This does not affect my intelligence but means I have difficulty understanding and using language.

As a result I may find it difficult to:

• talk
• understand what you say to me
• read
• write
• use numbers.

These things mean I may have difficulty with everyday tasks such as:

• filling in forms
• answering the phone.

These strategies may help me to communicate:

• give me plenty of time to understand you and to get my message across
• talk to me in a relaxed, natural way. There is no need to shout or talk to me like a child
• use short, simple sentences, emphasising the most important word
• introduce a new topic slowly and clearly
• don’t assume you know what I want to say or finish my sentences for me
• use drawing or writing to help both of us
• re-cap what we have both said to check we have understood each other
• have a written copy of any discussion we have had and any other important information.