Abstract

Intensive Interaction is a highly effective approach for communicating and developing social interaction and engagement with difficult-to-reach individuals. This easy-to-use guide steers readers through the practical application of the approach, showing how positive results can best be achieved.

The authors explain clearly how to prepare for, carry out and reflect on the use of Intensive Interaction with a client or family member. A multitude of key questions are addressed, including finding the right setting, evaluating progress and disengaging effectively at the end of a session. In the final section they consider some of the wider implications of the approach, such as developing confidence as a practitioner and incorporating Intensive Interaction into long-term care or educational planning.

This practical and accessible book is a useful resource for speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, special school or further education teachers, social care professionals and anyone else caring for or working with people with social or communicative impairments. It will also be useful to practitioners already using the approach.

Graham Firth is the current Intensive Interaction Project Leader for the Leeds Partnerships NHS Trust, UK. He was previously a further education teacher for adults with severe or profound learning disabilities. Mark Barber coordinates Intensive Interaction at Bayside Special Developmental School in Melbourne, Australia. He also works as a Consultant in Profound Intellectual Disability and Severe Communication Impairment in Australia and New Zealand.
It offers a good workmanlike introduction to intensive interaction. It is non-technical and very accessible... It is clear that the writers have a deep knowledge and commitment to intensive interaction and these qualities underpin the worth of the book. This book is of value to those considering using intensive interaction in their work with people with profound and complex intellectual disability and as such may be considered a useful introduction to the subject.
The Frontline of Learning Disability Journal
This is a practical, enjoyable, easy-to-read guide, whose title does not do the contents justice. Stepping away from academia, this book is of equal value to those wishing to dip their first toe in as it is to those needing to structure substantial experience into bite sized pieces for training and supporting others... They address key questions of how to start, progress through and evaluate sessions, and finish with discussion of how to develop competencies.
Speech & Language Therapy in Practice