Being a teenager is never easy and neither is being the parent of a teenager. But for Luc Lederle, 16, and his parents Carl and Non it is harder. Luc has autism and is non-verbal.
Not being able to communicate, to say what he wants or how he is feeling can cause frustration, said Non. But Makaton, a type of sign language that incorporates some language, has helped Luc and his family, who live in Colwyn Bay.
Non, who started learning Makaton when Luc was nine, studied it to such a high level during lockdowns that she is now a fully qualified tutor. She said it has helped her and Luc communicate to such an extent he can even make jokes now, tell her how proud he is when he achieves something and what he wants to eat or drink.
