Autism: Can a Non-Speaking Child Communicate?

Around 25 to 30 percent of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are minimally verbal or do not speak at all. But does this mean they are not communicating? Meghan O’Neill, MD, Neurodevelopmental Disability Physician at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, explained "When a person with autism is nonspeaking, they do not communicate using spoken language, including vocalizations or sounds which have symbolic meaning. This does not mean that the individual cannot engage in communication, which broadly represents the exchange of messages or information between two people."

Even adults and children who speak as their primary means of communication use a number of methods to communicate. These include eye gaze, facial expressions, gestures, body language and vocalizations. Other methods can include sign language and picture communication systems.

Two of the most common questions I get from parents:

1. "How do I know if my child is going to be nonverbal for the rest of their life?"

2. "Will using augmentative and alternative (AAC) strategies keep my child from speaking?

   
   

Parents are afraid if their child is even saying a few words, that using a core board, sign language or even a voice output device will make their child reliant on that method and they will choose not to use their words. They don't want to do anything that will keep their child from speaking.

But the most important thing we want to consider is this: are we are keeping our child from being able to communicate?

Communication is the #1 goal, whether that is words or some other means. The answer to "while AAC keep my child from speaking?" is "no". Research does not support this. Not only does using AAC strategies reduce communication frustration and help give a child a means to functionally communicate basic wants and needs or ask for help, it supports language development and encourages speech.

A common question I get from teachers or other new SLP's is "When should I start using any AAC?". This answer is easy - FROM THE FIRST DAY YOU CAN! Using AAC strategies is going to build language skills and give our children a way to functionally communicate. Visual representations of words through pictures, signs, or gestures, paired with words, help increase understanding, improve vocabulary, and help children make choices, answer questions, and ask for help with needs such as being hungry, thirsty, needing help, or needing to go to the bathroom.

We can't know for sure which child will speak and which ones won't, but we do know ALL children can learn to communicate. So let's support and encourage spoken language while giving our children other strategies to functionally communicate. It will create an environment with less stress, and all parties will enjoy seeing the progress our children make when they learn to communicate more effectively.

Karen Taylor, M.S., CCC-SLP, CAS

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder, Universal Speech Strategies

"Helping parents and professionals build communication through practical, evidence-based strategies."