Elation

Tova Kinnan, 27, has severe learning disabilities and is on the autistic spectrum. Makaton enabled her to communicate after years of frustration.

Her mother, Laura Kinnan, tells her story:

"Tova's behaviour was definitely challenging: self-hitting, screaming, running all over the place, shut off into herself. Then, over 20 years ago, she met a wonderful speech therapist who broke through by teaching some Makaton signs. I think 'biscuit' and 'toilet' may have been the first ones.

"When Tova made these signs and saw that people understood... well I can still see the look of elation on her face.

“Tova now has at least 200 signs to her vocabulary - although admittedly not all are accurate! But at least I know what she is trying to tell me.

"Tova still has no speech and makes loud vocalisation. She uses an iPAQ speaking device, and sometimes a Makaton symbol book. But her first language, when she wakes up in the morning, or of course if she doesn't have her iPAQ to hand, is Makaton signing.

"When recently she came round from a general anaesthetic, Tova signed 'lady', as she could see the nurse leaning over her. The nurse was delighted when I explained to her. Perhaps nurses should be trained in Makaton too.

"Just try to imagine yourself: you have no language, or if you do, no-one understands what you are saying. No wonder people have difficult behaviour.

"My only concern is for the future and that there will be people supporting Tova who will be trained in signing."

April 2006