ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at how Intensive Interaction sits within the communication curriculum and alongside other communication approaches. It is also essential to appreciate that, regardless of the AAC that may be put in place, Intensive Interaction forms the foundation of all communication and social communication. Intensive Interaction builds on Ephraim's original work on 'augmented mothering' whereby he proposed using naturalistic interaction based on infant-caregiver interactions with people with severe learning difficulties. Intensive Interaction is a way of supporting self-expression and understanding while simultaneously developing the FoCs because it allows the learner to control the conversation and attempt to address the issues of their importance. Intensive Interaction is a way of being that removes barriers and promotes the naturalistic communication learning process whilst simultaneously offering genuine connections. There is a distinct difference between following a structured communication approach using AAC and Intensive Interaction.
