
August 8, 2022 Nonverbal Autism
Worried that your child with autism may be nonverbal? Perhaps you're wondering if they can ever learn how to speak.Either way, you're in the right place. After you read this article, you will know what nonverbal autism is, its early signs, and how you can help your child get comfortable with talking.
What is nonverbal autism?
If your son or daughter was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and they haven't spoken their first words by the time they turned 4 years old, they are considered to have nonverbal autism.To put it another way, children with nonverbal autism don't use verbs or words when they interact with others.Some of them will make sounds or noises (instead of speaking) to communicate what they think or how they feel.Since a few of the symptoms of nonverbal autism are similar to the signs that accompany other physical problems, you want to take your child to the doctor to make sure that they don't have any serious or major medical conditions.At the appointment, the doctor may conduct blood tests and physical and imaging exams before they give you a diagnosis.Keep in mind that nonverbal autism is somewhat common.What percentage of autism is nonverbal?
In the past, it was believed that about 40% of autistic children were nonverbal. However, according to a 2013 study of nonverbal autism, the figure is now closer to 25%.This is because the autism diagnosis criteria has expanded in recent years to include those with mild forms of ASD.Additionally, new and advanced treatment methods are allowing children to get diagnosed with nonverbal autism at an early stage. In turn, they can address their symptoms and begin to learn how to speak while they're still very young.Signs That Your Child Will Be Nonverbal
Your son or daughter may be nonverbal if they display the following autism spectrum disorder communication problems as a baby or toddler:- Avoiding eye contact
- Not knowing how to gesture, wave, or communicate in other non-verbal ways
- Ignoring nearby sounds or their name being called
- Not mumbling or making noises as a baby
- Failing to use body language to express themselves
How can a nonverbal child learn to communicate?
There are various scientifically-proven ways to help your child with nonverbal autism speak and communicate.Here are some of the most noteworthy ones:Encourage Play and Social Interaction
When your child is encouraged to play games that they enjoy and interact with others, they will get more comfortable with communicating, even if they do so non verbally.Over time, this makes it easier for them to start using their words and orally express themselves.Simplify Your Language
Complex words and long sentences are difficult to imitate. Instead, say simple words and phrases when you speak to them.Once your son or daughter starts to mimic you, you can move on to longer words and sentences.Imitate Them
When you playfully copy the sounds and noises that your boy or girl is making, you are encouraging them to start mimicking the words and phrases that you say.Use Assistive Technologies and Visual Supports
There are certain apps that are designed to teach children words when they press on a visual or image. For example, if your nonverbal kid touches a picture of an apple on the device's screen, they will hear the word "apple".Alternatively, you may have your child use physical pictures to express what they think and how they feel.ABA Therapy
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is currently the most prevalent therapeutic approach for autism symptoms, in general.When you take your nonverbal boy or girl to see an ABA therapist, this is what you can expect:- The therapist evaluates your child's condition, development, and communication skills.
- They identify the problematic environmental and sensory triggers that your kid is struggling with. For example, your child may have difficulty communicating when the TV volume is turned up or a family member talks loudly.
- The therapist eliminates these triggers and puts together a treatment plan for teaching your son or daughter how to speak.