At Ferndale School many classes use a communication skills programme called Intensive Interaction.

This is often included as part of the students' individual education programmes.

Students interactions are videoed to record development and progress.

School Practitioners of Intensive Interaction meet regularly to consider how to make ongoing

improvements to class and individual programmes.

Defining Intense Interaction - Implementing Intensive Interaction in Schools by Mary Kellett & Melanie Nind.

Intensive Interaction is an approach that facilitates the development of fundamental social and communication abilities in people with learning difficulties, based on the model of caregiver-infant interactions.

The approach works by progressively developing enjoyable and relaxed interaction sequences between the interaction partner and the person doing the learning.

These interaction sequences are repeated frequently and gradually grow in duration, complexity and sophistication. As this happens, the fundamentals of communication are gradually rehearsed and learned in a nurturing and naturalistic manner. Intensive interaction has proven successful for students with severe learning difficulties, of all ages, including those on the Autistic Spectrum.

At Ferndale School the Intensive Interaction Programme allows many of our students to develop essential skills in communication and social interaction. Therapists are able to support families who are interested in using these techniques within their family/whanau.

Please directly should you require further information on this or any other educational programme.