I need more processing time in conversations or meetings. What can I ask for or use?
Fast turn-taking can make it difficult to understand, formulate or communicate a response even when the underlying ideas are clear.
Current understanding
Possible access changes include a slower pace, one speaker at a time, agendas or questions in advance, written material, pauses before expecting an answer, typed contributions, captions or transcription, and written follow-up. At work, some changes may also be considered through the reasonable-adjustments route. Which change helps depends on whether the barrier is language, auditory processing, speech access, anxiety, sensory load or something else.
Related things to inspect
Related questions
- I communicate more clearly in writing than in live speech. How can I make that preference usable?
- Phone calls are difficult for me. What alternatives or supports can I inspect?
- What can I inspect if I need adjustments for a job application or interview in Great Britain?
- Where can I learn about AAC or communication that does not depend on speech?
- Can I ask for communication or sensory adjustments during an autism or ADHD assessment in the UK?
What evidence is still needed
- Evidence comparing different communication-access adjustments in real meetings and conversations.
- More guidance covering school, healthcare and public-service settings.
Where people may disagree
- Extra time can itself be uncomfortable or conspicuous for some people; useful adjustment should be chosen with the person rather than imposed.
When this answer should be revisited
- Reviewed setting-specific communication guidance is added.
- Employment or accessibility rules change.
Question provenance and review state
Practical discovery question assembled from reviewed ND Oracle Concepts and claimless Resource listings. The route distinguishes descriptive information, jurisdiction and access from claims that a strategy or service will work for an individual.