Final answer:
Individuals with communication impairments often understand more than they can express and may use alternative forms of communication such as gestures. They need time to process spoken language and typically benefit from clear and concise sentences. Accommodations are important to support their communication and academic success.
Step-by-step explanation:
People with significant communication impairments often have complex challenges when it comes to communication. While it is true that many can understand more than they can express (a), and they may use sounds and gestures to communicate (b), it is also important to recognize that they require time to process spoken language (c). However, the idea that they respond best to long sentences (d) is not generally accurate, as clearer and more concise sentences can be easier for them to understand.
For instance, an individual who has never learned words but has learned signs will use those as a means of communication. Hearing impairments, such as difficulty in perceiving higher frequencies, can lead to challenges in understanding speech, especially women's voices which are higher in pitch. In such cases, speech may need to be louder and frequencies tailored to what the person can hear.
Conditions like dyslexia can also impact communication, as individuals may struggle with language-based tasks like reading, writing, and speaking. Accommodations, such as allowing oral exams, are important for those with communication-related disabilities like dysgraphia to succeed in academic environments.