Targeted: Communication and Interaction

The CYP may:

• have a speech and language disorder diagnosed by a speech and language therapist e.g., Developmental Speech Sound Disorder (SSD), Dysarthria, Verbal dyspraxia (CAS), Articulation Disorder, Phonological Disorder, Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).
• require additional or alternative communication strategies to allow them to access the (differentiated) curriculum.
• require specific interventions as directed by specialists.
• require a rich and well-targeted language curriculum. (e.g., Wellcomm/ WordAware, Nelli).

Expressive Language

The CYP presents with significant differences in language development.

 The CYP may:

• have difficulties with word finding or constructing a sentence in line with age related expectations.
• have difficulties with verbal reasoning and inference.
• find it hard to ask for help and support.
• have differences in ability/motivation to communicate their wants and needs or for social purposes.
• have a limited range of vocabulary and responses (may use learnt phrases).
• present with speech that is very unclear and difficult to understand.

Receptive Language

The CYP presents with significant difficulties understanding spoken or written language.

 The CYP may:

• have significant difficulties with comprehension and inferential skills.
• have significant difficulties following instructions.
• need signs, symbols or gestures to support their understanding.

Flexibility of Thought

The CYP presents with differences in flexibility of thought which frequently impact on their ability to engage in learning activities and the wider school environment.

The CYP may:

• show difficulties coping with change and require support strategies e.g., object of reference, visual timetable.
• have difficulties maintaining and shifting attention.

Social Communication and Interaction

The CYP may:

• have difficulties forming, managing, and sustaining healthy and reciprocal relationships with others.
• struggle to respond and interact e.g., may play alongside rather than with others.
• have differences in understanding of social behaviour, cues and expectations e.g., turn taking.
• frequently find social situations confusing/unsettling.
• frequently require guidance about appropriate initiation and responses within social interactions.
• have difficulties with conversational skills and social conventions.
• have difficulties understanding and using non-verbal communication.
• isolate themselves socially.

Sensory Processing

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

 The CYP may:

• become unsettled and/or easily distracted by multiple sensory stimuli in the environment.
• require frequent support to regulate.