Universal +: Communication and Interaction

The CYP presents with some emerging speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) needs.

Expressive Language

The CYP presents with some difference in language development.

 The CYP:

• may use some language that is difficult to understand.
• is usually able to use functional language to communicate their needs in line with age related expectations.
• may have difficulties communicating with adults outside the family/ keyworker (early years).
• may have difficulties with:

The CYP presents with difficulties understanding spoken or written language.

The CYP may:

• rely heavily on non-verbal Communication to complete tasks (adults’ gestures, copying peers).
• need instructions to be repeated or simplified.
• have a literal understanding of information.
• have difficulties with listening and attention.
• have difficulties processing verbal information.

Flexibility of Thought

The CYP presents with some evidence of differences in flexibility of thought.

 The CYP may:

• require support to manage change and transitions in everyday school situations e.g., from playtime back into class.
• present with occasional repetitive behaviours which impact upon learning.

 Social Communication and Interaction 

The CYP may:

• be able to communicate for social purposes with limited support.
• show some understanding of social behaviour, cues, and expectations, such as turn-taking and lining up.
• sometimes find social situations confusing/unsettling.
• need additional support to form and/or maintain relationships.
• demonstrate some social communication difficulties, e.g., conversational skills and joining teams or groups.
• seek and responds to interactions but require some guidance about appropriate initiation and responses.

 Sensory Processing 

The CYP presents with sensory processing differences which impact upon learning.

 The CYP may:

• become unsettled and/or easily distracted by 1 or 2 sensory stimuli.
• be able to access regulation strategies with some support if needed.