BATOD Scotland twilight session (6th October at 4pm – 5.30pm)- smiLE therapy
For further information contact [email protected]
Booking form available here
“What is smiLE Therapy and how does it work in a mainstream primary Enhanced Deaf Provision in Ayrshire?
This presentation will give an introduction to smiLE Therapy and show how it was successfully implemented in practice in Elderbank Primary Enhanced Deaf Provision.
smiLE Therapy (Strategies & Measurable Interaction in Live English) was created explicitly to teach pragmatics to Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students. That is, how we use language to support effective social interaction. It gives DHH students a structured and meaningful way to learn essential communication and social skills for everyday encounters in the mainstream world.
DHH children face disadvantages in everyday encounters, well documented in research. Language deprivation means they miss out on learning the pragmatics of language. Research highlights difficulties across the range of social communication skills including reduced ability to repair communication breakdown, maintain conversation, negotiate, problem solve and self-advocate. Consequently, learning potential from social interactions is reduced, often with long term consequences into adulthood.
smiLE Therapy uses authentic situations, before and after therapy videos of real interaction, guided role play, develops Theory of Mind and actively supports transferring of skills to the wider environment through parent workshops. Outcome measures are clear, measurable and visual.
Since 2009, smiLE Therapy has extended to DeafPlus students, students with Down Syndrome, Developmental Language Disorders, Learning Difficulties, Multi Sensory Impairment and Physical Disability. smiLE Therapy is also used with some Autistic students, where there are strict criteria, and where delivery is neurodiverse-affirming. smiLE Therapy is used in mainstream and specialist schools across primary, secondary, post 16 and 18-25 college settings.
Linda Montgomery and Jenna Quirk, QTODs, working at Elderbank Primary, will share how they introduced smiLE Therapy in their Enhanced Deaf Provision, how it developed, the challenges they’ve faced and overcome to achieve success for their pupils and families, other staff and themselves.
Karin Schamroth is the creator of smiLE Therapy and a specialist Speech & Language Therapist. Karin & her team train Teachers, Therapists, SENDCOs & OTs nationally and internationally.
Schamroth & Curtin (July 2025). Using smiLE Therapy to develop pragmatic skills. In Herman R. and Enns C., (eds) Communication Interventions and Deaf People, Perspectives on Deafness. Oxford, UK, Oxford University Press.
Schamroth & Lawlor (2015). smiLE Therapy: Functional Communication & Social skills for deaf students and students with special needs, Routledge Publishing [email protected] / www.smiletherapytraining.com“