Special boards that help boost communication skills for children with neurodivergent conditions have been installed at the council play park in Brodick and across North Ayrshire.
The boards help youngsters with neurodivergent conditions – including autism, dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – by giving them simple images, symbols and patterns to help them express themselves and communicate.
They also help children to independently indicate how they feel or what they need, which is particularly good for those who are non-verbal.
Symbols included are those for: stop, eat, help, good, bad, hello, thank you, look, watch and listen.
The boards can also encourage other children to interact with those who can’t speak and get them involved in their play and activities.
In addition to the board at Brodick play park the council’s Streetscene team has installed boards at: Mackerston at Largs; Dalry; Eglinton Park in Irvine; Winton Circus in Saltcoats; Stevenston and Fairlie.
Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and economy, said: “These boards are a great tool that helps make play fun and enjoyable for all children.
“As a council, it is our aim to ensure that our play facilities are suitable for all, and are inclusive. One of the great joys of being a child is the freedom to play outdoors, and we want all young people to be able to make the best of the facilities.”
Work to improve and update play equipment at the council’s 95 play parks is also progressing well with various pieces of equipment being installed, including for those with mobility issues and disabilities.
Neurodivergence is a term for people whose brains function differently than is considered standard or typical. It refers to individuals who live with conditions relating to cognitive functions and social ability, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, obsessive compulsive disorder, Tourette’s Syndrome, Asperger’s Syndrome and many others.
