Nonverbal Autism and Communication Skills

A look at the importance of finding a preferred method of communication for your child if he/she is nonverbal. Communication―it’s essential to our everyday lives. The go-to method for many of us is verbal communication. But what if speech is not possible? According to the Autism Speaks organization, an estimated 40 percent of people on

As someone with a family history of autism, dyslexia, and seven other neurodiversities, I have worked closely with young and old individuals with these neurodiversities since 2012.  What exactly is dyslexia, and what are the similarities and differences between it and autism?  First, it is essential to mention that there are often comorbidities with all

This month, Dr. Temple Grandin answers parents’ questions about nonverbal or nonspeaking autism. Juju’s mom, in Queens, New York, asks, “My son is three and a half years old and autistic. He sings and has words. He can read some words but can’t functionally communicate, such as telling me he’s hungry, etc. What can I

As Maya Angelou famously said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Words matter, even when they’re not spoken aloud. In the world of autism and communication differences, few terms spark more confusion than nonverbal vs nonspeaking. Though often used

Play is how children connect with their world. For autistic children, it’s a way to improve communication and trust. If you’re wondering how to play with a non-speaking autistic child, you’re not alone. Through play, you can create a safe space where your child feels seen and valued, laying the groundwork for communication to grow.

At almost ten years old, my son, Joey, doesn’t speak often. At most, he’s said a total of 30 different words in his life, although he can repeat certain words and phrases. He repeats his name and says words like “silly” but has never been able to hold a conversation. He is considered nonverbal. Just

To know how to communicate with autistic adults, it’s important to adapt your communication strategies. People with autism spectrum disorders have their own ways of communicating and approaching social interactions, as their communication and language skills may differ from those of neurotypical individuals. Let’s explore how to use communication strategies to support effective and respectful

Have you ever heard a lecture or speech from someone with no inflection in their voice? This is called a monotone voice. While it can be an effective way to communicate boredom in television shows, it can lead to difficulty communicating for people on the autism spectrum. Many people with autism may not use different

Communication skills in individuals with autism vary widely. Some may be primarily non-verbal communicators, while others may be more verbal. Non-verbal episodes occur when a child with autism temporarily loses the ability to use spoken language. These episodes can be confusing and concerning, but learning about them is the first step toward helping your child.

Every parent waits for their child’s first words, but when verbal milestones are missed, parents may want to talk to the pediatrician. Early intervention is essential for improving communication. Yet, once a child has been diagnosed, what signs should a parent look for that their autistic child will talk? Here are seven behaviors that parents

In a world that thrives on effective communication, ensuring every child can express their needs, wants, and emotions is of paramount importance. Children who are nonverbal communicators have significant difficulties using spoken language. Because of that, speech therapy for nonverbal autism can be highly beneficial. A nonverbal child with autism is dependent upon a speech

Speech articulation problems occur when sounds are not pronounced correctly. This can happen due to issues with the placement, timing, pressure, speed, or flow of movement of the lips, tongue, teeth, palate, or respiratory system (lungs). Many parents wonder how to help a child with speech articulation problems. If you’ve noticed your child struggling to

One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do was learn how to communicate with my nonverbal child. Joey is as smart as they come, but he’s unable to communicate through speech. This is a constant problem for parents of nonverbal children.  Spoken language may be the most common form of communication, but we

It can be difficult to know how to introduce yourself to a child with autism spectrum disorder. Autistic children are not always inclined to interact with someone with whom they are not familiar. Many lack the same social skills that neurotypical children possess. But, given time, many children with autism may become more receptive to

Drawing and using visual metaphors can be a wonderful way to connect with a young person who has social communication difficulties. Still, at times, family communication in autism can be challenging. This article guides you through practical and simple tips so you can learn step-by-step, creative methods to communicate with your family. In time, this

Picture a child who has many ideas but struggles to communicate them due to autism. This situation is a daily reality for numerous autistic children. Thankfully, an autism communication board can make these challenges easier. We often think of communication as just words or phrases, but it’s a little more complex than that. In fact,

Improving communication with autistic children can be a difficult, frustrating, and time-consuming task. But it is a task that you will have to prioritize if you are a parent or a carer for someone on the autism spectrum. A lot of frustration stems from the fact that parents or caregivers are trying their best to

Parents of late-talking children face one common problem. They often don’t play well with others, and they have interests and sensory needs that are not typical of other kids their age. So, it can be challenging for parents to find activities and toys for late talkers. The good news is, with a little analysis, parents

Whoever said pointing is rude probably didn’t realize how important gestures are to your child’s language development. Before children reach their first birthdays, they use gestures rather than words to ask for things, share special experiences, and learn about the world around them.  Gestures, like words, follow a developmental sequence. Understanding these gestures isn’t just

We often think of communication as spoken words and phrases, but there are so many ways in which we communicate daily. Think of the moment when your partner, a family member, or a friend remarks: ”You look tired,” after a full day of work and taking care of the kids. I am sure your body

“Why can’t I play with my brother like other kids my age play with their siblings?” Coming from my older son, Jeremy, that question cut like a knife. The fact is Joey struggles with joint attention. He can only sometimes focus on the same things as everyone else. For joint attention to work with Joey,

Autism is a disorder with symptoms that typically include some difficulty with socialization and communication, sensory issues, and some repetitive or restricted behaviors. Research shows that about 25 – 30% of children with autism are also nonverbal. What is Nonverbal Autism? Individuals considered to be nonverbal are either unable to communicate verbally or use fewer

Visual discrimination, the ability to distinguish between similar objects, colors, and shapes, is a crucial skill for many daily tasks. However, for some individuals on the autism spectrum, visual discrimination can present a challenge.  This article explores the connection between visual discrimination and autism. While ASD is known for its impact on social and emotional

A reminder that there is so much more to communication than speech – your child may be speaking to you in their own unique way. For over 35 years, I’ve engaged with children on the autism spectrum, children who were labeled nonverbal. As a speech and language therapist, I am here to tell you that

A respected educator offers advice for supporting your nonverbal child on the spectrum. It is not uncommon for a child with autism to present with a speech or communication concern. Many researchers believe as high as 40 percent of children with autism may be nonverbal. The following practical suggestions may help you to assist and

Q: I have a nine-year-old girl who is not able to speak fully. She can spell some words when we teach her, but I want her to get better in her speech. Any suggestions, please? A: Hi Kavitha, Firstly, saying a letter in isolation can often be easier than saying a whole word with multi-syllables

Communication skills can be challenging for many children, especially those on the autism spectrum. Setting functional communication goals is a crucial step toward improving these skills. Understanding functional communication skills and their impact on autistic children is essential. Knowing how to set appropriate communication goals, how these goals can be integrated into Individualized Education Programs