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What is Intensive Interaction?

The Intensive Interaction Institute gives this definition: “Intensive Interaction is an approach to teaching the pre-speech fundamentals of communication to adults who have severe learning difficulties and/or autism and who are still at an early stage of communication development.” www.intensiveinteraction.co.uk

So what does this mean? Well, some people with a learning disability may not understand speech or use speech. They may also have difficulty with social skills, so they might not use eye contact or take turns with others. They may behave passively - waiting for things to happen and not initiating; or they may be excessively active - as they don’t understand the rules of communication e.g. awaiting their turn. 
These behaviours tell us they are likely to be at an early stage of communication development.

Intensive Interaction is about encouraging communication skills and building better relationships with people. To achieve this, professionals supporting the individual adapt to the person's communication needs or personal style. The focus of change isnot so much on the person with a learning disability but on the professional or family member who will learn how to interact more effectively with them.

How is Intensive Interaction used?

By progressively developing enjoyable and relaxed interaction sequences.

By frequent repetition which gradually grows in duration, complexity and sophistication.

By using and developing the skills that help a baby to communicate in its first year.

How is Intensive Interaction useful?

It can be done anywhere at anytime - from supermarket to bedtime.

Good idea to have some allocated time too.

It is intense, frequent, fun, playful and enjoyable.

Where can I learn more about Intensive Interaction?

Have a look at the Intensive Interaction Institute. Information about future day long courses in Intensive Interaction can be gained from us at OTC - ask about courses in your area.

Books: A Practical Guide to Intensive Interaction Nind and Hewett (2001). Published by BILD.
Video: “Creative Conversations: Communicating with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities” by Phoebe Caldwell, Pavilion Publishers.
Online article: "Creative Conversations: Making a training video on the use of Intensive Interaction to communicate with people with profound learning disability." Living WELL,  Aug 2005  by Caldwell, Phoebe

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Sadly, Mahmoud passed away on the 18th May this year.

Many people have contibuted to the development of the SMILE project and OTC website with their individualised approach to communication, Mahmoud Rakha was amongst these people and we thank him for that. He had a very good sense of humour and made others laugh very easily. He will be sadly missed by all in our service. ~ Jayne England, SMILE