Nonverbal Autism: Signs, diagnoses, and therapy

Nonverbal Autism

“Nonverbal” is a term many providers and parents use to describe autistic children who don’t talk a lot, or don’t talk at all. It’s important to know that no child is truly “nonverbal.” Most humans make noises of some kind! And those noises, whether it’s grunting or screaming, are still a form of communication.

A lot of autistic people do not like the term “nonverbal” for that reason, and prefer to use the term “nonspeaking.” (We’re using both terms interchangeably in this article.) You may also hear some people use the term “non vocal” or “minimally vocal.”

Why isn’t my child talking?

There are many reasons your child may not be speaking. But just because your child isn’t talking now, doesn’t mean they can’t talk in the future. It also doesn’t mean your child can’t communicate some other way. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Talking is complicated. Keep in mind, speaking is the most complicated motor skill your child will ever develop! It requires the control and use of over 100 muscles to make even the simplest words. Your child may not be speaking for many reasons. Speech delays can be caused by developmental differences or physical concerns like hearing loss or apraxia.
• It’s very common for autistic kids to “regress” in their speech. This usually happens around age 2. It doesn’t mean your child can’t talk or won’t talk, it just means they need the right support in their language development process. Trying to teach them to develop language typically can actually hinder their growth. There are some autistic kids who regress in their speech and their speech explodes a few years later. There are some kids who will be nonspeaking for life. Each child is unique and that’s okay.
• Many autistic kids are Gestalt Language Processors. This means they process language a little differently than other people. We’ll talk more about GLP later on in this article.

To figure out exactly why your child is having difficulty with speech, work with a qualified speech-language pathologist or speech therapist.

Your child doesn’t need “motivation” to talk

Some people, including some therapy providers, may tell you that your child needs to be motivated to speak. But speech and communication are natural and do not need to be “motivated” by anything. Our children already communicate with us in so many ways. Even your child’s behavior is communication!

All communication is valid

Every parent wants to hear their child speak to them. There’s no shame in wanting that. But…

Speech isn’t better than any other type of communication! Our society tends to think speech is best, and that other forms of communication are abnormal, bad, or weird. This is ableism. Your child is not any less valuable if they prefer to type, or use an AAC device, or communicate using pictures, or sign language, or whatever they prefer. Your child’s behavior, grunts, screams, scripts, echolalia, etc. are all ways they communicate with you. However your child tries to communicate with you is valid and worthy of respect.

Always ‘presume competence’

Not speaking is not the same thing as not understanding. Speaking is a complex process that requires a lot of muscles and movement that can just be hard for some kids, especially those with dyspraxia. Auditory processing can also be a bit different for autistic kids. But language and speech are different! It is highly likely that your child hears and understands way more than you realize. Always assume this.

Your child has something to say

Just because your child isn’t speaking, doesn’t mean they can’t communicate or don’t want to communicate. Many nonspeaking autistic people share that they feel there is a “brain-body disconnect.” They have thoughts they want to share and a rich inner world, but their bodies do not cooperate to allow them to speak. They watch as the world around them fails to understand or support them. Nonspeaking autistic people have described their experience as being very lonely. Your child probably has something to say, and they’re fighting to get it out.

Your child’s noises mean something

You may hear terms like “preverbal” used to describe children who don’t have “functional speech” yet. Your child may memorize and speak large chunks of words (like from movies or songs) at first instead of individual words (scripting). They may also repeat certain sounds, words, or phrases over and over (echolalia). Some therapists may say this is not “meaningful speech” or “functional speech”, but that’s wrong! Your child’s speech means something to them. This is Gestalt Language Processing. Everything they’re saying has some sort of purpose. It’s not wrong or bad, and it doesn’t need to be corrected.

Your child can do great things

Nonspeaking kids are often underestimated. Educators or doctors may assume that your child has a learning disability or intellectual disability because they don’t speak. People may talk about your child around them like they don’t understand what’s being said. Not talking doesn’t mean your child is unintelligent. It doesn’t mean your child can’t understand, learn, and accomplish many things. Being nonspeaking isn’t a death sentence. Your child shouldn’t be counted out just because they don’t talk. There are so many nonverbal autistic people who have accomplished amazing things in life. All it takes is the right support!

Fighting to be heard

Aggressive behavior and meltdowns can be caused by frustration and anxiety. If your child is nonverbal, you may be familiar with meltdowns and aggressive behaviors like hitting, throwing, screaming, etc. This is likely your child’s way of expressing they are frustrated or anxious. People might take your child’s behavior as misbehavior, but it’s really a cry for help. Your child may be in pain or experiencing discomfort or emotions they can’t share. As hard as it is for you to see your child in pain, being aggressive, or having a hard time, imagine how hard it is for them! They need a way to share their mind with the world around them.

Your number one priority

Give your nonverbal child a way to communicate. Many of the skills your child will learn throughout life, and the opportunities available to them, will depend on them having a consistent way to communicate. When your child has a reliable way to communicate, they can advocate for their needs and wants, express their personality, dreams, and thoughts, and participate in more social interactions. This decreases frustration and anxiety and allows your child to connect deeply with those around them.

AAC is crucial to your child’s growth and safety

Giving your child a consistent way to communicate through a reliable, robust AAC system can help them stay safe. Nonverbal children are some of the most vulnerable in the autistic community. When your child cannot speak, or doesn’t always speak, AAC is a reliable way to communicate. Autism is a dynamic disability, which means your child’s needs will fluctuate. Some days they may be able to talk more than others. It’s important to introduce AAC as soon as possible to your child’s life. Your child can use AAC as much or as little as they need to.

Read our guide to AAC for autistic kids for all the details.

Final thoughts

Your child wasn’t born with a manual. You’re learning all of this as you go, and boy, do I know how you feel. I wish somebody would’ve shared an article like this with me when my son was diagnosed as “nonverbal, level 3” a few years ago. Nonspeaking children are usually just as smart, creative, and capable as anyone else. They just need understanding and support. Check out the deep dives below for more resources to help your nonspeaking autistic child!