‘Communication is the basis for all human interaction’ (Clarke & Pittaway, 2014, p.169). It’s how we connect with others, express ourselves, make changes, learn about our environment, and guide and influence others.
But, not all communication is written or spoken through language and words. Much of our communication is non-verbal and we explore this now.
Non-verbal communication involves conveying messages without the use of spoken words. It is a crucial part of human interaction that can add depth and nuance to verbal communication, express emotions, or contradict or reinforce spoken words. Non-verbal communication is often more subtle and less direct than verbal communication, but it can sometimes convey more meaning because it is less controlled and typically more honest.
There are several types of non-verbal communication:
- Body Movements (Kinesics): This includes gestures, head movements, posture, and facial expressions. For instance, crossed arms might indicate defensiveness, while a relaxed posture might indicate comfort.
- Eye Contact: The way people look at each other can communicate a range of emotions, from interest to hostility. For example, sustained eye contact often signals interest and attention, while averted gaze might suggest disinterest or discomfort.
- Touch (Haptics): The way people touch each other, and how frequently, can communicate intimacy, familiarity, or power dynamics. For instance, a pat on the back can be a sign of encouragement or support, while a firm handshake can express professionalism.
- Space (Proxemics): The distance people keep from each other can communicate their relationship, comfort level, or cultural norms. For example, standing very close to someone might indicate intimacy, while a larger distance might suggest formality or discomfort.
- Voice (Paralanguage): The tone, pitch, volume, speed, and quality of voice can convey emotions or attitudes. For example, a slow, monotone voice might suggest boredom, while a loud, fast voice might indicate excitement or anger.
- Physical Appearance: Clothing, grooming, and physical attributes can communicate personal style, social status, or cultural identity. For example, formal attire might suggest professionalism or seriousness, while casual clothing might indicate relaxation or informality.
- Artefacts: Personal items, such as jewellery, tattoos, or even the kind of car a person drives or the technology they use can also communicate messages about their identity, status, or preferences.
- Environment and Design: The way a space is set up and decorated can communicate certain values or priorities. For instance, a well-lit, open office might suggest transparency and collaboration, while a dark, closed-off room might suggest privacy and solitude.
In addition to these, time or chronemics (the study of how time affects communication such as punctuality, the amount of time given to activities or interactions, etc.) can also be considered a form of non-verbal communication.
Understanding and effectively using non-verbal communication can enhance interpersonal relationships, improve communication clarity, and support successful interactions in various social, educational, and professional contexts.
Non Verbal Communication Challenges Faced by those with Profound Intellectual Disabilities
People with Profound Intellectual Disabilities (PID) often face significant challenges when it comes to interpreting non-verbal communication cues. This can impact various aspects of their lives, including their social interactions, learning experiences, and overall quality of life. Here are some of the key challenges:
- Difficulty in Social Interactions: Interpreting non-verbal cues is essential for successful social interaction. Individuals who struggle to interpret these cues may have trouble forming and maintaining relationships. They may misunderstand others' intentions or emotions, leading to social missteps or conflict.
- Challenges in Learning: Non-verbal communication is an important part of the teaching and learning process. Teachers often use gestures, facial expressions, and body language to reinforce or explain concepts. Students with PID who struggle to interpret these cues may miss out on important information, making it harder for them to learn.
- Emotional Understanding and Empathy: Non-verbal cues are crucial for understanding others' feelings and emotions. Individuals with PID may struggle to empathise with others if they can't accurately interpret these cues, potentially leading to feelings of isolation or misunderstanding.
- Struggle with Self-Expression: Just as interpreting non-verbal cues can be challenging for individuals with PID, expressing their own thoughts and feelings non-verbally can also be difficult. This can make it harder for them to communicate their needs, desires, and emotions to others.
- Misinterpretation by Others: Other people may misinterpret the non-verbal cues of a person with PID, assuming that they are not interested, don't understand, or don't wish to engage, when in fact they may be struggling to express their interest or understanding.
- Increased Dependence: Without the ability to interpret non-verbal cues, individuals with PID may be more dependent on others for communication, making decisions, and navigating social situations.
Given these challenges, it's important for caregivers, educators, and therapists to use consistent and clear communication strategies, including the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems if necessary, to support individuals with PID in understanding and communicating effectively.
Providing support for children with PID and their non verbal communication
Children with Profound Intellectual Disabilities (PID) often need tailored support strategies to enhance their comprehension and use of non-verbal communication. For educators, parents, and caregivers, the primary goal should be to establish consistent and clear communication routines that take into account the child's unique needs and capabilities.
