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The Impact of Breakdowns in Communication

Glossary

Glossary

Auditory Processing

Auditory processing difficulties are conditions to be aware of. They can often present among individuals who have experienced fluctuating hearing loss during childhood due to recurrent episodes of ear disease. The functional difficulties can persist even after the hearing returns to normal after the infection, as inconsistent hearing input has affected the neurological development necessary to process sound effectively. The challenges experienced are often similar to those encountered by individuals with mild hearing loss. Additionally, individuals who are Hard of Hearing as a result of early childhood ear diseases also experience auditory processing difficulties, resulting in compounded functional communication problems.

Gratuitous Concurrence

a common behaviour where people tend to say “yes” to questions, even if they don’t fully understand or agree. It means they acknowledge things without necessarily being sure about them. To communicate effectively, it’s essential to recognise this occurs and adapt our approach to meet the need of the individual person who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing so they can understand what is being communicated to them.

Whitefella

an Aboriginal English word commonly used by First Nations people in Australia to refer to non-Indigenous Australians, typically those of European, often Anglo-Saxon, descent. The use of "whitefella" can be seen as a pragmatic and straightforward descriptor. Over time, as relationships and dynamics evolved, the term has been used in various ways, sometimes neutrally, affectionately, or critically, depending on the context and the speakers' intentions.

Trauma

Is the experience of highly distressing or frightening events that can result in psychological harm, known as trauma. What may constitute a traumatic event can differ between people, so that two people can experience the same event and one can experience trauma and the other does not. Secondary or vicarious trauma refers to trauma experienced by observing harm done to others. The experience of multiple traumatic events can result in complex trauma. Challenges associated with trauma may occur directly after the traumatic event or much later. Some people experience ongoing challenges that impact on their ability to cope or function. With the right supports, many people recover well from traumatic events. Many factors contribute to the higher levels of trauma that may be seen within First Nations communities. These include the impact of colonialism and racism contributing to many life and health inequities, and the ripple effect this can have on communities with closer connections to more people whose lives are cared about are impacted. The communication challenges and outcomes of miscommunication for First Nations who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing can also contribute to their experiences of trauma which in turn impacts on the capacity to communicate.

‘Shame’

fear of embarrassment is especially pronounced in collective cultures, such as First Nations cultures, where one's reputation and how others view them holds significant importance. The potential for public failure can be a reason to not engage in certain activities, as the risk of embarrassment (being shamed) is high. This concern is more likely to be felt by people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and is a reason why they may avoid participation in situations where the possibility of misunderstanding conversations creates a high risk of being shamed in front of others. When a person refers to ‘shame’ or ‘shame job’ as a reason not do something it is important to try to structure the engagement to reduce the risk of them being shamed.

Poison relationships

In many First Nations cultures, the practice of "poison cousins" involves avoiding direct communication with certain relatives to maintain social boundaries and respect. This tradition helps prevent conflicts and uphold modesty within communities, reflecting a deep commitment to community harmony and structured social relationships. It's a culturally significant way to ensure that family interactions are respectful and appropriate, supporting both community cohesion and individual dignity.

Humbugging

when someone asks for too much or makes unreasonable demands for money, drink, cigarettes, food, household items, cars etc from their family or community. It’s different from the positive practice of sharing resources within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Instead, humbugging can lead to stress, arguments, and even abuse. This situation (being humbugged) can be particularly difficult for First Nations people with disabilities, who, often have a strong desire to fulfill their cultural responsibilities like other community members, find it hard to know how to refuse such demands.

Hand talk

Many communities have a sign language or hand talk (sometimes called action) that compliments their local spoken language. In these communities many in the community may be able to use sign language to communicate with deaf community members. However, as with oral languages these are diminishing and often Deaf community members can only communicate with a few family members using family hand sign with elements of community sign.

Countryman

"Countryman" is an inclusive term used by some First Nations people to indicate their deep connection and responsibility to their land. It underscores a unique relationship that sets them apart from non-First Nations people, who may not share the same sense of belonging, affinity, or duty to the Country. This term highlights the profound bond First Nations people have with their land, which is central to their identity and cultural responsibilities.

Behaviours of concern

Behaviours of concern are actions displayed by individuals that might be disruptive, harmful, or challenging to themselves or others. These behaviours often occur when someone is unable to communicate their needs, feelings, or frustrations in more typical ways. They might include yelling, hitting, or refusing to follow rules or instructions. The goal in addressing these behaviours is to understand what the individual is trying to communicate through their actions and to find more positive and effective ways for them to express their needs and desires.

Breakdowns in communication can have a big impact on our social and emotional well-being. When breakdowns in communication negatively impact on the way we feel, it is likely that they will also impact on our behaviours.

When we don’t understand how communication breakdowns impact on how a person is feeling and the behaviours they are exhibiting, it can be confusing. People may withdraw, cease to communicate, or frustration may prompt angry responses. Often we are quick to label these as ‘behaviours of concern’, but we also need to think through how a breakdown in communication may have contributed to that behaviour. 

It is not uncommon for individuals experiencing lots of factors that impact on their communication (e.g., hearing loss, cognitive difficulties, language differences) to display behaviours that get the attention of or seek to shape the responses of others. Unless the needs and wants prompting these behaviours are understood, managing them appropriately can be challenging. 

Indeed, our response to behaviours can sometimes compound communication difficulties and distress: making a person feel further isolated and reducing their capacity to communicate. In turn, this can escalate the ‘behaviours of concern’ and can cause more harm as observed in the following case study. 

Case Study

♥ A gentle reminder that this case study includes experiences of trauma

Case study: Our responses to ‘behaviours of concern’ can cause more harm

Jaida was removed from her family and moved into an institutionalised setting in her youth. She often tried to run away, but was instead locked up even more. This was very traumatising for Jaida.

After receiving an NDIS plan, Jaida was moved into specialised disability accommodation. She did not have any support workers who could sign in her language. She became reclusive and struggled going out. When she is frustrated, she can become quite vocal and appear angry. Staff in the house didn’t know what to do, so she was often restrained in her wheelchair or left on her own in her room.

A Cultural and Communication advocate was engaged. The staff stated that Jaida ‘doesn’t talk much’, but the advocate could see that Jaida could communicate clearly with people who understand her language. She told the advocate she wanted to go out more and see family. She didn’t know why there were none of her people looking after her.

Understanding Jaida’s concerns encouraged staff to learn how better to communicate with Jaida. It also helped them to engage with Jaida’s family and enable greater connections. Eventually, Jaida wants to be cared for on Country without the use of restrictive practices. This may be possible, as there is now a First-Nations led disability service near where she wants to be.

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