What is Makaton?

What is Makaton?

Understanding Makaton: A Communication Tool for All

Language is one of the most powerful ways to connect with others, but for some individuals, traditional spoken language is not the most effective means of communication. Makaton is a valuable tool designed to help people who have communication challenges express themselves. Whether for children with learning difficulties, individuals with speech delays, or people with developmental disabilities, Makaton provides a visual, simplified way to communicate ideas and concepts.

In this article, we’ll dive into what Makaton is, how it works, and why it’s such a beneficial communication system for a wide range of people.

What is Makaton?

Makaton is a language program that uses a combination of signs, symbols, and speech to support individuals who have difficulty communicating verbally. Developed in the 1970s by Dr. Tony and K. J. W. Hargreaves in the UK, Makaton was initially designed to help children and adults with learning disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, and other communication difficulties.

While it is not a fully developed language like sign languages such as Auslan or British Sign Language (BSL), Makaton is an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system. It uses a simplified set of signs and symbols that are designed to support and reinforce spoken language, making it easier for individuals to understand and express themselves.

How Does Makaton Work?

Makaton works by combining three key elements to enhance communication:

  1. Signs – Makaton uses hand gestures and motions that represent specific words, helping users associate physical movements with meanings.
  2. Symbols – In addition to signs, Makaton employs symbols—visual representations of words or ideas. These symbols can be pictures or diagrams that help reinforce the meaning of a particular word.
  3. Speech – Makaton is often used alongside speech. The combination of speaking the word while using the sign and symbol provides multisensory support to help individuals grasp the meaning of the communication.

This combination helps individuals with speech or language impairments express their thoughts, needs, and desires. Makaton is versatile and can be tailored to suit the needs of each individual, whether that’s with a few basic signs or more complex combinations of signs and symbols.

Who Uses Makaton?

Makaton is used by a wide range of people across different age groups and communication needs. It’s particularly helpful for:

  • Children: Makaton is often used with children who have learning disabilities, speech delays, or autism to support their language development. It’s a valuable tool for enhancing communication and helping children express themselves when verbal speech may be limited.

  • Adults with Communication Challenges: Makaton is also beneficial for adults who have difficulty with verbal communication due to conditions like stroke, brain injury, or neurological disorders. It can help these individuals maintain their ability to communicate more effectively with others.

  • Caregivers and Professionals: Teachers, caregivers, therapists, and family members who interact with individuals using Makaton can learn the system to support communication. Makaton is also commonly used by speech therapists and special education professionals.

The Structure of Makaton

Makaton uses a simplified version of signs that are primarily based on British Sign Language (BSL). However, unlike sign languages, Makaton is designed to be simplified and uses only a subset of the signs from BSL.

The system is designed to be easy to use, which makes it accessible to people of all ages and abilities. It helps reinforce spoken language by encouraging both verbal and visual communication, often in the form of signs and symbols that can be used to express a wide variety of words and ideas.

Makaton has different levels that can be introduced as needed:

  • Core Vocabulary: This includes basic, everyday words such as “hello,” “thank you,” “yes,” and “no.” These words are used in simple interactions and provide a foundation for communication.
  • Expanded Vocabulary: As the individual’s communication skills develop, additional signs and symbols are introduced, enabling more complex sentences and expressions.

Benefits of Makaton

Makaton offers numerous benefits for individuals who may struggle with verbal communication, including:

  1. Enhances Understanding: By combining speech with signs and symbols, Makaton helps individuals understand what others are saying. It reinforces meaning and ensures better comprehension.

  2. Improves Communication: Makaton allows people to express themselves, reducing frustration that may arise from being unable to communicate verbally. It enables both basic and complex ideas to be conveyed in a clear and understandable way.

  3. Inclusive: Makaton is used in a wide range of environments, from schools and therapy sessions to family homes and care settings. It provides an inclusive communication method that benefits both the user and their caregivers, educators, and peers.

  4. Supports Language Development: For children, Makaton can play a key role in promoting language development, helping them understand language and use it in meaningful ways. It can bridge the gap between non-verbal communication and verbal language.

  5. Versatile and Flexible: Makaton can be tailored to suit the needs of the individual, whether they require just a few basic signs or a comprehensive set of signs and symbols. It can also be adjusted as the user’s abilities develop over time.

When to Use Makaton

Makaton is typically used in situations where speech alone is not sufficient for effective communication. This includes environments where children or adults are struggling with language development, and it can be a useful tool in settings like:

  • Early childhood education and special education classrooms.
  • Speech therapy and language development sessions.
  • Homes where children or adults with communication difficulties live.
  • Healthcare settings where communication with individuals who have cognitive or developmental challenges is required.

Conclusion

Makaton is an invaluable communication system that helps individuals with communication challenges connect with others. By combining signs, symbols, and speech, Makaton supports understanding and expression in a way that empowers users to participate in daily life, express their needs, and form meaningful relationships.

Whether you're a caregiver, teacher, therapist, or family member, learning Makaton can be a transformative way to support someone in your care, offering them a greater sense of autonomy and the ability to communicate more effectively.

If you’re interested in learning more about Makaton, there are many resources available, including online courses, local training programs, and support from speech therapists and special education professionals.

Resources for Learning Makaton:

 

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