Makaton is a means of communication combining spoken language, sign language, and symbols. It is particularly effective in communicating with people with Downs Syndrome and some forms of autism, also for dementia and stroke patients.

It takes its name from those of its three creators - Margaret Walker, Katherine Johnson, and Tony Cornforth, who all worked for the British charity the Royal Association for Deaf People. The name was trademarked in the 1970s.

There are 8 stages to the teaching of Makaton, usually beginning with simple needs, such as eating or drinking, which can be progressed to quite complex concepts. It can be tailored to suit the individual's needs. Although it was originally developed in the UK, and the sign language element of it based on British Sign Language, it has been adapted into many languages and cultures.

Although it is used by all ages, in the UK many will be familiar with it from its prominence on the children's TV channel CBeebies, where the Makaton speaker Mr Tumble (aka Justin Fletcher) has achieved something of a cult following!

More Info: en.wikipedia.org