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.

My training options include subsidised training for parent carers, please take a look at my public training page for booking links HERE

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

**Disclaimer**

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and thoughts and information expressed in these blogs are from my own personal thoughts and real life experiences, they do not contain advisory content. While always striving to provide accurate and up-to-date content, there are no guarantees about the completeness or reliability of any information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. 

All information on the site is provided in good faith, however, no representation or warranty is made of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the site.

These blogs are created from my own personal experience and are for general information purposes and are not, in any way, advisory. Where needed I have included research and reference links and further reading articles.

At times I have used AI generated content to reword my own thoughts and may include AI research of  information relevant to the blog and to create images relevant to my blogs, however whenever possible I have used my own images with permission from those featured in the images. My blogs are open to fair use.

Any questions or queries please do get in touch - alimakatontutor@gmail.com