How to Communicate With a Mentally Challenged Person

When you communicate with a mentally challenged person, it is important to remember that everyone learns in different ways and at different speeds. Some people learn quickly and some require more time. Keep this in mind when you are communicating with a mentally challenged person, and remember that they deserve the same respect as anybody else. Here are tips on communicating well.

Instructions

• 1

  Use your normal tone of voice. Speaking more slowly or loudly won't make you easier to understand, and can be perceived as condescending to mentally challenged people.

• 2

  Speak in a manner appropriate to the person's mental age, but never speak to a mentally challenged adult as if he were a child.

• 3

  Enunciate clearly. Avoid overly complex sentences and leave a very slight pause between words so it's clear when words begin and end.

• 4

  Be patient. A mentally challenged person may be slower to respond, but this doesn't mean she is rude or isn't paying attention. It only means she needs a bit more time to absorb what you are saying, and to formulate a response. Be respectful and give her time.

• 5

  Speak naturally and never mimic the mentally challenged person's speech. This will not help him to understand, but it may imply a lack of sensitivity on your part.

• 6

  Show interest and pay attention to what the mentally challenged person has to say. This is an important sign of respect, and will make communication much easier. You may be surprised how interesting and rewarding the discussion can be.