Ask the Expert: The Issue

The Issue
What you may not realize is that many non-verbal patients communicate quite capably given the right approach. In fact, the nonverbal patient may have an IQ equivalent to that of their non-disabled peers of similar age, education and cultural backgrounds.

Despite this, healthcare practitioners often won’t make an effort to talk to non-verbal patients because they are uncomfortable trying to do so. They don’t know what to expect because they do not fully understand the capabilities or limitations of these patients. Often, it is assumed that physical disabilities signify cognitive disabilities. As a result, patients are not given the opportunity to communicate to their potential and instead are addressed as though they are small children. Furthermore, healthcare providers may ignore them entirely and speak only to a caregiver, often within hearing range of the patient. This has a negative effect on the patient on social and ethical levels in addition to having medical implications.

Additionally, it is very important that you understand that there is a culture of disability, involving cultural nuances and, at times, special communication needs, and that you must remain culturally competent at all times. You must recognize that this type of patient is a total package and that you do not focus solely on the disability or the illness. Not only will this help you to avoid risk (misdiagnosis, miscommunication, etc.) but it is socially and ethically responsible.

The Approach