Our Framework
The Building Blocks Framework
A practical, evidence-informed framework for understanding and supporting communication with vulnerable people.
Communication is built step by step. Just as a building depends upon strong foundations, effective communication depends upon a series of interconnected building blocks. When one block is missing, communication and participation become more difficult. The Building Blocks Framework helps practitioners identify strengths, recognise barriers and build communication from the foundation upwards.
The building blocks framework provides a practical, evidence-informed approach to understanding and supporting communication with vulnerable people. It recognises that effective communication is influenced by a range of factors including safety, regulation, attention, understanding, expression, planning, and participation.
The framework draws upon established approaches from communication needs assessments, speech and language therapy, developmental psychology, neurodiversity research and trauma-informed practice. It is particularly influenced by the Therapeutic needs Hierarchy (Golding, 2015), Hanen’s communication-based approach (Pepper & Weitzman, 2004; Weitzman & Greenberg, 2002) and trauma-informed models (e.g., Perry & Hambrick, 2008; Treisman, 2018) which emphasise the importance of safety, relationships and participation.
The 6 building blocks help practitioners identify communication strengths, needs and barriers, enabling them to adapt their approach and create the conditions for meaningful participation. Together, they provide a practical bridge between theory, research and real-world practice.
