If You Support a Makaton User, You Need Makaton Training — Here’s Why

When someone you work with, care for, or live alongside uses Makaton to communicate, learning Makaton isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.

Makaton is more than signs and symbols. It’s a lifeline to understanding, inclusion, confidence, and independence. If someone relies on Makaton to make sense of the world around them, then those supporting them need to speak their language — literally.

Whether you're a teacher, support worker, frontline worker, parent, therapist, carer, or colleague, Makaton training can transform your relationship with the person you’re supporting. Here’s why.

1. You’re Building a Two-Way Street

Makaton isn’t just about helping someone express their needs — it’s about shared communication. If they’re using signs or symbols and you don’t understand them, that street becomes one-way, and frustrating fast.

By learning Makaton, you’re saying:

“I see how you communicate, and I’m meeting you there.”

That can be hugely empowering for the Makaton user — and incredibly rewarding for you.

2. You’re Supporting Confidence and Mental Wellbeing

When someone feels understood, their confidence grows. Makaton users are more likely to express their thoughts, feelings, and choices when they know others around them can understand and respond.

Lack of communication support can lead to:

• Withdrawal

• Frustration

• Behaviour that challenges

• Low self-esteem

• 
  

Learning Makaton removes those barriers and supports better mental health, autonomy, and trust.

3. You’ll Improve Day-to-Day Interactions

Simple, everyday exchanges can become smoother and more meaningful when you use Makaton — whether it’s:

• Offering choices

• Giving praise or encouragement

• Setting expectations

• Supporting routines

• Reassuring in unfamiliar situations

  
  

Even just knowing core signs like toilet, help, stop, more, finish, good, wait, or tired can make a big difference in how someone navigates their day.

4. You’ll Reduce Misunderstandings and Behaviour Challenges

Often, what appears to be “behaviours of concern” is really a communication breakdown. If a person can’t express their needs or emotions and feels unheard, distress behaviours may escalate.

Makaton-trained supporters can spot signs earlier, respond more effectively, and adapt their communication in real-time — reducing stress for everyone involved.

5. You’re Strengthening Inclusion and Belonging

Using Makaton sends a powerful message:

“You belong here.”

When Makaton users see people in their environment signing, they feel safe, included, and respected. It also promotes inclusivity within wider teams and settings — from classrooms and community spaces to workplaces and healthcare environments.

6. You're Leading by Example

Whether you're a parent, manager, or educator, learning Makaton sets the tone for others. It shows a commitment to equality, accessibility, and person-centred support. And that culture spreads.

Final Thoughts

If someone you support uses Makaton, your training matters. You don’t have to be fluent — just being willing to learn and use even a few signs can open doors to connection, independence, and joy.

Makaton training is one of the simplest, most powerful steps you can take to strengthen your support and make sure the person you care for is truly heard.

👉 Ready to get started with Makaton training? Reach out to find out more about upcoming sessions, private workshops, or team CPD options.

Drop me an email to find out more or get a quote - alimakatontutor@gmail.com