Children & Young People

At OHCI, we develop an individualised communication profile as part of each child or young person’s Care and Support Plan, taking into account:

Age, developmental level, cognitive ability, and first language.

Preferred communication tools (e.g., PECS, Makaton, Sign-Along, or AAC devices).

Sensory needs and behaviours that impact understanding and expression.

Family, friends, professionals networks input

Sensory needs based engagement

 

Specialist Staff Training
All staff will receive training in:

Autism awareness, learning disabilities, and positive behaviour support. Trainings include Oliver McGowan as well as Autism Awareness as well as PMVA.

Communication strategies such as Makaton, PECS, visual scheduling, and non-verbal cues, British Sign Language.

Responding supportively to behaviours that may arise from communication frustrations (e.g., self-injury, shutdowns).

 

Consistency and Relationship Building
We assign a consistent team of care workers to each child or young person to:

Build trust and familiarity.

Develop a shared understanding of non-verbal communication cues.

Ensure smooth continuity of communication methods, even in the absence of verbal language.

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Our staff employ proactive strategies such as;

• Establishing predictable routines and visual schedules to reduce uncertainty.

• Using structured communication methods (PECS, Makaton, AAC devices, social stories).

• Adjusting the sensory environment (noise, lighting, touch) to prevent overload.

• Encouraging choice and control to increase a child’s sense of autonomy.

• Building trust through positive reinforcement acknowledging small successes and effort.