Autism and Learning Difficulties
Michael Rosen meets parents, researchers and carers to explore new thinking about ways to communicate with people with autism or profound learning disabilities.
Michael Rosen meets parents, researchers and carers to explore the ways we communicate with people with autism or profound learning disabilities. Phoebe Caldwell talks about the principles of "intensive interaction", and why listening and non verbal communication are central to her work. Researchers at the Norah Fry Research Centre in Bristol explain why changing the way we communicate with people with disabilities can challenge preconceptions, and make relationships more open, friendly and equal. And Ruth Hendery, the head teacher at St Crispin's special school in Edinburgh, explains how communication works in her school, and why it's so important to get it right.
Producer: Chris Ledgard.
Last on
More episodes
Next
Broadcasts
- Tue 15 Jan 201316:00BBC Radio 4
- Mon 21 Jan 201323:00BBC Radio 4
Listen to Michael Rosen in conversation with The Open University
Hear Michael reveal his own language journey.
Idioms Quiz
Explore why languages have idioms with The Open University’s quiz.
Explore the OU’s Cultural Idioms Guide
Explore how some cultural idioms entered the English Language.
From blunk to brickfielder: our wonderful words for weather
Exploring creative descriptions for wind, rainfall and sunny spells from around the world
Digital body language – how to communicate better online
We need to find new ways of talking to each other “virtually”.
Coinages that changed the world – and some that tried to...
Exploring the hidden histories of obscure words, and common buzz phrases.
Ittibitium, borborygmus, and Ba humbugi – 14 wonderful science words you’ve never heard of
Michael Rosen puts the language of science under the microscope.
Download this programme
Subscribe to this programme or download individual episodes.
Keywords for Our Time
Series of programmes examining key phrases in public debate.
Smiley face: Seven things you didn't know about emoji
Some facts about emoji - possibly the world's first truly global form of communication.
The funny words that kids invent
Have a look at some of the fantastic words that children invent and reimagine.
Podcast
![]()
Word of Mouth
Series exploring the world of words and the ways in which we use them
