How to engage your child in play.

Top Tips for Supporting Communication,
Learning and Understanding Difficulties.

  1. Understand Individual Needs Thoroughly

  • Gather information from assessments, teachers, therapists, or family.
  • Be aware of specific difficulties (e.g., speech, language, memory, processing, attention).
  • Tailor activities to cognitive levels rather than age alone.

  1. Use Clear, Simple Communication

  • Use short, concrete sentences.
  • Repeat and rephrase key points.
  • Pair verbal instructions with visual cues (pictures, symbols, gestures).
  • Confirm understanding by asking the learner to repeat instructions in their own words.

  1. Break Tasks Into Manageable Steps

  • Present one instruction at a time.
  • Use checklists, visual timetables, or step-by-step guides.
  • Celebrate completion of each step to build confidence.

  1. Make Learning Multisensory

  • Combine visual, auditory, and tactile learning.
  • Use physical objects, manipulatives, or interactive technology.
  • Incorporate movement where possible to maintain engagement.

  1. Encourage Active Participation

  • Offer choices to empower learners.
  • Include collaborative or paired activities.
  • Use games, role-play, or real-life simulations to reinforce concepts.

  1. Provide Consistency and Predictability

  • Use routines to reduce anxiety.
  • Keep learning spaces organized and free from distractions.
  • Maintain consistent language and symbols for instructions.

  1. Foster Communication Skills

  • Encourage use of AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) devices if needed.
  • Model vocabulary and sentence structures.
  • Be patient, give processing time, and avoid finishing sentences for the learner.

  1. Promote Understanding Through Repetition and Practice

  • Repeat key concepts in different ways.
  • Reinforce learning through real-life contexts.
  • Review prior learning before introducing new material.

  1. Support Emotional Wellbeing

  • Respond positively to attempts at communication.
  • Recognise frustration; provide breaks when needed.

  1. Collaborate With Families and Professionals

  • Involve caregivers, therapists, or support workers in planning.
  • Share strategies to reinforce learning across settings.
  • Seek guidance from speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, or educational psychologists.

Recommended Resources

General Learning Support

  • SEND Gateway (UK) – Advice on supporting children with learning differences.
  • Mencap – Resources for people with learning disabilities.
  • National Autistic Society – Guidance for learners with autism.
  • NASEN – Professional and parent support for SEN/learning difficulties.

Communication Tools

  • Widgit Symbols – Visual symbols for instruction and communication.
  • Boardmaker – Visual supports and communication aids.
  • Proloquo2Go / TalkTablet – AAC apps for children and adults.

Adaptive Learning Platforms

  • BBC Bitesize SEND – Tailored lessons for learners with special educational needs.
  • Twinkl SEN Resources – Worksheets, visual aids, and lesson plans for SEND

Support for Adults

  • Adult Learning with SEND (Local Colleges) – Adult courses designed for learners with learning difficulties.
  • MindEd – Online training for carers and educators supporting adults with cognitive differences.
  • Skills for Life (UK) – Literacy, numeracy, and functional skills adapted for learning difficulties.
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