Difficulties with communication happen to everyone from time to time. It is important to remember that there are individuals in our communities who struggle to simply talk to family members on the phone, play with a friend, or place an order at a restaurant every day. Reducing background noise and distractions, using simple language with an age-appropriate tone of voice, allowing extra time to respond, repeating yourself as needed, and, most importantly, putting yourself in the other person’s shoes can help establish a strong relationship and allow for a better communication experience.