It helps us communicate as a family

Molly O'Brien, 3, has global developmental delay and communication difficulties. She is at mainstream nursery, with support from the local education authority.

Her mother, Rachel O'Brien tells her story:

"Molly started using Makaton from the age of about 18 months old, I used lots of gestures while talking to her and realised that my gestures were very similar to some signs, such as ball, drink, and eat. So I decided that I wanted to develop my own skills to enhance Molly's chance of communicating.

"I work with adults with learning difficulties so was aware of training in my local area. I applied to do a basic workshop, the Foundation Workshop (Stages 1-4 and Additional) and that was it, I became hooked! Everyday situations bring new signs in to our lives: from saying thank you in our local shop to waving at the postman and learning the sign for letters and post

"We watch Something Special together every day and love the 'singing hands' ladies. I ask our speech and language therapist for new signs if we need help and I am just about to start the Enhancement Workshop (Stages 5-8).

"Molly's signs are still a little vague and not polished, but her family and carers are aware of this, so it's not a problem. As long as we all sign correctly, I'm confident she will improve. The signs are a good re-enforcer for some of the sounds and a few words that she is trying to use, and help us to communicate as a family. All our immediate family know the basics and always ask if they are not sure.

"We did try PECS for a while but felt Molly was a little too young. We are using a choosing board at nursery, which seems to be effective.

"Makaton has helped me personally, I felt so helpless and worried that Molly would be isolated and frustrated if she could not express herself. Although we are still in the early stages of learning, and only at single signs, I feel that they help her to try and express herself. Her favourite signs are 'ice cream' and 'more', and she can sign both beautifully!"

June 2008