What should a support person do to effectively assist someone based on their existing communication strengths?

To effectively assist someone by leveraging their existing communication strengths, it is essential to learn and build upon those strengths. This approach emphasizes understanding the individual's preferred ways of expressing themselves and the methods they feel comfortable using. By recognizing their existing abilities and enhancing them, the support person can foster an environment of trust and respect.

Building on someone's communication strengths can lead to improved interactions and a greater sense of empowerment for the individual. For example, if a person is more verbal than non-verbal, the support person can focus on verbal communication methods while encouraging and developing that strength further. This method facilitates better engagement and a more productive interaction overall.

In contrast, other options lack a constructive framework. Informing and ignoring does not consider the individual's needs and strengths, while changing and dismissing can undermine their confidence and comfort. Similarly, assuming and evaluating may create barriers, as it relies heavily on assumptions that might not reflect the individual's true communication style or capacity. Thus, learning and building is the most supportive and effective strategy.