Positive behaviour support Getting it right from the start

Positive behaviour support: Getting it right from the start - Facilitators reference manual 49
up – Unintentional passive communication
The communication of adolescents or adults who are assessed as being at stages 1 or 2 may
seem quite passive. There may be physical or sensory problems that affect the person’s ability
to be involved in some events or activities. Health issues may impact on their quality of life. All
interactions are based on the communication partner’s awareness of the person’s needs and
observations of the person’s behaviour. (InterAACtion page 21)
ua – Unintentional active communication
Some people who communicate unintentionally are more active than others. They are much
more likely to reach out for things that attract their attention and interest. If they are able to
physically, they may walk. All interactions are based on the communication partner’s awareness
of the person’s needs and observations of their behaviour. (InterAACtion page 35)
ii – Intentional informal communication
The person at the intentional informal stage of communication knows that other people
can be useful. The person understands that for communication to occur, the attention of a
communication partner is required. (InterAACtion page 55)
sb – Symbolic (basic) communication
A person is able to communicate symbolically when they understand what words, pictures,
or signs can be used to communicate about a real object or events. The person is also able
to communicate a range of intentions or functions through pictures, gestures, single words or
vocalisations. (InterAACtion page 73)
se – Symbolic (established) communication
By this stage the person is communicating at an established symbolic level. They can recognise
a large number of pictures, photos and line drawings and are more likely to use these to initiate
interactions with familiar people. Photos, pictures and line drawings may also be incorporated
into a range of different communication aids including electronic communication devices,
boards, books and wallets. The person may put signs, pictures or words together to make simple
two-word phrases. The person may use their communication skills to comment, chat, request or
reject something. They also have a reliable way of indicating yes and no to simple questions. If
something is missing, they may seek help from others or try to remember where they last saw it.
(InterAACtion page 89)
Alternative and augmentative communication
Some people find communication difficult because they have little or no clear speech. The idea
behind AAC is to use the person’s abilities, whatever they are, to compensate for their difficulties
and to make communication as quick, simple and effective as is possible when speech alone
does not work.
Although we all use aspects of AAC from time to time ( e.g. waving goodbye instead of saying it,
pointing to a picture or gesturing to make yourself understood in a foreign country) some people
may rely on ACC all of the time.
Augmentative communication refers to any approach designed to support or enhance the
communication of individuals who have speech skills which are limited or ineffective.
Alternative communication refers to communication systems for people with no oral
communication skills whatsoever.