What is the best way to communicate with someone with an intellectual disability who is non verbal?

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• tried sign language, she didn't seem to pick it up.

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  by I'm a ginger on July 19th, 2008

• Why don't you ask her caregiver what she uses. Intellectually handicapped use very simple signs. For instance if you want to ask them if the need to go to the bathroom you would only sign bathroom. She may also understand what you say but not be able to reply.

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  by Namaste formerly future_health_educator on July 19th, 2008

• haha, I am their caregiver, in a way...

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  by I'm a ginger on July 19th, 2008

• Okay so give me more info. Does she have a speech therapist? How old is she? What exactly are her disabilities and are the mild moderate or severe? It is difficult to answer the question without the specifics. How long have you been taking care of her?

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  by Namaste formerly future_health_educator on July 19th, 2008

• no speech therapist, she is 25, err Not sure what her disabilities are, We try not to just look at the disability, it is severe, She lives in a group home with 3 others, and I have been working there since January.

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  by I'm a ginger on July 19th, 2008

• I understand about not focusing on the disability but it is important to know if the problem is receptive language, expressive language, or both. In this case I would just speak to her as if she understands. You can use simple sign if you want. If she has control of her arms and hands you can set up a picture board and try to teach her how to use it.

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  by Namaste formerly future_health_educator on July 19th, 2008

• You can start with pictures of a cup for drink and food for eat.
  
  Whenever you give her something to drink say here is your drink and point to the cup. Same with food. If she points to a pic obviously give her what she points at if possible. If she starts using the pics regularly you can add more. I don't know if this will work or not. Again it depends on what her challenges are. Good for you though for caring enough to want to communicate.

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  by Namaste formerly future_health_educator on July 19th, 2008

• One more thing even if you don't think she understands keep talking to her. Talk about what you are doing. What other clients are doing. Whatever seems relevant at the time. I am surprised that the director of the group home has not given you any directions on this. It's sad that some people don't believe that communication is important.

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  by Namaste formerly future_health_educator on July 19th, 2008

• thanks so much.

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  by I'm a ginger on July 19th, 2008