28/01/2026
When someone with an intellectual disability uses few or no words, the risk isn’t that they have nothing to say, it’s that others rush to fill the silence. Good support slows that down.
Start with watching. Notice body language, breathing, movement, facial expression, and changes in routine. Discomfort is often communicated long before it is explained.
Offer choices in ways that don’t require speech. Use objects, pictures, gestures, yes/no signals, or simple options. Pause long enough for a response. Silence often means someone needs more time, not that they have nothing to say.
Check understanding gently and often. Try something small, then watch what happens. If the body pulls away, stiffens, or settles, listen to that. Communication is ongoing, not a one-time question.
Reduce the number of voices in the room. Too many opinions create noise. People are easier to hear when fewer people are speaking.
Document what is learned. What brings comfort. What causes distress. What helps. All of this knowledge deserves to be taken seriously.
Advocating means resisting urgency. It means saying, “We don’t know yet, let’s take more time.”
Support isn’t about speaking louder on someone’s behalf. It’s about making space so their voice, however it shows up, can be heard.
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ID: Title reads: If you have an intellectual disability. Image shows a man looking thoughtfully off to one side. Text reads: The quieter your voice, the louder others' opinions become.
