Communicating Effectively

Communicating Effectively

Topic 3: Communicating Effectively
Watch the following clip from Libraries and Autism: We're Connected (1 min, 40 sec.) to learn more communication tips. 

To recap:

  • Presume competence first and determine what each person needs by having conversation with him or her.
  • Address the individual by name first
  • Be respectful and patient
  • Speak directly, simply, slowly, and at a normal volume
  • If necessary, repeat rather than raise voice
  • Try to make eye contact (even when they may not)
  • Avoid broad and open-ended questions, be very specific
  • Speak directly to the person with autism, not the person with them.
    • Click here for a handout for your library staff, courtesy of Libraries and Autism--We're Connected!