Speech and Language Support for Post 16s course outline

The course runs for eight sessions, each with targets you will be able to achieve by the end of the course:

Session 1:  What is communication?

• Identify the processes involved in communication.
• Demonstrate the wide range of communication problems young adults can exhibit.

Session 2:  Understand the message

• Explore non-verbal communication.
• Improve listening skills.
• Use visual schedules and practice schedules.

Session 3:  Understand the words

• Identify words that the young adult has difficulty learning.
• Develop strategies to promote the understanding of vocabulary.

Session 4:  Understand the language

• Consider why understanding spoken language might be difficult.
• Learn how to modify the language to help the listener.
• Consider other issues such as non-literal language and bilingualism.

Session 5:  Understand the question

• A structure to explore the types of questions and language demands placed on a young adult.

Session 6:  Understand the situation

• What skills are needed to be 'streetwise'?
• What strategies can be used to develop this? (emotional literacy, comic strips, adapting to change).

Session 7:  The task of talking

• What are the barriers to talking?
• Consider the interaction.
• Reflect on opportunities provided to talk.
• Explore social skills.

Session 8:  Developing a communication plan

• Explore different everyday situations.
• What are the communication challenges?
• What changes can be implemented to support the young adult?