The ability to communicate with people whose speech is
limited by mental deficiency is actually a skill that can be developed over
time with practice. Whether you deal with mentally challenged speakers often or
rarely, this advice will help you to communicate more effectively and smoothly.
Speak calmly, clearly, and with a moderate volume.
Speaking louder doesn't make you more understandable. Instead, enunciate your
words clearly.
Model your vocabulary usage after theirs. If they
say the word "gigantic," then they probably also know what
"enormous" and "huge" mean. If they speak using basic
words, then it's probably best to use the smallest words you know. If they use
words like "fortuitously" and "systematic bias," then their
disability probably isn't intellectual.
Don't cover or hide your mouth. If the person is
hard of hearing or struggles to process speech, they may want to watch you as
you pronounce your words. This helps them figure out what you are saying in
many cases.
Don't mimic their disability accent, in a misguided
presumption that he or she will "understand" if you speak like he or
she does. This does not make you easier to understand. It will confuse your
listener and may give the wrong impression about your sensitivity to his or her
handicap.
Avoid running words together. For example, the
question "Do-ya wanna eat-a pizza?" may be difficult for them to
understand. One of the biggest challenges for listeners is knowing where one
word ends and the next one begins. If they seem to be struggling, slow down the
pace a little, giving a slight pause between each word.
When possible, opt for simple words instead of ones
that are complex. The more basic a word is, the better the chance is that
it will be understood. "Big" is a better choice than
"enormous" for example. "Make" is a better choice than
"manufacture."
Avoid long and complex sentences. Use simple
subject-verb-object statements with the significantly challenged. Moderately
disabled people may be able to handle more complex forms, such as joined
independent clauses.
Use open body
language. Show them that you're interested in
what they're saying by looking at them, and making eye contact if they're
comfortable with it.
Just because the
person doesn't reciprocate your body language doesn't mean that they aren't
listening. For example, many autistic people find eye contact distracting, and
need to stim (aka fidget) in order to concentrate.
Be patient. They are facing barriers beyond your comprehension, and
that can make conversation difficult. Never yell at a disabled person, or blame
them for their disability.
If you find yourself
feeling frustrated, disengage. Go for a walk, do something else, or say "I
need some alone time for a little while."
Accommodate their needs. If you notice that they
seem distressed, ask them "Is something wrong?" and "Is there
anything I can do to help?" For example, a disabled person might feel
distracted by all the movement in a crowded restaurant, and prefer to eat at an
outdoor table where there are less people. People can talk much better when
their needs are being met.
