Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Slowing Down and Strengthening Communication

Not every week in the life of a Makaton Tutor is fast-paced—and this week has been a great reminder of the value in slowing down and focusing on meaningful, tailored support.

I delivered two family support sessions this week, each one offering the opportunity to explore communication in a more personalised and thoughtful way. Alongside being a Makaton Tutor, I’m also a qualified trainer and deliver bespoke Visual Communication training and support, which allowed me to bring an additional layer of support to one particular family.

This family are at the beginning of a new journey. Previously, their family member had been able to verbalise their wants and needs, but due to a significant life change, their communication has shifted. As a result, the family are now exploring new and unfamiliar ways to support understanding and expression.

Together, we explored how combining symbols, objects of reference, and gestures can create a powerful, multi-sensory approach to communication.

For families who are new to visual supports, it can feel like a big step. But what we discovered during the session was just how effective these strategies can be when introduced in a simple and consistent way. Using a symbol alongside an object, paired with a gesture or sign, helps to reinforce meaning and gives the individual multiple ways to process information.

This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals who experience challenges with language processing. It reduces the reliance on spoken language alone and instead creates clearer, more accessible communication opportunities.

What stood out most was the family’s openness to learning and adapting. Change can be difficult—especially when it follows an unexpected life event—but their willingness to embrace new strategies will make a meaningful difference in supporting their loved one.

Later in the week, I also delivered an online training session for a supported living service, Achieve Together, I have been delivering regular training opportunities for Achieve Together for over two years, it's wonderful that Makaton training is offered as part of their ongoing training package. Online sessions always bring a different dynamic, but this group were engaged, reflective, and full of thoughtful questions.

Some of the discussions we explored included:

• How can we introduce Makaton to adults who have never used signs before without it feeling overwhelming?

• What are the best ways to encourage consistency across a staff team with different levels of confidence?

• How do we adapt Makaton for individuals who have physical difficulties that make signing challenging?

• Can Makaton still be effective if the person we support doesn’t appear to copy or use the signs themselves?

• How can we embed Makaton naturally into daily routines?

  
  

These kinds of questions are always so valuable because they reflect real-life practice. They open up meaningful conversations about adapting communication to suit the individual, rather than expecting the individual to fit the communication method.

We explored practical, realistic strategies—like modelling signs consistently without pressure, using key signs in context and creating communication-rich environments where symbols and visual supports are part of everyday life.

Weeks like this may feel quieter on the surface, but they are just as impactful. Slowing down allows for deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and more confident implementation.

Because at the heart of it all, Makaton—and visual communication as a whole—is about meeting people where they are, and giving them the tools they need to connect with the world around them.