• Be patient and reassuring.
  • Try to maintain a relaxed atmosphere.  Increases in tension are likely to make it more difficult for the person with dyspraxia to communicate.
  • Give the person as much time as they need to communicate.  Rushing them will increase difficulties.
  • If necessary, repeat back to them what you think they are trying to say.  This can help ensure that you have understood correctly.
  • If the person is struggling to get their message across, encourage the use of gestures, writing etc instead of speech. However, if the person is unable to use these strategies, or is becoming distressed, do not press them to continue.
  • Asking questions requiring only yes/no responses may be helpful for some people. Even if the yes/no responses are unclear and inconsistent, the person’s facial expression and other non-verbal spontaneous responses can help support communication.
  • If the person is able to use Augmentative and Alternative Communication strategies, please facilitate this.
  • Sometimes, if the person cannot get their message across, taking a break is helpful, but make sure you reassure them that you will try again later in order to find out what they are trying to say.
  • Getting help from the person’s family/carers may be helpful as they may have an idea of what may be on the person’s mind.
  • Follow advice from a Speech and Language Therapist on how best to support the person to communicate.