INFORMATION PROCESSING Keeping it clear, concrete and concise
Many people have difficulty absorbing new information, whether presented verbally, visually or in written form.
Information processing difficulties are common with trauma, intellectual disability, autism, mental health issues and even after a mild brain injury.
Difficulties include being slow to respond to conversation and questions, understanding instructions, following television programs, and adding up numbers. People with information processing challenges may seem to be uncooperative or evading answering questions, when in fact they are requiring more time and shorter chunks of information to process.
Here are some strategies to assist:
• Maintain your natural way of speaking including your facial expressions, gestures and tone of voice. These non-verbal cues carry much of the meaning and support the understanding of speech.
• Simplify your language. Use plain English and avoid jargon, metaphors and colloquialisms. Explain any technical terms. Keep it concrete and literal.
• Chunk what you are saying into one concept at a time.
• Pause for at least three seconds and maybe for up to ten seconds between each concept.
• Repeat requests or questions if needed.
• Check understanding if in doubt. For example, “What do you think that means?” “Would you tell me in your own words?” “Can you give me an example?”
• Refrain from Yes/No questions. For example, “What did you think of the movie?”
• Avoid using negative words in questions. It is just as easy to ask “Did you enjoy the movie?” as “Didn’t you enjoy the movie?”
• Use visual cues or pictures to support the interview if you are in a formal meeting.
• Consider using materials written in Easy English.
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