What is Makaton?

Makaton is a way of making communication easier and clearer for young people. It uses a mix of signs, symbols, and speech so there are more ways to get a message across. The signs (which are based on British Sign Language in the UK) are used alongside spoken words, while simple pictures or symbols can provide an extra layer of
communication.

For example, someone might say a word and sign it at the same time, or point to a simple picture symbol. This helps with both understanding and expression, making it easier to share ideas, feelings, and choices.

Why we use it in Speech & Language Therapy

Makaton is used with young people, especially those with communication difficulties linked to autism, Down syndrome, learning disabilities, or developmental delays. But it can be helpful for anyone who needs a little extra support.

The great thing about Makaton is that it is a total communication approach. Helping young people to build confidence, reduce frustration, and gives them their voices – not only to be part of the conversation, but to understand the conversation around them.

How it Works

We offer Makaton Training that is designed to introduce vocabulary in a structured way, so that
caregivers, education settings, and professionals can use the most useful words and signs first,
progressing to more complex ones in the latter stages.

The Core Vocabulary is split into 8 stages (sometimes grouped into “Levels” in training). Each
stage introduces a set of essential signs and symbols, and it looks something like this:

Getting the Basics

We begin with learning everyday essentials: family members, people, action words (eat, drink, go), feelings (happy, sad), important objects (toilet, car, book).

The focus is around meeting basic needs and daily routines.

Extending Vocabulary

Expanding to more verbs, describing words, and everyday concepts.

This stage includes things like colours, food/drink choices, and play vocabulary.

Learning to add More Detail

We move onto learn how to add more describing words and question words to your vocabulary.

This helps with expressing opinions, asking questions, and giving more detail.

Richer Conversations

Extending further to include time concepts (yesterday, tomorrow, morning), places, and explaining more complex feelings.

This helps to build richer conversations.

Advancing Skills

In the latter stages we gradually add in wider vocabulary to cover a broad range of topics (school, work, health, community, leisure, etc.).

These stages are flexible and tailored to your young person’s needs, based on their age, and
interests.

Safeguarding Modules

We believe every young person deserves to feel safe. But for those with complex needs, communicating when they need help can be especially difficult.

That’s why we offer additional support through a safeguarding module, designed to help adults recognise signs and develop the skills they need to keep young people safe at all times.