SEND

Communication and Interaction

Common diagnosis and terms

Students with 'Communication and Interaction' difficulties are often diagnosed as having Speech and Language Difficulties, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (the last two could also be classified as Mental Health as they are classed as medical disabilities often under NHS Mental Health Services)

Students with communication and interaction difficulties often struggle with other areas of learning including; reading and memory difficulties (short term, long term and working memory) and social emotional and mental health. They may also have difficulties processing information at speed and may need additional support via specific interventions and/ or learning support assistants in the classroom. These associated difficulties are often linked to 'Executive Function' involved with planning, decision making and ordering events and information in the brain. It is often very difficult for these students to understand another persons point of view or adapt their own actions to plan ahead.

Students with ASD may also have motor control issues and have involuntary movements that may occur if the student is anxious or excited.

Students with Speech and Language Difficulties may also have a physical disability which affects speech such as Cerebral Palsy or may have a Speech Impediment such as a Stammer.

Terms associated with this area of SEND with external links: Speech and Language Difficulties (SpL), Social Communication and Language Difficulties , Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Stammer or Speech Impediment

Typical areas requiring additional teacher support in the classroom

(Click on the links to get more tips and advice in each area)

Concentration: Staying on task, ignoring distractions, focusing on the teacher, remembering instructions etc.

Organisational Skills: Physical organisation of self and equipment, planning ahead with work, thinking about consequences before actions etc.

Speech and Language: Understanding their first spoken language, acquiring new vocabulary, ability to express themselves clearly in sentences etc.