Basic needs

Daniel Jackson, who has Down’s Syndrome, is two years’ old. He has been using Makaton for about a year.

His father, Kevin Jackson, tells his story:

"About a year ago, Daniel’s speech therapist recommended that he started using Makaton. I went on a course at college and we started watching the TV series Something Special together.

"Now, other members of my family, staff at Daniel’s play group, his child minder and education worker all use Makaton. And he can communicate basic needs such as yes, no, food and drink.

"I use the signs core vocabulary books, though at the moment some of the signs are not that relevant to Daniel's needs. I also have the Something Special DVDs and I hope there will be more of these soon."

March 2006