The Total Communication Diary.

"The Total Communication Diary was created by a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) working in an autism classroom who recognised the need for clearer, more meaningful communication between home and school.

This diary is designed to bridge that gap by focusing on the information that truly matters. Instead of blank copybooks for teachers to fill or pages of notes for parents to read with little space to respond, the Total Communication Diary creates a structured and balanced way for both home and school to share important updates.

Information from home is just as valuable as information from school. Understanding how a child’s morning began can help school staff better support their day. For example, knowing if a child had a poor night’s sleep may mean reducing demands during school activities. If breakfast was skipped, staff can offer an earlier snack break. Sleep, nutrition, and sensory regulation are closely connected, and small insights like these help staff respond to each child’s needs more effectively.

The New Version of the diary includes a yearly planner to keep track of important dates such as IEP meetings, psychologist visits, and teacher training days. It also provides additional space for teachers to write while continuing to include the same thoughtful questions that made the first edition so successful.

Not every parent and teacher has the opportunity to speak face-to-face each morning. The Total Communication Diary was created to ensure that important information is still shared, helping families and schools work together to support every child."