I think it’s pretty well universally agreed that interactions with persons who have complex communication needs require wait time (MORE!), and pacing (SLOW DOWN!).  But it can be tricky — it’s harder than most people realize to wait because even 2 seconds will feel awkward, and as SLPs we often feel driven to use as much of the time as possible.  Effectiveness and quality of instruction may take a serious loss in the effort though.

Having a strategy (and, in some cases, a visual cue), may be critical.  No matter how slowly you may think you are talking/waiting, go ahead and give it an extra pause.  Nervousness carries a TON of energy, and people will talk much faster than they realize as a result.  Adults already talk faster than even many typically developing kids can process (http://speech-language-pathology-audiology.advanceweb.com/article/how-to-talk-to-children.aspx).  Thinking about Mr. Rogers was an incredibly compelling strategy for me — before a session, I’d think:  “How would Mr. Rogers say this…” and it would help me to focus my rate, warmth, etc.  If you are not familiar with Mr. Rogers, these are clips that I find very productive — and keep in mind that in these, he is talking to adults:
– Accepting Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement award:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Upm9LnuCBUM
– Testimony to the US Senate re: funding for PBS:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXEuEUQIP3Q

For the expectant delay, practice some kind of method for getting through it — with partners who aren’t SLPs I say things like, count at least to 7 in your head, think your favorite song lyric/hymn/prayer/affirmation in your head, etc.  With an SLP it may be helpful to practice/think of what you are looking for:  “Listen and check:  eyes, facial expression, body tension, hand movement” so that you are ~doing~ something with that time and mindful of subtle signals that the individual is processing, attempting to respond, forgot the task, etc.

End blip.