> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.acecentre.org.uk/look2talk/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.acecentre.org.uk/look2talk/appendix-1-about-symbols.md). # Appendix 1: About symbols ### Symbols Symbol sets are collections of line drawings of words or concepts. Symbols differ from pictures or clip art in that they follow design rules in how they are drawn. There are a number of different symbol setes available and all ahve strengths and weaknesses. It is worth spending time working out which set is most likely to met the needs of the learner and their environment. The Australian company Spectronics has produced a useful comparison of symbol sets which can be viewed on [their website here](https://www.spectronics.com.au/article/symbol-set-comparison). The symbol sets most commonly used in the UK include: * Makaton * PCS™ (Picture Communication Symbols) - used in this guide * SymbolStix * Widgit Some of the other symbol sets include: * Bliss symbols * Clarity symbols * Pictogram symbols There are also a number of freely available symbol sets. Some of the symbol sets offer special symbols for people with visual difficulties. When choosing a symbol set for use in the learner's communication book, it is important to take into account what symbols (if any) they are using elsewhere. For example, if they have an electronic communication aid or are using symbol-based software or apps, you may want to try and use the same symbols in their communication book. It may be worth checking with staff at an early years setting, school, college, day centre or similar environment that someone attends to find out if a symbol set is established there. If possible, it is helpful to be consistent so that someone does not have to learn multiple symbol sets. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.acecentre.org.uk/look2talk/appendix-1-about-symbols.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.