Communicating with A Person who has a CD

Tips for Improving Communication with

A Person who has a Communication Disorder

· Choose somewhere quiet and peaceful to talk wherever possible. That gives you both an opportunity to concentrate and not be distracted.

· Do one thing at a time. This saves the person having to compete for your attention. Make it obvious that you are focusing on the conversation, perhaps by sitting down or at least standing still. Many persons with communication disorders have difficulty walking and talking at the same time.

· Don’t shout! Increasing loudness distorts the message. Address the person as you would any adult. Don’t be belittling by speaking as if you were speaking to a child.

· Be patient. Allow the person time to answer or make a request. Give the person a chance to speak. Impatience on your part may have a negative effect on the other person’s speech.

· Look at the person you are talking to. This will show that you are paying attention. Watch the person’s facial expression to see if the message has been understood. Avoid changing topics suddenly.

· Don’t pretend to understand if you do not. Try to help the person clarify the message.

· Speak in short, simple sentences. Allow the person extra time to understand your message.

· Be aware that people may express themselves in different ways such as gestures, pictures or writing.

Notes: Property of the disABILITIES Awareness Program of The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre