How to Communicate with a Mentally Challenged Person

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.