A new article by Noud Frielink
& Petri Embregts explores a technique called Motivational Interviewing
in their work with people with mild intellectual disability and challenging behaviour.
Many of the techniques identified
in the research would be recognisable to many people working in the field of Intellectual
Disability. In fact, the authors do state the themes and subthemes identified
are what a Speech Pathologist and other skilled practitioners would say are
essential communication techniques for good communication.
Think about this: Motivational
Interviewing involves:
·
open
ended questioning;
·
reflective
listening;
·
affirming;
·
summarising
·
eliciting
change-talk.
The research considered what
needs to be modified to ensure this technique works for this population of
people. There were 3 subthemes identified - the form of language, the structure
of language and its content. Importantly, the research also identifies characteristics
of the interaction partner essential for motivational interviewing to be successful.
The following techniques were
identified:
- use concrete and clear
language;
- use short sentences, and query
words, (but avoid why questions);
- focus on 1 topic at a time;
- give the person time to
respond. Don't repeat the same question again and again to fill this thinking
space.
Clients identified pictures or
film segments, role play or a drawing aided their understanding.
In addition, it was critical for
the communication partner to observe both verbal and non verbal cues to
determine the persons understanding of questions or information in the
interaction.
Communication partner characteristics.
Once again, a skilled practitioner
would not be surprised by the following list, but it is great to see it stated
in the research. Communication partner characteristics important in interactions
include:
- mutual trust and relationship;
- equality of input from both
communication partners;
- being an active listener;
- being authentic and honest,
including showing empathy and compassion, when appropriate;
- the client is seen as an individual,
and not just 'part of a group’;
- respect for the client as a
person; and,
- there are concrete and clear agreements and rules
in place for the interaction.
Finally, an important point to
consider is people with intellectual disability and other disabilities can
respond based on social desirability - that is, what they think the communication
partner wants to hear. To be an active member of society, clients, need
to be supported to be active participants in their own environments.
When else could this technique be
used? Are plans developed for people with intellectual disability and other disabilities
in the new National Disability Insurance Agency www.ndis.gov.au using these good communication
and interaction skills? Are planners and others being active listeners?
Talk to Cathy about how these
essential communication skills can be incorporated into daily activities in the
persons environments.
Cathy
0466 579 855
Reference:
Frielink, N., & Embregts, P.
(2013) Modification of motivational interviewing for use with people with mild intellectual
disability and challenging behaviour. Journal of Intellectual &
Developmental Disability, 2013 Vol. 38, No. 4, 279. Downloaded 20 February
2014. www.informahealthcare.com/doi/pdf/10.3109/13668250.2013.809707
