Excerpts

Too often, family, friends, caregivers and even educators, therapists or clinicians are frustrated when interacting with survivors with cognitive and behavioral challenges. It’s one thing to understand that the brain injury is causing the behavior; it’s another thing to know what to do about it. We have all heard about “rules of engagement” during military operations. Well, there are some simple rules of engagement when it comes to interacting with people who have cognitive and behavioral problems after brain injury that can minimize negative behavior.                    

Tips on strategies for interacting…

ü Speak clearly in short phrases.

Don’t mumble or express uncertainty. Look at the person and make your non-verbal communication (tone of voice, facial expression, posture) consistent with what you are saying. Don’t underestimate the effects of non-verbal communication! We often pay more attention to tone of voice and posture than to what a person is saying. Sarcasm is often confusing or misinterpreted when a person has a brain injury because it involves a discrepancy between what is being said and what you intend to communicate. Try to avoid using long sentences with a lot of ifs, ands, and buts.

ü Take turns talking!

Pause to allow the survivor to say something. If you dominate a conversation, the

Survivor may feel desperate to interrupt and become irritable. Remember that the   survivor may need a few moments to process what you say and think of a response. In doing this, you are also demonstrating how to take turns for the survivor. Sometimes survivors have a difficult time knowing when to stop and listen. You can demonstrate how to do this by saying 2-3 sentences and then pausing to allow others to speak.

ü Avoid repeated disagreements.

If you find yourself disagreeing or saying, “No” repeatedly, change the subject or leave the person alone for a few minutes. None of us like to be told we are wrong, and for it to happen repeatedly is very frustrating.