Giving Colin a voice: The challenge of narrative therapy with a client who has an intellectual disability and communication difficulties

Abstract

In this paper a narrative approach, developed by Michael White of the Dulwich Centre, Adelaide, was applied by social workers to work with a 12-year-old boy Colin, who has an intellectual disability and communication difficulties, to challenge the dominant story around his troublesome behaviours. Colin's family was at high risk of family breakdown and placing Colin in permanent out of home care at the commencement of the intervention. Colin was regarded by teachers and carers as troublesome. Colin wanted to communicate but lacked skills in clear communication. The social workers explored alternative views of his problems to assist in the development of a ‘new story’, utilising a narrative approach that highlighted Colin's strengths and abilities, at home, at school and in other settings. Augmentative communication was an important method of assisting the emergence of the ‘new story’ for Colin and his family.

Key Words:

• communication
• intellectual disability
• narrative