The Five Good Communication Standards (RCSLT)

Communication may be a primary barrier for a person with a learning disability or autism in understanding information and expressing themselves. It can impact their ability to exercise choice and control within their lives and to make their feelings known to those around them.

Challenging behaviour has been recognised as a means of communicating need. Behaving in a particular way may allow an individual to obtain something tangible or to avoid a situation they do not wish to participate in.

To enable an individual the most opportunity to communicate with those around them, we must plan for and accommodate their communication needs. This could be through simply giving the person the time and opportunity to speak. It may also be by facilitating communication through Makaton or pictures. Whatever their requirements, it is essential to delivering person-centred and least restrictive care.

Standard 1

There is a detailed description of how best to communicate with individuals.

Standard 2

Services demonstrate how they support individuals with communication needs to be involved with decisions about their care and their services.

Standard 3

Staff value and use competently the best approaches to communication with each individual they support.

Standard 4

Services create opportunities, relationships and environments that make individuals want to communicate.

Standard 5

Individuals are supported to understand and express their needs in relation to their health and wellbeing.

Resources and tools

Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists – Five good communication standards