Presumed Competence
Presumed competence is the belief that a person understands her environment, what is happening and being spoken in her presence, even if she isn't able to physically demonstrate the awareness independently. She may need time and help until her whole person (body and mind) have neurologically connected and developed into independent demonstration. The role of her support team should encourage through presumption of that competence even when behavior is counterintuitive and confusing. Just as when a toddler hasn't yet acquired much language, a parent arrives at a point where he addresses the child with presumed competence. The parent communicates to the child with less baby talk and more mature, conversational language, confident that the speech will inevitably come. This dignity shown to the toddler will raise the expectation and challenge the child to overcome and progress toward the goal of more and more language. However, when neurological damage has occurred, it is extremely difficult for one's body (mouth, movement, muscles) to cooperate with her mind. Those affected and living with neurological differences yet able to communicate can explain that well, such as stroke victims who regain communication, those with Cerebral Palsy, many affected by autism, etc. What about those who haven't yet discovered their mode of communication?
There is no losing scenario with seeking more. Yet what a tragedy if a support team continued to address the person with the neurological disorder only according to what her underdeveloped physical ability can display. This lack of presumed competence would easily lead to the feelings of defeat, frustration and manic behaviors often seen with autism. Instead, pause and assume that the individual has lived long enough to have acquired the knowledge. Then recognize that her body may not be able to show that knowledge, only responding to her accordingly and age appropriately. Such presumed competence can be a game changer for any human being and lead to greater and greater success.
There is no losing scenario with seeking more. Yet what a tragedy if a support team continued to address the person with the neurological disorder only according to what her underdeveloped physical ability can display. This lack of presumed competence would easily lead to the feelings of defeat, frustration and manic behaviors often seen with autism. Instead, pause and assume that the individual has lived long enough to have acquired the knowledge. Then recognize that her body may not be able to show that knowledge, only responding to her accordingly and age appropriately. Such presumed competence can be a game changer for any human being and lead to greater and greater success.