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Communication support begins with finding out how a person understands, expresses choices and wants others to respond.
The conversation moves quickly. A question is repeated in a different way before there has been time to answer. Someone else fills the silence. By the end, everyone believes they have discussed the plan, but the person has had little chance to contribute.
This reflection on 2023 considers a quieter measure of good communication: whether the person has a usable way to understand information and express what they want.
Ask about the person’s preferred approach
The National Autistic Society describes a range of communication differences and preferences. There is no single method that suits every autistic person. Spoken language, written information, pictures, technology or another approach may be useful in different circumstances.
Ask the person how they would like information presented. If someone already uses a communication tool or has professional advice about support, make sure the people involved understand the agreed approach. A helpful method should not disappear when a different member of staff arrives.
Give the question time to land
Try asking one clear question and allowing space for an answer. Rewording repeatedly can create more information to process. Check whether the person wants the question written down or broken into smaller parts.
Silence is not always a sign that there is nothing to say. Equally, do not assume what a gesture or brief answer means without checking where possible. The aim is shared understanding, rather than the quickest possible completion of the conversation.
Explain the choice that is actually available
Present the relevant options in a way the person can compare. For an ordinary decision, concrete details can help: where an activity happens, who will attend and how long it may last. A choice described only as good for you leaves the person with little information to use.
Be honest when something is still being arranged. If there are limits to an option, explain them without making the discussion sound closed before the person has had a chance to respond. Support should help them ask a further question.
Check understanding without turning it into a test
Instead of relying on a yes-or-no question about understanding, invite the person to describe what they expect to happen next, using their preferred method. This can reveal where the explanation needs improving.
A short summary can record the decision, the next step and the contact route for questions. Ask whether the summary reflects what the person intended. Corrections are useful information, not evidence that the conversation has failed.
Carry the learning across the team
- Record helpful communication approaches in practical language.
- Share relevant preferences through the agreed support arrangements.
- Allow time in meetings for the person’s participation.
- Review the approach when it stops working well.
Being heard is a part of everyday dignity. The useful lesson from 2023 is to judge communication by the person’s opportunity to participate, rather than by the amount professionals have said.
Sources and further reading
Explore our autism support or talk to Moreways Healthcare about the support you are looking for.
Photography by The Ridge Ohio on Unsplash.
