A child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that has not begun to verbalize by the age of four is considered to have nonverbal autism. What is nonverbal autism? Nonverbal autism means your child may not talk at all or may talk very little.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning there is a wide variety of symptoms in the manifestation of the disorder.

At Ascend Autism, we provide a targeted intervention program as part of our treatment menu. Read on to find ways to help.

What Are Some Things I Can Do About Nonverbal Autism?

Once you ask yourself what is nonverbal autism, be ready to go into action. Be encouraged parents of non-verbal autistic children. Staying positive in your approach is vital.

According to Applied Behavioral Analysis Edu.org, there are six strategies you can use with your nonverbal autistic child to help them better communicate:

Hand gestures and eye contact are basic precursors to language. Communicate with your child with hand gestures like pointing or moving your hands. This achieves two goals. It helps your child communicate with you by seeing and mimicking your actions. It’s also a building block to language, as gestures evolve into speech.
Using play as social interaction is an opportunity to describe various objects and things. When playing with your child, make certain to make a lot of eye contact. In this way, your child will understand seeing what you’re attempting to communicate and convey.
Role-playing and imitation are effective forms of conversation with the back-and-forth role-play introduces. Let them lead the way at times and you imitate what they are doing.
Always let your child set the pace. Using words easier to understand makes the acquisition process simpler. Leave the complicated vocabulary for later. The yearning to communicate is very basic. It will naturally become more and more important for your child to get their point across to you. Language may follow.
You’ll find many visual supports and assistive devices at your fingertips to help your autistic child. Don’t be afraid to use them. They are made to be foundational for communication and language as another tool in your child’s toolbox to communicate with you.
Allow room for your child to get their point across. As parents, we like to chime in and be “helpful.” Give them enough room to communicate before you respond for them.

What Acend Autism Brings to The Table

Our experts will help you and your child have continued success along this journey. Because autism is just a different way of interacting and communicating, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Have high hopes for your child’s future.

What is nonverbal autism to us at Ascend? It means our treatment plan must include alternative communication goals because no two individuals diagnosed with ASD are the same. You and your family will learn the key to your unique brand of success includes:

The Sooner You Get Started the Better

Children generally exhibit symptoms of autism in the first two years of life. At Ascend Autism, we have programs for 18-month-old toddler’s through the teen years. We want families to be successful. We want autistic children to integrate into society and have meaningful, productive lives.

Not sure where to get started with nonverbal autism? Ascend Autism is here to help. Call us at 877.323.8668 today. We’re here to help guide, encourage, and help your child grow as you navigate the complexities of ASD.