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Support Materials for Students with Special Education Needs
English K–6
Case Studies
Case study 4
Communication dictionary
– Miguel
What Miguel does
What it means
What you should do
Pokes his tongue out
He has had enough or
Respond with a ‘yuck’ type vocalisation, eg ‘Nn’, and say
and holds it there.
doesn’t want the food
‘You’ve had enough’ and stop activity. Ask him if he
you are giving him.
would like to do something else using object symbols.
Puts head down
He doesn’t like something
accompanied by a
that is happening, for
vocalisation.
example a head rub.
Smiles (this is used most His choice of the two items If Miguel smiles for both choices, remind him that
consistently at meal
or activities presented.
he should only smile for one of the things offered.
times) spontaneously or
in response to a choice.
‘Yes’.
Encourage a big smile for his preference and no smile
for the unwanted item.
Lifts arm/head.
Always respond contingently, ie if he smiles for
something you think he shouldn’t want, you must
give it to him anyway.
Cries, stiffens body
Discomfort, pain, sickness.
Model an uncomfortable vocalisation, eg ‘ow’ or ‘ur’.
or grimaces.
Ask him basic questions about what might be making him
uncomfortable. For example, ‘Would you like your AFO’s
off?’ Encourage a smile reponse for ‘yes’. This may be
difficult if he is distressed, however on most occasions he
can manage a small smile even when he is uncomfortable.
Says ‘owa’.
He wants water.
Say ‘You want water’. Make a yum, yum sound.
Give him water.
Lifts arm and holds.
He wants item/object or
Use context and direction of Miguel’s reach or face to
Reaches.
attention.
determine what he wants. Respond accordingly.
