Free spirit

Jacob Devine, 3½, has Down's syndrome. He attends a special school three days a week and a mainstream nursery one and a half days a week. He has no spoken word, yet.

His mother, Wendy Devine, tells his story:

“We first heard about Makaton from my Mum, when Jacob was a few months old, not knowing he had Down's at that stage, and just signed 'milk' with him.

“I began to use Makaton through our local Portage Service. I only attended one of their drop in sessions because they did a five minute sign class at the end of the meeting. I found it very easy to pick up 10 - 12 signs per week.

“Unfortunately, they interchanged Makaton and Signalong signs, with no explanation of which was which, so I too used to mix Makaton with Signalong. But now I try to get everyone to only use Makaton.

“I developed my use of Makaton through using the Dave Benson Phillips nursery rhymes video, the Something Special TV programmes, and with help from the speech therapy department and the Portage service. I now know all the basic signs, to a high standard, as does Jacob.

“Jacob has moved from no communication, to him being, according to his school, one of the best signers they have ever had for his age. He is fluent and forthcoming with his communication, and Makaton provides him with a voice, peace of mind, and the ability to join in with adults and his Makaton peers.

“All members of our family (8-10 people) have taken on using Makaton to the best of their ability. And all of Jacobs teachers and support workers use it.

“Makaton has given my family the opportunity to understand Jacob's feelings, moods, needs, what he remembers, who he likes, what he wants to do, and where he wants to go. We hope that Jacob continues to develop into a free spirited, sensitive, fun, and caring little boy.”

February 2008