Visual/Spatial
The ability to conceptualize and manipulate large-scale spatial arrays (e.g. airplane pilot, sailor), or more local forms of space (e.g. architect, chess player).
Visual/Spatial
The ability to conceptualize and manipulate large-scale spatial arrays (e.g. airplane pilot, sailor), or more local forms of space (e.g. architect, chess player).
MĪ Care Positive Outcomes Based on Multiple Intelligence Inspired Strategies
A woman who cannot verbally communicate develops a series of urinary tract infections as she is not able to relay that she needs to use the bathroom or that she has soiled herself. With each infection, she experiences physical pain and exacerbated dementia symptoms, like increased confusion. On one occasion, the woman was hospitalized because the condition spread to her kidneys as it was not treated quickly enough. A caregiver suggests contacting the CFHDC to the woman’s daughter, stating they develop communication aids relating to people’s strengths that allow nonverbal individuals to relay information. After meeting the daughter and hearing her dilemma, the CFHDC administered its MĪ Care survey, identifying her mom’s top intelligence as visual/spatial. In response, they created a simple tool, an enlarged photograph of the woman’s toilet, and over time, taught the woman to point to the image when she needed to use the bathroom. This intelligence-related intervention helped decrease the woman’s instances of incontinence, resulting in fewer doctor visits and the need for antibiotics.
Matt’s Success Story of MI Theory in Practice
Scenario: A woman who cannot verbally communicate develops a series of urinary tract infections as she is not able to relay that she needs to use the bathroom or that she has soiled herself. With each infection, she experiences physical pain and exacerbated dementia symptoms, like increased confusion. On one occasion, the woman was hospitalized because the condition spread to her kidneys as it was not treated quickly enough.
Care based on MI results: Upon meeting with the woman’s family, I learned that she was a children’s book illustrator. After completing an MI survey, which showed a high level of visual/spatial intelligence, I suggested using the Picture Exchange System, an augmentative communication tool where people relay information using pictures. I was able to teach the woman how to use the system and she was then able to request the bathroom by simply pointing to a picture of a toilet, which decreased her incidents of UTI’s significantly. (It’s important to note that those with dementia who do not possess visual/spatial intelligence have a very hard time using this augmentative communication tool.)