Communicating without meaning to
- The early form of communication: When newborns cry, they are communicating. We respond by giving them food or by picking them up. Babies don’t cry “on purpose”. Still, crying is how they got what they need
- True for all of us, such as when we are annoyed and our face gives us away!
- Other terms for this are: “accidental” or “unintentional”
Communicating on purpose
- Another term for this is: “intentional”.
- We don’t need to use language to communicate with intent.
- We all use many ways to communicate. These include facial expressions, the tone of voice, and body language. When we speak, we use language to relate our experiences.
Communication can be both!
- Adult communication may be on purpose (intentional) and “accidental” (unintentional).
- People who can’t speak may learn to use their behaviors to communicate. Or they may use gestures and sounds. The person may not use language, but they are trying to get a message across.
- This does not mean they don’t understand. They probably hear everything you are saying, even if they can’t respond.
How can I tell if the person is communicating on purpose?
- Do they make eye contact when they do a certain behavior? For example, pace and glance at you.
- Is it something the person does over and over at the same time? For example, pace and glance at you when food is almost ready to be served.
- Do they try again if nothing happens? For example, pacing gets faster if food is not ready yet.
- Do they do anything to try to be recognized? For example, pace closer to you and move toward your face.
- If the answer to any of the above is “yes”, the person has some intentional communication.
What if someone has never learned to communicate on purpose?
- Some people have never learned to communicate on purpose. This doesn’t mean that they can’t learn.
- Or it can be someone who has not been given a reliable way to communicate.
- This may be a person with a complex body. They may never have had a chance to take part in communication.
- “These people are often overlooked or given up on when they need help the most.” (Robin Parker, PrAACticalAAC.org)
- We can teach them how. AAC can be used to give someone power over their lives. We all deserve that chance.
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