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Support Materials for Students with Special Education Needs
English K–6
Case Studies
Case study 4
Summary of expressive communication – Miguel
Name: Miguel
Age: 7 years, 10 months
Date: November 2010
Broad function Function
Intentionality Behaviour(s) (forms)
Target
Expressing needs Request food Pre-intentional
• When offered a choice • Increase consistency
and wants
and objects
(some possible
of two food items,
and extent of use
evidence of
he sometimes requests
of smiling to request
intentionality
his preferred choice
• Add vocalisation and
during
by smiling for ‘yes’
lift of arm/head
mealtime)
• Uses vocalisation
‘owa’ for water
Request actions Pre-intentional
• When asked ‘do you • Increase consistency
from others (eg
want more?’ he will
and extent of use
continuation)
vocalise ‘em’.
of ‘em’ for more
Behaviour is most
consistently used
during mealtimes
Request
Pre-intentional
• Smiles
• Increase use of hand/
activities
• Sometimes lifts
arm in addition to smile
hand/arm
• Enhance by shaping
to a reach
Protest
Reject
Pre-intentional
• Pokes tongue out
• Increase frequency
to reject food or a
and extent of use
touch he doesn’t like,
to other activities
eg head rub
• Add vocalisation
(eg ‘nnn’ to express
dislike or ‘had enough’)
Refuse
Pre-intentional
• Pokes tongue out
• Increase use of head
• Sometimes places
down and away as
head down and away
refusing by consistent
from communication
interpreting
partner
• Add vocalisation
(eg ‘nnn’ to express
dislike or ‘had enough’)
Escape
Cessation
Ask permission
Seek
confirmation
Ask for help
