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Did you know that approximately 25% to 50% of children are impacted by nonverbal autism?
These children have difficulty expressing their needs, often leading to frustration and aggressive behavior.
![A caregiver sitting on the floor next to a child, who is sitting at a table, engaging in drawing or writing.](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/learning-dev-89518.appspot.com/o/images%2F800%2F96f3c0f0-20f8-11ef-9cba-659ba8a37997.jpeg?alt=media&token=d571b9af-daa3-4348-b461-7c1b7f0e2067)
If you're a caregiver or teacher of children who live with nonverbal autism, teaching them communication skills will help these children express themselves.
Did you know?
Nonverbal autism is a form of autism where a person doesn't communicate through speech, or uses only a few words to do so. Early language development before age five results in better education, employment, independence, and social relationships in adulthood.
Forms of Communication
Communication involves sharing information through speech, writing, or gestures, and it helps children express their needs and wants.
Children with nonverbal autism have great challenges with speaking, learning the language, and understanding what others say.
Nonverbal autism doesn't always mean nonspeaking. Some children might actually have some limited verbal skills.
To effectively teach communication, you must understand how nonverbal autistic children communicate.
Verbal communication
echolalia, where a child repeats words or phrases
repetition of the same word multiple times
confusion of pronouns — for example, a child may use "you" instead of "I"
Nonverbal communication
Nonverbal Communication Methods
Teaching communication skills is vital for development and promotes independence and social interaction for nonverbal autistic children. To improve communication, try these strategies:
1. Use Hand Gestures and Eye Contact
Hand gestures and maintaining eye contact can help your child better understand your message.
Example: A child signals to the cookie jar on the counter, and the caregiver gives them a cookie. The child nods as they receive it.
2. Use Play
Playing helps your child see and understand how you communicate.
Example: A child and caregiver play with toy cars. They make engine noises and have fun together.
3. Use Role-Playing and Imitation
Pretending and copying help children develop communication skills and learn how to converse.
Example: A caregiver engages in interactive pretend play with a child, encouraging conversation and taking turns during the activity.
Did you know?
Teaching sign language can improve communication, reduce frustration, and enhance social interaction.
Alternative Methods
1. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
image by Joereddington from Wikimedia Commons
With PECS, children learn to exchange pictures for desired items or actions, gradually building their communication skills.
2. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices
AAC devices help by giving different ways to communicate, like using symbols or text on a device.
To see how it's used, watch the TikTok below:
Quiz
Which strategy benefits communication in nonverbal children with autism?
Visual supports help nonverbal children with autism provide visual cues to aid communication.
Take Action
![Children playing together, laughing and interacting joyfully in a park.](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/learning-dev-89518.appspot.com/o/images%2F800%2F821c2ad0-13e4-11ef-8cb3-e3ef5b482278.jpeg?alt=media&token=d3531557-a488-432f-8a80-c9997804f039)
Empower children with nonverbal autism by teaching them effective communication skills. Use various interactive methods.
This Byte has been authored by
Elisa Porcelli
Educator
MA- School Administration