Listen

• 1). Remember that patience is important when talking to a person who has a cognitive disability. Listen and observe the person, and be aware that it may take a longer time for her to express herself. Allow her time to finish her sentence, and adjust your own style of communicating to her. Talk in the same manner as you would talk any to any other person, but use fewer complicated and long words. Knowledge about the person's mental age will help you decide what words are appropriate. The calendar age can be misleading. If you have a question about what language or terminology to use, ask her. She should be your best resource.
  
  
• 2). Smile and encourage the person. If you feel relaxed, the person is more likely to relax, and a relaxed attitude facilitates communication. Look the person in the eyes when you are talking.
  
  
• 3). Talk clearly but be aware of your tone or voice. Patronizing and treating a person with a cognitive disability as a child is upsetting, and it can ruin the communication. Make sure that your mouth can be seen; this helps the person to understand. Taking a small pause between words makes it easier for the person to understand and to hear the words. Use your normal way of pronouncing words. Cognitive disability does not affect the way a person can hear the words; rather, it affects the way he pronounces words. Do not mimic his way of talking. Use a calm, clear voice and avoid speaking louder.
  
  
• 4). Choose communication subjects with care, and avoid switching between subjects. Focus on one topic and then move to the next topic. This makes it easier for the person to follow your thoughts and to be actively involved in the communication.
  
  
• 5). Pick times to talk when the person is calm and relaxed. Repeating instructions and patience will make the communication easier.