One effective strategy is the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems. These systems, which can include sign language, visual schedules, picture exchange communication systems (PECS), or digital communication aids, can help bridge the communication gap for children struggling with non-verbal cues. AAC provides these children with alternative ways to express their needs, feelings, and thoughts when verbal or other non-verbal cues might be challenging for them.
Creating a supportive and responsive environment is also crucial. This means acknowledging all attempts at communication from the child, whether these are sounds, gestures, or facial expressions. Responding positively to these attempts not only validates their efforts but also encourages them to continue trying to communicate.
In addition, routines and predictability can be very beneficial for children with PID. Regular schedules and consistent routines can help the child understand what's coming next and can reduce anxiety or confusion. Within these routines, specific cues related to the activities can be consistently used to help the child associate the cues with the actions or activities.
It can also be helpful to use "total communication" - a combination of speech, gestures, signs, and pictures to reinforce communication. This approach encourages the use of all possible modes of communication, giving the child multiple ways to express themselves and understand others.
Moreover, it's important to model appropriate non-verbal behaviours. Caregivers and educators can intentionally use clear, exaggerated facial expressions and gestures as they communicate. Over time, this can help the child learn to associate these non-verbal cues with specific meanings.
Lastly, patience and understanding are key. It's important to allow the child enough time to process information and respond. Rushing the child or showing frustration may discourage them from attempting to communicate. Every child is unique and will develop at their own pace, so celebrating every little progress is crucial for their self-confidence and motivation.
By adopting these strategies, caregivers, educators, and parents can provide the necessary support to children with PID to help them navigate the challenges of non-verbal communication.
Becoming Non Verbal Later in Life
Becoming non-verbal as an adult can be a challenging experience, both emotionally and physically. This typically means the person has lost their ability to produce spoken language, often due to a medical condition or event such as a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or a progressive neurological disorder like ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or Parkinson's disease.
When an adult becomes non-verbal, it can significantly impact their daily life and their relationships. Communication is an essential part of our interaction with the world and other people. The ability to speak allows us to express our thoughts, feelings, and needs, share our experiences, and connect with others. Losing this ability can feel isolating and frustrating.
However, it's important to remember that while an individual may lose their ability to speak, they haven't lost their ability to communicate. Non-verbal communication methods can be used, such as gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Writing or typing can also be options if the individual's physical capabilities allow. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, which can range from simple picture boards to sophisticated electronic devices that generate speech, can also be used to facilitate communication.
Psychologically, becoming non-verbal as an adult can be a difficult transition. There may be feelings of frustration, sadness, or anxiety associated with not being able to verbally express oneself or fear of being misunderstood or overlooked. It may affect a person's sense of identity and independence, and might also change dynamics in personal and professional relationships.
Getting professional help during this transition can be beneficial. Speech and language therapists can provide strategies and tools to enhance communication abilities. Occupational therapists can help adapt to physical changes and maintain independence in daily tasks. Mental health professionals can provide emotional support and strategies to cope with feelings of frustration, sadness, or anxiety.
It's also important for family members, friends, and caregivers to be patient, supportive, and to take time to understand and adapt to the individual's new communication methods. People should be encouraged to express themselves in whatever ways they are able, and those around them should take care to listen attentively, encouraging interaction and participation to the greatest extent possible.
Alex is a non verbal adult that lost their ability to speak. They have written about their experience of being non verbal describing how they became non verbal, how that made them feel, what support was available and how they manage now. Read Alex’s story here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, non-verbal communication plays an incredibly important role in how we interact with the world around us. It's a key aspect of human communication that transcends spoken words, providing an expressive, rich, and nuanced way of conveying messages and emotions.
Understanding and using non-verbal communication is particularly crucial for individuals with Profound Intellectual Disabilities (PID), as it often serves as their primary means of expression and connection. The complexity of their needs calls for a comprehensive and individualised approach that leverages various strategies to support their communication development. These strategies range from providing consistent routines, to using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, to fostering a responsive environment that values and encourages their attempts at communication.
However, challenges abound, especially when it comes to interpreting non-verbal cues. Difficulties in this area can lead to struggles in social interaction, learning, and emotional understanding, among others. But with adequate support, patience, and understanding, individuals with PID can improve their communication skills and enhance their quality of life.
Becoming non-verbal as an adult, often due to medical conditions or events, presents a distinct set of challenges. The transition can be emotionally taxing and can significantly impact the individual's daily life and relationships. Yet, it's important to remember that losing the ability to speak does not equate to losing the ability to communicate. A variety of tools, strategies, and professional support can help individuals adapt to their new reality and continue to express themselves effectively.
Non-verbal communication is a broad and complex field, with profound implications for both individuals and the communities they belong to. As we continue to learn and develop more effective strategies and tools, we move closer to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities or circumstances, can communicate effectively and meaningfully.