Definition of Encouraging Communication
Encouraging Communication is a procedure used help an individual with limited or no verbal skills to expand his/her individualized form of communication.
Communication: The Most Common Reason for Challenging Behaviors
Challenging behaviors are often used by individuals with IDD to communicate their needs.
The needs communicated through individuals’ challenging behaviors generally fall into 3 categories:
- To get attention
- To get someone to do something
- To get someone to stop doing something
Forms of Non-Verbal Communication Typically Used by Individuals with IDD
- Body movements
- Facial grimaces
- Staring
- Gesturing
- Touching
Advantages of Enhancing the Communication Skills of Individuals with IDD
- Individuals will be better able to meet their needs through conventional means
- Individuals will be less reliant on their use of challenging behaviors to communicate their needs
Two-Fold Process of Enhancing Communication Skills
- Recognize each person’s individualized form of communication
- Help each person to expand his/her individualized form of communication
Methods for Building Rapport with Individuals with IDD
- Associate yourself repeatedly with non-contingent reinforcers
- Encourage simple communication attempts
- Help the person to become more likeable to you and to others
Procedural Steps for Encouraging Communication
- Approach the individual.
- Wait for the individual to initiate an interaction.
- If the individual does not initiate within 3 seconds, initiate the interaction, say something positive, and prompt with a question that encourages the individual to communicate a “want,” a “need” or a “choice.”
- End the interaction by saying something positive.
Things to Remember when Encouraging Communication
- Individuals with IDD are more likely to initiate communication in familiar surroundings
- They will communicate first about their own wants and/or needs
- They are more likely to communicate with someone with whom they have established rapport
