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.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>). 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: 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.<\/p>\n End blip.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 … Continue reading 01.17.15 — Supervisory Notes: Thoughts on wait time and pacing<\/span>
\n– Accepting Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement award: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Upm9LnuCBUM<\/a>
\n– Testimony to the US Senate re: funding for PBS: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=yXEuEUQIP3Q<\/a><\/p>\n