Recommendations for Interviewing and Providing Treatment for Individuals with ID
| Use simple language. |
| Speak slowly, clearly, and calmly. |
| Use concrete terms and ideas. |
| Avoid questions that give part of the answer within the question (leading questions). |
| Ask open-ended questions, as relying on yes–no responses may lead to the assumption that the individual understood the answer when they may not have understood the question.29 |
| Repeat questions from different perspectives to avoid parroting. |
| Proceed slowly, and provide praise and encouragement. |
| Avoid frustrating questions about time, complex sequences, or reasons for behavior. |
| Highlight important information to improve memory retention. |
| Repeat information to improve retention. |
| Cut down on distractions. |
| If a response is ineffective or inappropriate, provide direct, explicit feedback. |
| Be careful not to provide nonverbal cues that may aid in responding accurately. |
| Take short breaks, as individuals learn best with multiple, short sessions rather than a few, long sessions. |
These recommendations were derived from the Slater method.28