Module 3: Behaviour is Communication
Introduction
A student with complex needs uses a variety of ways to communicate including vocalizations, gestures, body language, facial expressions, and in some cases, speech. Many of these are ones we all use, such as a smile to indicate happiness and a wave to greet. Generally, these methods are seen as useful and communicative. For example, teach students to look at an object they want, look for changes in a student’s facial expression to determine if they are in pain, and understand that different vocalizations mean different things. However, sometimes a student communicates in a way that isn’t accepted at school such as being loud, grabbing, or hitting. These forms of communicating are more likely to be labeled behaviours and bring about responses such as stopping the student or removing them from the setting.
This module explains what is meant by behaviour is communication and explores some underlying reasons why students might use behaviours to communicate. Included are strategies that can be used to support a student to develop their skills by understanding the behaviours they currently use and adapt what we are doing to better support them.
What You Will Learn:
- What behaviour is communication means
- Why students use behaviours to communicate
- Supportive strategies