'How I helped my autistic son find his voice'

A former Royal Marine who admits he "couldn't cope" with his autistic son not talking has hailed a communication system for helping him find his voice.

Jake was not speaking at the age of four and had frequent meltdowns, fuelled by frustration at being unable to communicate clearly.

Three years ago, the family were introduced to Makaton, which uses signs, symbols and speech to help people of all ages who need support.

Jake's father, Chris, from Grimsby, said Makaton had "stopped or distracted from many of his meltdowns", adding they were now "manageable".

Chris, 36, who fought in Afghanistan, said: "I was trying my hardest as a dad. I found it extremely difficult putting so much effort into him and getting so little back.

"Mentally, it was a struggle for me not being able to do the things I wanted to do with him, the things that I did with my older son."

Chris said Jake, now seven, would "babble a lot", and that he "had no idea what he wanted".

"He (Jake) would go into a crisis where I would have to physically restrain him because he would hurt himself, other kids, other adults.

"It was all through the lack of communication and frustration that he had."

In 2023, Chris discovered Makaton during an internet search.

Signs are taken from British Sign Language and paired with symbols and speech to add meaning to what is being communicated.

Direction, placement and movement are some of the techniques used to enhance communication when using signs.

According to Chris, Jake's communication, language and interaction "has really come on".

Chris's partner, Cassini, said Jake's frustration had an impact on family life.

"Trips to the park, meals out or even changes to routine, could become incredibly difficult because Jake couldn't always tell us what was wrong or what he needed, she said.

"It wasn't just about helping him (Jake) communicate; it was about giving him a voice, reducing his frustrations and allowing him to experience more of the world around him."

Jake now attends a special needs school.

He has learned to read sentences by learning words and their symbols in an order, paired with the meaning underneath the symbols.

Chris said: "Having a special needs child has been exceedingly difficult, probably the biggest challenge I have faced, but it has made me be the father I am today and an all-round better person."

Chris was taught by Sarah Arthur, a qualified Makaton tutor and ambassador for the Makaton Charity, who provides Makaton training to parents, carers and professionals.

Sarah said: "When people are at their most vulnerable, communication breaks down.

"If they go to a hospital, doctor or dentist, it would be nice for people to be able to communicate effectively to help reduce those anxieties."

A spokesperson for Makaton Charity said: "Communication is a fundamental human right. For many people communication barriers can effect education, employment, healthcare, relationships and participation in community life. Makaton helps to remove these barriers."

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