Our Approach

What is Intensive Interaction?

In a nutshell, Intensive Interaction enables practitioners and family members to simplify and fine tune their communication style.

In so doing the person they are supporting is empowered to successfully connect and engage in a two-way exchange.

These meaningful and enjoyable interactions in turn promote social inclusion and emotional well-being and support the development of The Fundamentals of Communication.

Access to this video will be available in the coming weeks

The Fundamentals of Communication

Personal space

the ability to share personal space comfortably with others

Attending

developing the ability to attend to another person

Physical contact

understanding and using physical contacts

Eye contact

understanding and using eye contacts

Facial expression

understanding and using facial expressions

Turn taking

learning to take turns in exchanges of behaviour … and engage in sequences of activity with another person

Vocalisation

understanding and using vocalisations meaningfully (including speech development)

Being with others

enjoying being with another person

The emotional and psychological outcomes of Intensive Interaction include

Connection

Attunement, connection, attachment, rapport

Arousal

Learning to regulate and control arousal levels - learning to feel safe, secure, calm

Sense of self

Building sense of self, self-esteem and sense of agency

Feelings

Learning to identify own feelings and the feelings of others

Care and trust

Knowing that others care and learning to trust others

Empathy

Developing empathy and learning to care; knowing/caring about how somebody else feels