Reasonable adjustments are changes that can be made at school, home, or work to make things easier for a child or young person. These changes help reduce challenges linked to their needs, such as coping with routines or dealing with change.

You can ask for these adjustments to be made. Here are examples of adjustments that support speech, language and communication needs. Think about the adjustments that work best for an individual. Different strategies will work for different people. You may need to use more than one.

2. Use Visual Supports 

Visuals help with understanding, memory, and transitions. You can use: 

• Gestures and pointing 

• Drawings and diagrams 

• Interactive whiteboards, tablets, apps, and videos 

• Visual timetables, flowcharts, and signs 

• Language-rich displays around school or work 

More ideas: Visual Supports – National Autistic Society 

3. Use Multi-Sensory Teaching 

Use hands-on learning to support understanding, especially in subjects with lots of language. For example: 

• Use number lines in maths 

• Build a model volcano in geography 

• Start with real-life experiences 

• Focus on life skills and creative tasks 

Model the language you want them to use during activities. This helps with speaking and writing later.

4. Use Clear and Simple Language 

• Speak slowly 

• Give one instruction at a time 

• Keep sentences short 

• Pause between sentences 

• Repeat or rephrase if needed 

• Give instructions in the order they should be done 
  (e.g. “Finish question 10 before you go outside” is clearer than “Before you go outside, finish question 10.”) 

• Use simple words (e.g. “make” instead of “produce”) 

• Avoid idioms or explain them if you use them 

5. Support Storytelling and Conflict Resolution 

It can be hard for children and young people to explain their side of a story, especially after a conflict. Wait until they are calm. Then: 

• Give time and support 

• Use drawings or stick figures to talk through what happened 

• Explore who, what, where, when, and why 

• Talk about thoughts, feelings, and motivations 

More ideas: Comic Strip Conversations – BCUHB NHS  This information sheet tells you about Comic Strip Conversations and Social Stories.

6. Build Emotional Awareness 

Understanding emotions can be hard. Help by: 

• Talking about your own feelings out loud. You might say “I’m feeling frustrated because my laptop is slow.”

• Suggesting how they might feel. You might say “I wonder if you’re feeling anxious because you forgot your workbook.” 

• Using visuals like emotion charts or scales 

7. Understand Swearing During Dysregulation 

Swearing may happen when a child or young person is overwhelmed. It may not be intentional. Swear words are stored near the emotional part of the brain, not the language part. Swearing can be part of the fight-flight-freeze response and may not be meant to offend.