Why you should read this article:

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To enhance your understanding of the communication needs of people with learning disabilities

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To appreciate how non-verbal communication can usefully complement or replace verbal communication

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To contribute towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD (UK readers)

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To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)

People with learning disabilities may experience communication difficulties and it is essential for nurses to develop the necessary skills to support them, from being attuned to a person’s gestures and vocalisations to using sign language and assistive technologies. Supporting people with learning disabilities involves adopting a person-centred approach to communication, developing a communication passport that describes their communication abilities and needs, and providing written materials in easy-read format. When interacting with people with learning disabilities, nurses can also make effective use of non-verbal communication to complement or replace verbal communication.