Ways to Communicate with Children That Have Non-Verbal Autism

Raising a child with autism in Singapore brings its own set of challenges and rewards, especially when your child is non-verbal. While verbal communication may seem out of reach, it’s essential to recognise that communication goes far beyond words. By exploring alternative ways to connect, you can deepen your understanding of your child’s needs and foster a more meaningful relationship as they develop.

Understanding Non-Verbal Autism

Non-verbal autism, sometimes referred to as minimally verbal autism, describes neurodivergent individuals with limited to no spoken language. While they may understand language to varying degrees, expressing themselves verbally can be difficult. This can lead to frustration, anxiety, and behavioural challenges as they struggle to make their needs and desires known.

However, it’s crucial to remember that communication goes far beyond spoken words. Non-verbal autistic children have a rich inner world and are constantly seeking ways to connect and interact. As such, understanding how they are comfortable communicating is key.

How to Know if Your Child is Non-Verbal

Some of the signs that your child may have non-verbal autism could include:

• Not meeting the developmental milestones for language
• Not initiating or responding to conversations on their own
• Speaking only a few words or not forming complete sentences
• Using sounds instead of words to communicate, though parents and caregivers may often understand the meaning behind these sounds

The Significance of Expression in Non-Verbal Autism

Communication is fundamental to the human experience. It allows us to connect, share, and understand one another. For non-verbal autistic children, the need to express themselves is just as strong.

While they may not use spoken words, non-verbal children communicate in a myriad of ways:

• Gestures: Pointing, waving, or using specific hand movements to convey meaning.
• Sign language: Learning sign language can provide a structured way to communicate.
• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices: These can range from simple picture cards to sophisticated speech-generating devices.
• Facial expressions: A smile, frown, or look of surprise can communicate a lot.
• Body language: Posture, proximity, and movement can convey emotions and intentions.
• Sounds: Vocalisations, humming, or even specific noises can hold meaning for the child.

By recognising and responding to these diverse communication methods, we can build stronger connections with non-verbal autistic children and help them navigate the world around them.

Understanding Your Child with Non-Verbal Autism

Every non-verbal child is unique, with their own individual communication style. And as a parent, having a special bond with your child, you’re in the best position to understand their needs. By carefully observing their behaviours and reactions, you can begin to decipher their unique language.

Tips for Recognising Non-Verbal Cues

• Become a keen observer: Pay close attention to your child’s facial expressions, body language, and vocalisations in different situations. Notice subtle shifts in their eyes, posture, or tone of voice.
• Maintain a communication journal: Note down specific behaviours and the context in which they occur. What happened before? What happened after? This can help you identify patterns, triggers, and potential meanings behind their actions.
• Look for the subtle nuances: A slight change in breathing, a particular hand gesture, or a specific sound might hold significant meaning for your child. These subtle cues can be easily missed, so mindful observation is key.
• Consider the environment: Is your child reacting to sensory input like loud noises or bright lights? Are they feeling overwhelmed by social demands or changes in routine? Understanding the context can help you interpret what they are communicating to you.

Patience and empathy are essential when learning to understand your child’s unique communication style. It may take time to fully grasp how they express themselves, but the effort is invaluable.

Seeing the World from Your Child’s Perspective

Imagine experiencing the world with heightened sensory sensitivities, social anxieties, and communication challenges. This is the reality for many children with autism. By putting yourself in your child’s shoes, you can gain valuable insights into their behaviour and communication.

Strategies for Tuning In:

• Engage in sensory exploration together: Participate in sensory activities with your child to help you understand their sensory preferences and sensitivities.
• Observe their interests with curiosity: What activities does your child gravitate towards? What captures their attention? Following their lead can open doors to communication and interaction. Show genuine interest in their passions, and you’ll find new ways to connect.
• Create a safe and predictable haven: Ensure your home environment is calm, predictable, and supportive. Minimise sensory overload by reducing clutter, dimming lights, and offering quiet spaces for retreat. Furthermore, a predictable routine can reduce anxiety and promote a sense of security.

When you create a safe and understanding environment, you can help your child feel secure, accepted, and motivated to communicate in their own way.

How to Communicate with a Non-Verbal Autistic Child

Communicating with a non-verbal child requires a shift in perspective. It’s about tuning into their unique ways of expression and finding common ground for connection. These are some of the strategies you can consider to help you bridge the communication gap:

1. Engage in Activities They Enjoy

Shared enjoyment is a powerful connector. Engaging in activities your child loves creates a natural space for interaction and communication. Think of it as entering their world and speaking their language.

