Finding a common language, even a non-verbal one, and earning the attention and respect of a person with special needs is one of the mains aims of teachers and parents. Naked Heart expert and a clinical psychologist Tatiana Morozova talked to Dr Rachel Harkawik about how to build communication with children and young people with special needs and not lose hope in difficult situations.

Rachel Harkawik is doctor of medical speech pathology from the University of Pittsburgh. A certified speech therapist, language and speech development specialist and expert in the area of evidence-based methods of augmentative and alternative communication in relation to autism, she specialises in the selection of modern, comprehensive family support services and environments for people of all ages in accordance with their communication needs.

Dr Harkawik answered questions from parents and specialists about how to develop communication with non-verbal children with ASD, and which methods of augmentative communication to select. She explained the difference between communication and verbal speech and discussed joint attention and why it is important. Rachel shared her methods of working with non-verbal children, explained how to use short-term assistance programmes correctly and discussed the role of gadgets in working with children with ASD.

In addition, at the Foundation’s request, Rachel answered questions from parents and specialists on how to cope with a child’s aggression, how to expand their circle of interests and how to increase their motivation. Don’t miss the presentation by Director of the Autism Program, Patricia Osborne, at the international Every Child Deserves a Family forum, in which she explains why communication is a prerequisite for inclusive education.

The importance of augmentative and alternative communication was the subject of a special workshop at our 2016 Forum.

Previously, we have published the following interviews in the Q&A section:

1. Specialist in cerebral palsy, John Phillips, on brain development
2. Neurologist Nathan Koll on undesirable behaviour
3. Speech therapist and specialist in chewing and swallowing-related problems, Emilia Scenasi, on working with children with eating difficulties
4. Paediatrician Joanna Lomas Mevers on personal hygiene and the development of behavioural skills