Something 2 Say

Communication is an essential part of all our lives. It is plays a key role in almost everything we do. In fact it is a basic human right – for everyone. It is also at the core of human dignity.

Many people with learning disabilities face barriers to communication on a daily basis. It is essential that we consider whether communication is possible at all times and in all situations. Does the person with learning disabilities have:

• a way to communicate
• an opportunity to communicate
• a reason to communicate

Remember communication is a really complex skill – a skill that many of us take for granted.

It is a two way process and needs at least two people – to send and receive information. There are many processes involved in both directions including the ability to understand information, and to respond appropriately.

This picture from the NALN blog shows a summary of the complex processes involved in the “Communication Chain”.

Credit: https://nalnblog.wordpress.com/including-all-learners-slcn/

If there is a breakdown in one or more of these areas this can impact on effective communication. There may also be factors in the environment that cause a breakdown in communication.

Note this image is only a summary of the complex skills involved in speaking or listening to speech. It doesn’t reflect the wide range of methods of communication that we can use.

Communication can take many forms. It is far more than spoken words.

People with learning disabilities often depend on non-verbal skills and are heavily reliant on the person they are communicating with to interpret a range of behaviours as a means of communication. Some maybe really subtle behaviour, others may be more obvious and seen as “challenging behaviour”. In reality the “challenging behaviour” is actually a form of communication.

The person may be trying to tell you something but they have no other way to communicate this. Or they may be responding to a situation and you need to interpret what this response means.

Everyone is unique. Therefore all communication needs will be unique and require person centred support.

However there are some common barriers to communication to be aware of. People with learning disabilities may have difficulty:

• Understanding information
• Making themselves understood
• Remembering information
• Sequencing information
• Making decisions
• In social situations

A Speech and Language Therapist can help to identify the areas where communication is breaking down and why this might be happening.

We can offer support staff and family carers some general strategies and techniques that can become part of your “tool kit” for communication. We can also provide person centred advice such as a Communication Passport.

We are in the process of developing online resources and training. Please find below a few resources. We will be gradually adding to these.