS Speech and Language Service This link has a number of videos which show you different strategies and games you can do at home to support your child.

ICAN Speech and Language This is an organisation which has support for parents regarding speech and language needs.

Autism Berkshire (ASD) Autism Berkshire supports families in Slough who have a child with autism. They can support in a number of different ways.

National Autistic Society This is a national organisation that offers lots of advice and support to families.

The Autism Group This charity provides support for parents and children through groups, courses and much more.

Supporting a Child Who Stammers

Supporting a Child Who Stammers

Videos to Support a Child's Attention and Focus

Bucket Time is part of the Attention Autism approach created by Gina Davies, with the aim of developing children’s shared attention skills in a group setting. During Bucket Time, the children are provided with motivating and visually exciting experiences that encourage them to focus their attention for extended periods of time and to take part in an adult-led group activity.

Although developed specifically with the needs of children with Autism in mind, Bucket Time can be a very useful tool for any children who struggle to engage with adult-led activities and to focus their attention.

There are 4 stages to Bucket Time, the videos we have made for your child to watch at home focus on stages 1 and 2. Once you are familiar with the structure of the sessions, you can lead your own sessions using items you have at home.

Stage 1: The Bucket.

The aim of the objects explored from within the bucket is to grab the attention of the child with visually motivating and stimulating items. The child will gradually learn to focus on the adult and the activity they have chosen, watching what they are doing more consistently.

Stage 2: Attention Builder.

The aim in this stage is to extend the amount of time that the child is able to focus for, introducing activities that build anticipation.

At both of these stages:

The adult is aiming to be the most motivating and interesting thing in the room. Try to remove other distractions and motivators where possible.
The child is watching the adult, not carrying out the actions themselves. Only the adult touches the objects used. At later stages, turn-taking and independent exploration are introduced.
Use minimal language, focusing on simple key words which describe the current action you are carrying out.

Click on the videos below to watch the Attention for Learning/Bucket Time sessions: