Improving communication with Talking Mats

By breaking down a conversation into these small, manageable visual chunks, Talking Mats reduces the cognitive load on the person. It moves the focus away from the pressure of having to find the right words and places it on the simple act of choosing and placing a card. This can be a huge relief for people who find spoken communication a struggle.

The origins of Talking Mats

Talking Mats was developed in Scotland in the late 1990s by Lois Cameron, a speech and language therapist. Her work was born out of a deep dissatisfaction with traditional communication assessments and a recognition that many people with communication difficulties were not being given a genuine voice. She wanted to create a tool that was empowering, not just a way for professionals to gather information. Cameron's core principle was that a person's communication-not just their speech-must be understood, valued, and supported.

The system was initially developed for people with intellectual disabilities and communication impairments. However, its effectiveness quickly led to it being used with a much wider range of people. It is now used globally in a variety of settings, including social care, health care, education, and even in legal settings.

The development of Talking Mats was not just about creating a set of cards and a mat. It was a rigorous process, underpinned by extensive research. Lois Cameron and her colleagues conducted studies to ensure the symbols were easily understood and that the overall method was reliable and valid. This evidence-based approach has given Talking Mats a strong reputation as a credible and effective communication tool.

How do Talking Mats work?

The process is person-centred and collaborative. It is not a test or an interrogation. The facilitator, who could be a parent, support worker, teacher, or therapist, guides the session.

The process typically follows these steps:

1. Preparation

   The facilitator chooses the right topic and symbol cards for the session. For a person with autism, it is crucial to think about their interests and what is most important to them. For example, if the person has a deep interest in trains, a Talking Mats session could be centred around their feelings about different types of trains, or where they like to travel.

2. Introduction

   The facilitator introduces the mat and the symbols. They might say, "This is our talking mat. The top is for things you like, the bottom is for things you do not like, and the middle is for things you are not sure about or feel neutral about". They model the process first to ensure the person understands the concept.

3. The Conversation

   The facilitator presents the topic and then offers the symbol cards one by one. The person then places the cards on the mat. The facilitator may ask a question like, "Where would you put this one?" or "How do you feel about this?" The person's response is the placement of the card.

4. Reflection

   Once all the cards are placed, the facilitator and the person look at the completed mat. The mat provides a visual summary of the person's opinions. This is an important part of the process, as it allows the person to see their own thoughts laid out in front of them. It also allows the facilitator to check for understanding and to ask clarifying questions in a way that is not intimidating. For example, "I can see you put the 'swimming' card at the bottom. Can you tell me more about that?"

One of the key strengths of Talking Mats is its non-intrusive nature. The person is not pressured to speak. The silence is not awkward; it is a time for them to process and think. The physical act of placing the card gives them a sense of control and agency that is often missing in other communication methods.

How do Talking Mats help people?

For people with autism, who often think in pictures and find social communication and abstract language difficult, Talking Mats are a natural fit. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. They reduce anxiety and pressure

   The traditional question-and-answer format can be very stressful. A person with autism might feel pressured to respond immediately, to make eye contact, or to formulate their thoughts into spoken language. Talking Mats removes this pressure. The physical, visual nature of the mat is concrete and predictable. It provides a safe space for communication to happen.

2. They aid cognitive processing

   Many people with autism have difficulty with auditory processing and working memory. When someone speaks to them, they have to hold a lot of information in their mind at once: the words themselves, the speaker's tone, and the social context. Talking Mats bypasses these challenges. It presents one concept at a time, allowing the person to process it at their own pace.

3. They support decision-making and personal choice

   Giving people a voice in their own lives is fundamental to their well-being. Talking Mats allows people to express their preferences about everyday things, from what they would like to eat for dinner, to where they would like to go on holiday. This can also extend to more significant life choices, such as their support plan or living arrangements. It moves the person from a passive recipient of care to an active participant.

4. They encourage self-expression and emotional literacy

   Talking Mats can be used to explore feelings and emotions. A set of symbol cards might include pictures representing "happy", "sad", "angry", and "calm". By placing these cards on the mat in relation to different activities, the person can express their emotional state in a way that does not require verbal explanation. This can be a first step towards developing a greater understanding of their own feelings.

5. They provide a clear record of what was said

   The finished mat is a tangible record of the person's views. It can be photographed or documented, providing a valuable source of information for their support plan. For a social care support worker like myself, this is an invaluable tool for ensuring we are providing truly person-centred care. It provides objective evidence of the person's preferences and wishes, which can be shared with other professionals in a clear and consistent way.

6. They bridge communication gaps with family and carers

   Family members and carers can sometimes find it difficult to know what their loved one is thinking or feeling. Talking Mats provides a structured and positive way for them to connect. It can help them understand their loved one's perspective and build a stronger, more trusting relationship.

Setting up a Talking Mats system at home

The good news is that you don't need to be a professional to use Talking Mats! With the right resources and a clear understanding of the principles, it is something that can be used effectively at home - anywhere, in fact.

Step 1: Get the right materials

You can purchase official Talking Mats resources directly from the Talking Mats organisation. They offer various sets of symbol cards covering different topics, from "home and leisure" to "health" and "relationships". These sets are a worthwhile investment as they have been designed and researched to be effective. However, you can also create your own basic Talking Mats system.

• The mat

  A simple piece of coloured fabric, a felt mat, or even a large piece of paper can be used. Just make sure it is a different colour from the symbol cards and is divided into three distinct sections. You can draw lines or use different coloured tape to mark the sections. Label the sections with a simple visual cue, such as a happy face, a neutral face, and a sad face.

• The symbol cards

  You can use your own pictures, drawings, or even photos. For example, if you want to talk about food, you could use pictures from a magazine or print them out from the internet. The key is to make sure the pictures are clear and relevant to the person. For a person with autism, it is crucial that the pictures are not abstract or confusing.

• The topic cards

  These can be simple written words or pictures representing the subject of the conversation, for example, "Things I like to do in the garden" or "Foods for dinner". You need a topic card for any kind of decision that might need to be made.

Step 2: Learn the core principles

Before you begin, it is important to understand the key principles of the Talking Mats method.

• The facilitator's role is not to lead, but to follow

  Your job is to listen and observe. Do not put words in the person's mouth or try to interpret their choices without checking with them first.

• The person is in control

  They decide where the cards go. You are there to provide the cards and the mat and to ensure the process is clear.

• Respect their choices, even if they seem unusual

  A person might place a card in an unexpected place. This could be an opportunity for a new insight. For example, if they place "going to the park" at the bottom of the mat, it may not be that they do not like the park itself, but that they dislike the journey to get there.

• Start with simple, fun topics

  Begin with things you know the person enjoys. This helps them get familiar with the system in a positive, low-pressure way. For example, you could start with a topic like "My favourite superheroes" or "Things I like about my favourite TV programme".

• Keep it short and sweet

  Do not try to cover too many topics at once. A Talking Mats session can be as short as five minutes. The goal is to make it a positive experience that the person will want to do again.

Talking Mats is more than just a communication tool. It's more like a philosophy of respect and empowerment. It's based on the belief that everyone, regardless of their communication abilities, has a right to have their voice heard and their views respected.

For people with autism and learning disabilities, Talking Mats provide a safe, structured, and effective way to share their world with others. It can transform relationships, reduce frustration, and give people the control and dignity they deserve. It makes sure every voice, no matter how quiet, is heard.