52 Date updated: 25.08.2023 next review: 24.09.2024 support them. The assessment is completed across multiple settings including school, home and in the community. Social Stories Social stories (Gray, 1991) are short descriptions of a particular situation, event or activity, which include specific information about what to expect in that situation and why. Social stories present information in a literal, 'concrete' way, which may improve a person's understanding of a previously difficult or ambiguous situation or activity. The presentation and content can be adapted to meet different people's needs. Social stories can offer support with sequencing skills and reduce anxiety. They can have a meaningful impact on how the learners perceive a situation. Comic Strip Conversations Comic strip conversations are simple visual representations of conversation. They can show: the things that are actually said in a conversation, how people might be feeling and what people's intentions might be. Comic strip conversations use stick figures and symbols to represent social interactions and abstract aspects of conversation, and colour to represent the emotional content of a statement or message. Comic strip conversations can also be used to plan for a situation in the future that may be causing anxiety or concern. Total Communication Approach Total Communication encourages the use of other communication methods, to support a child’s or adult’s understanding and use of language. A Total Communication Environment is provided within all environments at Overley Hall. This includes the use of objects, Alternative and Augmentative Communication aids, photographs, touch, symbols and a signing system (Makaton). Total communication includes; vocalisations, sign, symbols, gesture, written words, speech, body Language, facial expression, challenging behaviour, objects, hearing and touch. Children and Adults with communication difficulties often struggle to understand and use spoken language, and may need support to communicate basic needs, wants and aspirations. Total communication makes use of the skills a learner has, such as non-
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTAwNzk=