Not everyone uses words to communicate.

Some people find speaking hard. Some people need more time. Some people communicate better in other ways.

People may communicate by:

• Pointing or gesturing

• Writing things down

• Choosing pictures or symbols

• Following routines or visual plans

• Using agreed signals, like thumbs up or down

• Taking time before responding

These ways can say just as much as spoken words.

Why this matters

When people are expected to use speech all the time, communication can feel stressful.

When people are supported to communicate in ways that feel natural to them:

• they feel more relaxed

• they are understood more clearly

• they are more confident to express choices

  
  

Good communication is about understanding

Good communication is not about:

• how quickly someone answers

• how clearly they speak

• how much they talk

  
  

Good communication is about:

• being patient

• paying attention

• respecting different communication styles

  
  

Everyone deserves to be understood

Communication works best when people are supported to use the way that suits them.

There is no “right” way to communicate. There is only the way that works for that person.