by Barbara Stanley

Created on: February 23, 2009

I supervised a sheltered workshop for developmentally disabled adults for fifteen years. There were less than a dozen that were still with the program by the time I moved on. Throughout those fifteen years, I admitted and worked with many adults who were non-verbal. Some were Autistic, some catatonic, others had the mental capabilities of a nine month-old baby. Each of them had a need to communicate their needs, desires, fears, and joys. No two people learned to communicate exactly alike. The challenge was in finding what worked for each individual.

Because I also worked with deaf clients, I learned to use American Sign Language. I found that many of my non-verbal, hearing clients were able to quickly learn many of the basic signs to communicate hunger, bathroom needs, thirst, desire to participate in specific activities, and to answer simple questions. An older lady with partial throat paralysis found it easier to use signs than to strain her voice so others could understand her. The level of learning depends on the degree of mental retardation.

Vocational Rehabilitation uses special computers with images on the keypad that the non-verbal person uses to ask or answer questions. These computers can be programed with either a male or female voice as needed. These computers work well for adults who recognize and understand what basic symbols stand for. For example, there may be an image of a person holding a cup with steam rising to symbolize morning coffee. Even the symbols can be customized for the individual to allow for maximum relevant communication.

For those who are able to read and write, small blackboards or marker boards work well. The person writes on the board and wipes clean to make room for more messages. Sign language should also be taught for times when it is not possible to communicate with a blackboard. Many children who are unable to speak will have learned their own unique version of sign language. This is usually limited to communication between close friends and family members. It is extremely difficult to teach these adults who have used their own signs for many years, the correct way to sign as a universal language. It should be discouraged when the person is young and able to learn to sign correctly.

Some people will use pantomime as a means of communication. It may take several attempts before you understand what the non-verbal person is trying to tell you. The most important thing is not showing aggravation toward the disabled or showing frustration. The non-verbal person will give up if he believes he is just wasting your time. Whatever means is used to communicate, it takes time for an easy rhythm of back and forth conversation to become the norm. Urge the person to do as much as she is capable of. Avoiding communication because it takes time and effort will only make understanding each other more frustrating and take longer to achieve. Just as infants learn to speak through repetition, non-verbal adults learn through much repetition. A commitment must be made by both parties, but the effort is well worth the investment.

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