Children and Adults with mental retardation and other developmental challenges " need the same " social opportunities as everyone else. Here are ways you can help them have fuller lives. You'll also be helping yourself grow and widen your horizons.
When Speaking to A Child/Adult with Developmental Challenges Talk Naturally. 
take longer than you expect. Be Yourself When Interacting with Her/him. If the* person is over 18, speak to them as anadult Show Interest In What They Are saying or trying to communicate Don't Interrupt when they are trying to tell you something, the interruption may cause them to
lose their train of thought. Never!! Contridict or Argue with them. as this action may upset them, make them cry, yell orlash out. The results could restrict future efforts to communicate Make Eye Contact And smile. Use everyday words that are familiar to them,...No medical terms. If possible speak in theirnative language Ask "Yes or No " questions Restrict/Minimize Choices .No more than two (2) items or options to help prevent confusion. Simplify Tasks into clear, simple instructions Always Give them a Hug and Always Smile AND " Tell them you love them " Recognize That They Have The ability to learn In Activities Explain What You Are Doing.
and Answer Any Questions
Instead Of Making Every Decision, Let The Person Make As Many Decisions As Possible andWhen Necessary Let It Be Clear That The Decision Was their Choice*Be A Friend Share Your Hopes, Dreams and Desires As You Would With any Friend,* or loved one. Encourage the person to also have Hopes, Dreams and Desires and help them setGoals. Spend Time, Share Your Life ...talk about happy memories...and actively participate In activities You Both Would Enjoy...Go Shopping,Take Part In a Sport, Attend a Movie or Concert,Playa Board Game, Plan a Hike or give a Cooking lesson, or a lesson on a subject in which you areversed.* Act As An Advocate for a school age Child with mental retardation. Support Mainstreaming &Inclusion. Ask Them To Do You A Favor ie: Water your plants, pickup your mail or help you with a task *Ask For Their Advise on, Where is a good place for lunch? What is their favorate Movie, book or TV program. Ask them for details about their likes and dislikes*. Invite them to join an organization such as the Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club Lions Club, or anycommunity, social or sports club of which you are a member.Information " above " copied from a public service presentation by " Little City "
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