Clinical encounters can provide a portal into understanding patient needs and person-centred care. Communication in interviewing is vital: communicating caring attitudes and actions in tandem. Some patients and populations require extra consideration in clinical settings. Many individuals with developmental disabilities present with cognitive, communication, motor or sensory differences that necessitate adaptations as we prepare and engage them in interviews. The following guidelines provide a summary of steps to “Communicate CARE when you INTERVIEW” a patient with a developmental disability. The principles and practices are broadly applicable and stand to benefit patients as well as clinicians in initial clinical encounters.

Grace was born in 1988, and was diagnosed with autism at the age of five. Grace’s early years proved to be a mix of fascinating and challenging experiences for her and her family. They have explored many avenues through the healthcare system, some more successful than others. We are fortunate to hear about their experiences and the wisdom gained from this journey. Grace showed an interest in art from an early age. Over the years, her love for artistic expression has evolved from a fun pastime to a blossoming career. As an individual affected by autism, Grace experiences heightened sensory perceptions. She is believed to have Synesthesia, the intermingling of senses, where music has colour, and colour has smell. This sensory acuity is also visible in her art, as she combines patterns and textures with strong use of colour in ways that reflect both the chaos and beauty of her experiences living with autism. Featured in this video is Grace, her parents Gerry and Janet, and their former caregiver, family friend and medical student, Amanda Ritsma. Be sure to check out Grace’s art gallery and video! Grace's Art: http://www.artbygrace.ca/ Be sure to check out this video with more about Grace, her life and family: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYUefl6p61Q

Three-minute video montage highlighting the CommunicateCARE acronym of Clearly, Attentively, Responsively, and Engage.