Like a light coming on

Joshua Baker, 2, has speech difficulties. He is starting nursery at the beginning of next year.

His mother, Karen Hunter, tells Joshua's story:

"Joshua started using Makaton 6 months ago, through watching Something Special with his two older brothers. Before he used Makaton signing, Joshua had no speech, only sounds.

"I was worried that he had a serious problem, but since using Makaton he has developed quite a lot of speech: he still isn't great but has enough, with the signing, to get understood.

"Now my other two sons and my Mum are picking up some of the signs too. We don't always understand what Joshua says when he doesn't sign, but when he does we all understand.

"I love the way that Makaton has enabled my son to develop his speech and make himself understood. It was like a light coming on when he very first used it and was understood. He is a lot more confident and loves to know that everyone understands him."

July 2008