Communication & Interaction SEND
What are communication and interaction needs?
Communication and interaction needs are one of the four broad areas of need that can affect learners with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Learners with communication and interaction needs may struggle to understand or use language, take part in conversations, or interpret social cues.
These challenges can affect learning, friendships, and confidence. But with the right support, students can thrive both academically and socially.
What are the signs a learner may have communication challenges?
Some learners may show one or more of the following signs:
Difficulty understanding instructions or new concepts
Struggling to express thoughts clearly
Finding it hard to understand body language, tone, or gestures
Challenges taking turns in group work or conversations
Avoiding social interaction or seeming withdrawn
Recognising these early helps tutors and teachers provide support before frustrations build up.
What conditions are normally associated with communication and interaction needs?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - may find social communication and understanding others tricky
Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) - difficulties with speaking, listening, or understanding language
Some learners might have both of the above, and their needs might overlap with other SEND areas. Every learner’s experience is unique.
How can you support learners with communication and interaction needs?
Here are some practical ways to help:
Use clear and structured communication – break instructions into small steps
Provide visual supports – diagrams, symbols, or written instructions can help understanding
Give extra processing time – some students need a little longer to respond
Encourage social interaction in safe settings – small group activities or paired work
Be patient and consistent – predictable routines help students feel secure
Visual schedules and prompt cards can make a big difference. Social stories or scripts can also help learners navigate tricky social situations. If you can, collaborate with speech and language specialists or your SEND coordinator to ensure tailored support for your learner.
Oxfordshire County Council have a range of guides and resources that you can use in your classroom to support learners with SLCN.
Peerscroller resources for communication and interaction needs
Peerscroller offers a range of videos and resource packs designed to help learners understand different needs, build inclusion, and support themselves or their classmates in everyday school life. Some of our related videos explore:
- Autism – how autism can affect communication, social interaction, and routines.
- ADHD and organisation – common experiences related to focus, attention, and managing tasks.
- Speech differences – how challenges like stammering and other ways students may communicate.
- Sensory and focus differences – how hyperfixations or overstimulation can affect behaviour and interaction.
You can explore some of this content in our Autism Awareness Week and Neurodiversity resource packs, but if you’d like to learn more about our content featured exclusive on the Peerscroller platform, you can make an enquiry about accessing Peerscroller here.
Sources & further reading
1. https://www.wholeschoolsend.org.uk/page/communication-and-interaction