Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a rather complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects each person differently. Although most people with autism eventually develop verbal communication capabilities, many remain nonspeaking. Nonspeaking autism signs are various but mainly unique to teenagers and children.
Read on as we demystify the characteristics of nonspeaking autism and bring about clarity and understanding of the different ways people with autism navigate the world and communicate.
Understanding the Traits of Nonspeaking Autism in Teens and Children
#1 Communication Beyond Words
Among the most distinct signs of non-speaking autism is the reliance on alternative means of communication. Such persons typically resort to a series of tools and modes of communication, such as:
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices: These are electronic devices that produce speech upon receiving text or symbol input. Hence, nonspeaking individuals can communicate with others very efficiently.
- Sign Language and Gestures: Some non-verbal individuals use sign language or mere gestures in expressing needs that are primary and categorical emotions,
- Picture Exchange Communication System: It is the use of pictures to symbolize a particular object, action, or concept. In this case, one can communicate through picture exchange.
#2 Sensory Sensitivities and Preferences
Both children and adolescents with non-verbal autism may have problems where they are over or less sensitive to sensory stimulation. This may include:
- Hyperreactivity: A very acute response to some sensory input-for instance, loud noise, bright lights, or particular textures-may overwhelm and distress a person.
- Hyporeactivity: Conversely, some people may have very little response to the sensory input and would try to seek excessive sensory experiences as they crave that level of extreme stimulation.
- Sensory Seeking and Avoiding Behaviors: Tolerance for specific types of sensorial experiences, such as spinning or repetitive motion or distaste for particular sensations, may significantly impact everyday life and activities.
#3 Social Interaction and Engagement
While social interaction in and of itself poses a central challenge to individuals who have autism, nonverbal children and adolescents may exhibit highly specific social behaviors in that regard, including the following:
- Facial Expressions: These are facial, bodily, and eye contact usages geared at conveying ideas and intentions.
- Tendency to Preferring Being Alone: This is a trend wherein the child prefers enjoying activities alone as opposed to in groups.
- Difficulty with Conventional Social Norms: For example, when one appears not to understand the standard rules that govern interacting in a social environment, this sometimes creates social miscommunication and seclusion.
#4 Repetitive Behaviour and Routines
Nonspeaking autism is characterized by a quite repetitive pattern of behavior and a vital requirement for routine. Such repetitive behavior is manifested as follows:
- Stimming: This is the repetition of given movements or production of specific sounds like flapping the hands, rocking the body, or humming. It makes one feel better or controls sensory input or emotion.
- Rigid Routines: A high need for routine and predictability, with the capacity for disruptions to cause immense distress.
#5 Cognitive and Learning Styles
The range of cognitive differences in non-verbal people with autism is extensive. Some main characteristics are as follows:
- Visual information overloads the auditory input, a potential strength in visual-spatial tasks.
- Difficulty with Abstract Concepts: Abstract or non-literal language cannot be understood or comprehended easily. Clear, concrete directives are more effective.
#6 Emotional Regulation and Behavior
Emotional management can be particularly challenging for children and adolescents with autism who are nonspeaking. Some common characteristics related to this factor thus include:
- Emotional Outbursts: Robust responses to frustration, anxiety, or sensory overload that can even result in meltdowns
- Difficulty Identifying Emotions: This may be in identifying one's emotions and those of others and providing names for the same
- Strategies for Regulation: We need to develop specific strategies or obtain caregiver support to modulate the degree of emotional responses.
Learn Taking Your Client With ASD From Non-Verbal to Verbal with TalkTools
TalkTools has introduced a course to unlock the potential of nonverbal autism in teens and children, specifically designed for Speech and Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists. The course name Taking Your Client with ASD from Non-Vocal to Verbal emphasizes specific techniques in hierarchal frameworks or oral placement, developing skills for both speech and feeding purposes. Some of the key learning outcomes are:
#1 Integration of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Learn how ABA, paired with oral placement and tactile therapies, can be used to teach non-verbal or non-imitative clients with autism how to speak. Also, reinforcement-based procedures should be learned to increase learning and functional speech development.
#2 Foundational Skills
List prerequisite initial skills for teaching vocal speech and learn 3-4 evidence-based ABA techniques to elicit vocalizations in a non-verbal individual.
#3 Step-by-Step Functional Communication
Learn the sequence of procedures to teach functional communication, beginning with motivation and reinforcement. Use Motor Imitation and Specific Shaping Strategies to Optimize Learning Outcomes
#4 Oral Motor and Motor Planning Deficits
Realize the underlying deficits of oral motor and motor planning that are so prevalent in many nonverbal clients diagnosed with autism. Learn to use specific, task-analyzed strategies to address deficits in a highly effective manner.
Course Highlights
- Step-by-Step Guidance: From getting cooperation to achieving functional vocabulary, a program is provided for every participant.
- Hands-on Techniques: Practice sequential techniques to transfer oral placement skills into functional speech.
- Expert Views: Benefit from decades of experience in techniques developed and widely practised within the field of ABA, providing evidence-based, practical speech development approaches.
Choose TalkTools to Empower Nonverbal Individuals with Autism
Nonspeaking autism is a widely varying combination of characteristics and resultant behaviors that, for each individual, make up who that person is. Knowing these characteristics is key to helping them. Hence, recognizing and valuing the numerous ways nonspeaking people with autism interact with the world around them allows us to develop more accepting and accommodating spaces that respect their strengths and meet their needs.
Join us and take a look at our course as we at TalkTools empower nonverbal individuals with autism, unlocking their potential for communication and giving improved quality of life through specialized, evidence-based courses.
