Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects roughly 1 in 45 Americans. Like other neurodevelopmental disorders, autism is lifelong and cannot be treated.
However, various therapies and support programs can help individuals with autism learn communication and daily living skills, encouraging independence. These therapies can especially help those with nonverbal autism.
What Does Nonverbal Autism Mean?
Nonverbal autism references autistic individuals who do not communicate with spoken words or use a very limited vocabulary consisting of single words.
Affecting nearly 30% of children with autism, it is common for these individuals to communicate with nonverbal cues such as gestures, sounds, and even augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools.
Nonverbal autism doesn’t prevent an individual from understanding language, and with the proper therapy, these individuals can learn to verbally communicate long-term.
Why Some Individuals With Autism Are Nonverbal
It is important to note that not everyone on the spectrum is nonverbal. There are many factors that play into why individuals with autism will develop nonverbal communication.
Some include:
- Neurological factors: Special imaging shows that there are physical differences in the brains of some autistic individuals that impact speech and social processing.
- Motor planning difficulties: Also related to the physical development of the brain, some might struggle with coordinating the muscle movements involved with speech, making verbal communication physically difficult.
- Overstimulation: For some, environmental sensory input can become so overwhelming that it makes verbal communication difficult to process, leading to language delay or periods of silence.
Signs of Nonverbal Autism in Children
Nonverbal autism can develop in early childhood, greatly impacting a child’s social development and ability to communicate. While no child is born with the ability to verbally communicate, there are ways to determine if your child might be nonverbal.
Signs to look for include:
- Lack of spoken language by 12-16 months
- Tendency to avoid eye contact
- Unable to wave, nod, or clap by 18 months
- Difficulty responding to verbal cues
- Communication frustration
- Unresponsive to their name
These signals will help you consult a pediatrician for early intervention, which can greatly improve communication and social interactions.
Nonverbal Autism vs Speech Delay
While easily confused, there are major differences between nonverbal autism and delayed speech. A child who is experiencing a speech delay will only have issues with forming words, while eye contact, hand gestures, and social engagement remain developmentally on track.
With nonverbal autism, a child’s ability to interact socially as well as use nonverbal cues. However, with early intervention, a child can learn to communicate with nonverbal cues when verbal speech is not an option. After long-term speech therapy, some nonverbal children are able to build social communicative skills and use spoken words to interact with others. That is why early diagnosis and intervention are essential for development.
Communication Methods for Nonverbal Individuals
While certain therapies can help children learn to verbally communicate, some nonverbal individuals will still struggle to use spoken language. Fortunately, decades of research have produced alternative communication methods for these individuals.
Nonverbal communication methods include:
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- Sign language
- Speech-generating devices
Communication boards and writing are highly accessible ways for nonverbal children to communicate. It’s important to carefully observe these individuals for expressions and nonverbal behaviors that indicate tension or relaxation. Working as a team will make communication with a nonverbal child easier for both parties.
Supporting Language and Communication Development
While raising a nonverbal child, there are numerous ways to support language and communication development through at-home tactics and speech-language pathologists (SLPs).
Language therapies and programs include:
- Speech therapy
- Behavioral intervention
- Structured communication training
While a child is participating in these speech and language programs, there are ways to support their development at home.
At-home tactics include:
- Use visual aids and communication boards
- Be patient and wait for a response
- Encourage gestures and eye contact
- Speak slowly
- Narrate daily tasks and routines
- Reward communication attempts
- Engage with the child’s interests
How ABA Therapy Supports Communication Skills
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is commonly used with nonverbal children. It supports the development of communication and social skills through several evidence-based methods.
Skills that ABA therapy teaches:
- Functional communication training
- Verbal behavior training
- Non-verbal communication
- Guided conversations
- Positive reinforcement
- Practice in real-life settings
- Visual supports and speech-generating devices
Through all these research-backed methods, ABA therapists can teach nonverbal children to form spoken words and communicate their needs nonverbally, promoting independence and confidence.
Can Nonverbal Children With Autism Learn to Speak?
With early intervention, most nonverbal children can eventually learn to use spoken words. Often, these children start using verbal communication later on and are able to speak before school-age.
However, not every nonverbal child will learn to speak, depending on the type of developmental disorder. This doesn’t mean that communication is impossible, just that alternate methods will need to be used.
Alternate communication includes:
- Sign language
- Communication boards
- AAC devices
- Writing
How Roman Empire Agency Supports Individuals With Nonverbal Autism
We support individuals across the spectrum at Roman Empire Agency, including those with nonverbal autism. We use ABA therapy to support language skills and both verbal and nonverbal communication.
To learn more about how you can support your child with nonverbal autism, contact us today and get a full list of our services and therapies.
