Positive behaviour support Getting it right from the start

52 Positive behaviour support: Getting it right from the start - Facilitators reference manual
Using AAC appropriately with intentional and unintentional communicators
Skills of the
person at this
level
What symbols to
use?
Visual cues/
symbols to use
with the person
General
strategies used
by effective
communication
partners
Unintentional
passive (UP)
Unintentional
active (UA)
UP – All interactions are based on the
communication partner’s awareness of
the person’s needs and observations of
the person’s behaviour.
UA – The person is much more likely
to reach out for things that attract their
attention and interest. All interactions are
based on the communication partner’s
awareness of the person’s needs and
observations of their behaviour.
Non-symbolic
Intentional
informal (II)
The person
knows that other
people can be
useful. The person
understands that
for communication
to occur, the
attention of a
communication
partner is required.
The way person
communicates may
be hard for others
to understand.
Person cannot understand spoken language alone, photos and
line drawing (e.g. COMPIC, Boardmaker PCS)
Real objects: the
actual object must
be used when
communicating
with the person
or making up
communication
boards or books.
Real objects: the
actual object must
be used when
communicating
with the person
or making up
communication
boards or books.
Real objects: the
actual object must
be used when
communicating
with the person
or making up
communication
boards or books.
Intentional
symbolic basic
(SB)
A person is able
to communicate
symbolically.
The person
communicates a
range of intentions
or functions
through pictures,
gestures, single
words and/or
vocalizations.
Symbolic
Intentional symbolic
established (SE)
The person is communicating
at an established symbolic
level. He or she can recognise
a large number of pictures,
photos and line drawings
and is 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 simple
questions. If something is
missing, they may seek help
from others or try to remember
where they last saw it.
Person can understand simple 1-2 step instructions
and can use photos and line drawing (e.g. COMPIC,
Boardmaker PCS for communication)
Photographs
Line drawings
(COMPIC or P.C.S)
must be used when
communicating
with the person
or making up
communication
boards or books.
Line drawings (Boardmaker,
COMPIC and possibly
familiar word) must be used
when communicating with
the person or making up
communication boards or
books.
Refer to page 33 of this reference manual for general strategies used by effective communication partners.
Key word signing 16 to be used by all communication partners regardless of the person’s level of communication.
Consistent use of key word sign by communication partners will assist the person to understand what is happening or
what is expected of them. With consistent use some people may learn to use key word signing to express themselves.
16. A manual signing approach that combines speaking and signing and produced in English word order (Grove and Walker 1990).