Sharon Discovers a New Favourite Game at The Chestnuts

At The Chestnuts, we love celebrating the little moments that mean so much, especially when they highlight non-verbal communication in care. Recently, Sharon, who is non-verbal and has learning disabilities, discovered the game Connect 4 with her Support Worker, Claire.

From the very first turn, Sharon’s joy was clear. Her smiles lit up the room, her focus was sharp, and her excitement grew with every counter she placed. Those who know Sharon well could see instantly: this was a game she truly enjoyed.

Understanding Non-Verbal Communication in Care

Sharon doesn’t use spoken language, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t communicate. In fact, she shares so much with us through her own unique ways. Like many people who are non-verbal with learning disabilities, Sharon expresses herself through:

• Body language and facial expressions – Her big smiles and eager leaning forward told us how much she loved playing.
• Gestures and movement – Reaching for a counter or pausing before making her choice gave us clues about her decisions.
• The right pace and environment – Sharon thrives when things are calm and one-to-one. By giving her time, she can show us what she wants.
• Partnership in communication – It’s about paying attention, noticing small signals, and following Sharon’s lead. Did she want another turn? Did she want to stop? These little checks make all the difference.

During Connect 4, every move Sharon made was part of a conversation. From the grin when she nearly got three in a row, to the satisfied look when she won, Sharon let us know exactly how she was feeling, without saying a single word.

Why This Matters

At The Chestnuts, we believe that communication is more than words. Everyone we support has their own way of expressing themselves, and part of person-centred care is learning to understand and value those unique voices. Sharon’s experience with Connect 4 is a beautiful example of non-verbal communication in care, where joy, choice, and connection are expressed without speech.

Supporting people who are non-verbal means:

• Creating calm, low-distraction environments
• Using body language, gestures, pictures, or communication aids
• Being patient and respecting the person’s pace
• Observing carefully and validating their attempts to communicate

With Sharon, this approach allows us to share special moments, like discovering her new favourite game, that feel joyful and meaningful.

Learning From Each Other

Stories like Sharon’s remind us how important it is to celebrate communication in all its forms. If you’ve found games, tools, or approaches that work well with someone who communicates differently, we’d love to hear your ideas. Together, we can keep finding new ways to connect, support, and celebrate every individual.

Because at The Chestnuts, every smile tells a story. ❤️