Makaton is a language programme that uses signs, symbols, facial expressions and speech. It’s often used by those who have difficulties communicating verbally, including many under-fives. For ...

Tasha said learning the language programme Makaton enabled her to communicate with her son TJ "Since we've been able to communicate, our bond has become so much stronger," says mum Tasha of her son TJ ...

Chris shares his experiences of communicating with his son Jake using the language programme ...

Eve is qualified to teach Makaton at Level 3 and says she loves being back at school A woman with Down's syndrome who teaches Makaton has said it feels amazing to go back to her old school as a ...

Using Makaton in France to communicate during lunch time (Picture: Getty) Autism Spectrum Disorder encompasses a wide range of disabilities. Some who have non-verbal autism, or generally struggle to ...

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or ...

Being a teenager is never easy and neither is being the parent of a teenager. But for Luc Lederle, 16, and his parents Carl and Non it is harder. Luc has autism and is non-verbal. Not being able to ...

Something Special, his show for children with special educational needs, has earned its star Justin Fletcher an MBE, children’s Baftas and generations of fans. Our writer and his daughter spend a day ...

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or ...

Despite being non-verbal 17-year-old Troy McKay has used his voice to create a unique choir. Troy is a pupil at Fleming Fulton Special School in Belfast, and communicates through an app on his ...