Supporting a young person with a learning disability cont.
– Use visual aids when appropriate if possible – the use of drawings, pictures, etc. can help you to give information in a way the young person may be more likely to understand – If you do not understand the young person, ask them to repeat themselves – do not pretend that you have understood – Be patient, give the young person time to respond – Be prepared to repeat the information more than once if necessary (179) Don’t: – Adjust your usual tone of voice i.e. don’t speak louder unless – Use leading questions – people with a learning disability are often suggestible and will say what they think is the ‘right’ answer rather than what they think or feel (179) Assist in a crisis In a crisis situation, and if it is safe to do so, check if the young person is wearing a medical alert bracelet or pendant or if they have a medical alert tattoo. You should also ask the young person if there are certain objects or activities that they find comforting, and that might help them feel calm. you know the young person can’t hear you well – Use abstract ideas or complicated language Make sure that you check the young person’s understanding of the term ‘suicide’. You may need to use phrases such as “kill yourself” or “make yourself die” instead.
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