Activity Ideas:

• Sensory play: Water play, sand play, playdough, or finger painting can be highly engaging for non-verbal children. These activities provide tactile stimulation and opportunities for exploration and expression. For example, while playing with playdough, you can narrate your actions (“I’m rolling the playdough. It’s squishy!”), introduce new vocabulary (“Let’s make a long snake!”), or follow your child’s lead and imitate their creations.
• Music and movement: Singing, dancing, or playing musical instruments can be a fun and expressive way to connect. Music can be especially soothing and regulating for children with autism. Try singing familiar songs, putting on some music for a dance party, or exploring instruments together.
• Art activities: Drawing, painting, or creating with blocks can provide opportunities for non-verbal communication. Art allows self-expression and can be less pressure than verbal communication. You can draw together, comment on each other’s creations, or even use drawings to communicate ideas.

When joining your non-verbal autistic child for activities they enjoy, follow their lead. This shows respect for their autonomy and creates opportunities for meaningful engagement. It allows you to learn more about them and how to play with them in the way that they prefer.

2. Utilise Familiar Non-Verbal Cues

Non-verbal communication is a two-way street. Pay attention to the cues your child is using and respond accordingly. This shows them that you value their communication attempts and encourages them to continue expressing themselves.

Examples of Non-Verbal Cues and How to Respond:

• Pointing: If your child points to a toy, you can say, “Oh, you want the car!” and hand it to them.
• Reaching: If they reach for your hand, you can take their hand and say, “You want to hold my hand? That’s nice.”
• Making eye contact: Even brief eye contact can be a significant attempt to connect. Smile and acknowledge their gaze, showing them that you are present and attentive.

3. Employ Imitation

Imitation can be a beneficial learning tool and a natural way for children to connect. By mirroring your child’s actions and sounds, you can potentially create a sense of connection and encourage them to communicate with you.

How to Use Imitation:

• Copy their actions: Get face-to-face, use similar objects, and mirror their positive actions. This playful interaction creates a sense of togetherness and shows them you’re fully engaged in their world.
• Imitate their facial expressions: If they smile, smile back. If they frown, mirror their expression with concern and say something like, “Oh, you seem sad. What’s wrong?”
• Use imitation in play: Imitate their actions with toys or during pretend play. If they are pretending to feed a doll, pretend to feed your own doll. This can lead to turn-taking and interactive play.

Imitation shows your child that you are paying attention and that you value their communication attempts. It can also encourage them to imitate you, which can further facilitate learning and interaction.

4. Keep Language Simple

Simplifying your language helps your child understand what you’re saying and makes it easier for them to mimic your speech. If your child is nonverbal, try using mostly single words. For example, if they are playing with a ball, you can say “ball” or “roll.” If your child is already using single words, take it a step further by using short phrases like “roll ball” or “throw ball.”

As your child’s understanding grows, you can gradually increase the complexity of your language.

5. Utilise Visual Aids

Visual supports can be incredibly helpful for non-verbal autistic children. They provide a concrete way to understand and express information, reducing anxiety and promoting independence. Think of visual aids as a bridge between your child’s understanding and the world around them. They can make abstract concepts more concrete and help your child navigate daily routines and social situations with greater ease.

These are some of the visual supports you can consider incorporating:

• Pictures: Use pictures of objects, activities, or routines to help your child understand and communicate. You can create your own picture cards or use readily available resources.
• Schedules: Create visual schedules to provide predictability and reduce anxiety. This could be a simple picture schedule of the day’s activities or a more detailed schedule for a specific routine.
• Flash cards: This type of visual support can help you understand what your child is feeling or what they need. Flashcards can also be used to teach new words by showing a card with an image and then pointing to the corresponding object in the room.
• Choice boards: Offer choices visually to empower your child and encourage communication. This could be a choice board for snacks, toys, or activities.

Visual supports can be used in various settings like at home, in school, or during therapy sessions.

Using Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

PECS is a popular Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system that uses pictures to help individuals communicate. It involves exchanging pictures for desired items or activities. PECS starts with teaching a child to give a picture of a desired item to a “communicative partner,” who immediately honours the exchange as a request. The system gradually builds to more complex communication.

Benefits of PECS:

• Encourages initiation: PECS empowers children to initiate communication by approaching someone and giving them a picture of what they want.
• Reduces frustration: It provides a clear way to express needs and wants, reducing the likelihood of meltdowns or tantrums caused by communication breakdowns.
• Supports language development: PECS can be a stepping stone to more complex communication, such as using words or phrases.

Seek Professional Help When You Need Additional Support

There may be times when communicating with your non-verbal child feels overwhelming or particularly challenging. It’s important to remember that seeking help is not a sign of failure but a proactive step in ensuring your child’s development and well-being.

If you find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals who are experts in autism and communication strategies. They can offer expert guidance on various methods, such as using visual aids, AAC devices, or customised therapy approaches tailored to your child’s needs.

At Exploring Mates, our team of experienced therapists is dedicated to supporting both you and your child. With years of experience in autism early intervention, we can help you implement personalised strategies to support communication and address any specific challenges you may be facing. Through early intervention and speech therapy for kids, we work to help your child thrive in their unique way while providing you with the tools to support their growth.

For more insights into autism in children, check out our guide on early intervention programmes in Singapore and what is ABA therapy.