B
BUDDSBarnet Unified Document
for Down Syndrome

The SCERTS® Model

Educational framework for children with ASD and Down Syndrome focusing on Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, and Transactional Support, with speech and language therapy referral guidance

Overview

SCERTS® is an innovative educational model for working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families (for those CYP who have a dual diagnosis of DS and ASD). It provides specific guidelines for helping a child become a competent and confident social communicator, while preventing problem behaviours that interfere with learning and the development of relationships. It is also designed to help families, educators, and therapists work cooperatively as a team, in a carefully coordinated manner, to maximise progress in supporting a child. The acronym "SCERTS" refers to the focus on: "SC" - Social Communication - the development of spontaneous, functional communication, emotional expression and secure and trusting relationships with children and adults. "ER" - Emotional Regulation - the development of the ability to maintain a well-regulated emotional state to cope with everyday stress, and to be most available for learning and interacting. "TS" - Transactional Support - the development and implementation of supports to help partners respond to the person's needs and interests, modify the environment, and provide tools to enhance learning. Specific plans are developed to provide educational and emotional support to families and foster teamwork among professionals. (Prizant, Wetherby, Rubin & Laurent 2007).

Referring to Speech and Language Therapy

Information for Parents

  • My child is pre-school age - Either you, your nursery, GP, or Health Visitor can refer by completing the early years screener form and sending it with the referral form.
  • My child is school age - Speak to the school SENCo about your concerns. They can refer a child or Young Person to our service.

Information for Schools

Primary School Children

Please complete relevant forms from the SENCo pack and attach them to the referral form.

Secondary School Children

Please complete the secondary screener form and attach it to the referral form.