What is Nonverbal Autism?
It’s estimated that about 40 percent of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders have a hard time with speech, meaning they have a hard time communicating with others using their voice. This is known as nonverbal autism. The difficult thing with nonverbal autism is that it doesn’t have an official status or diagnosis, and that’s because there isn’t a clear definition of what it is, or how it’s different from verbal individuals with autism. Unfortunately, research for nonverbal autism isn’t where it needs to be, but more research is ongoing and new technologies are being used to help with communication and understanding. Champion Autism helps parents and their children with nonverbal autism in the San Diego, CA area to find treatment.
While the definition of nonverbal autism remains unclear, the following are basic signs of an individual’s inability to communicate effectively:
- Avoiding eye contact
- Using facial expressions that do not match up with what they’re saying
- Not picking up on other people’s facial expressions, their tone of voice or their gestures
- Coming across cold or robotic and making few gestures
- Reacting unconventionally to sights, smells, textures and sounds, such as being sensitive to loud noises or being unresponsive to others trying to get their attention
- Having abnormal posture, clumsiness or moving about curiously (for example, walking exclusively on tiptoe)
Getting Nonverbal Autism Speech Therapy
It’s possible that children with autism will eventually develop language with the assistance of nonverbal autism speech therapy. Champion Autism is here to help connect you with therapy and meet your child’s needs. We have the resources to locate a great therapist in the San Diego area that can determine which strategies will work best for you and your child.
Some of the more common strategies include the following:
- Encouraging play and social interaction
- Focusing on nonverbal communication
- Giving the time and space for a child to talk
- Simplifying language
- Following the child’s interest
- Using assistive devices and visual supporters
It’s very important to remember that each child is a unique individual. What works with one child may not work with another, so there isn’t a universal treatment which is why nonverbal autism speech therapy is catered to the individual. Additionally, children with autism can learn to communicate, but it isn’t always through spoken language. But with the help of visual supports and assistive technologies, we can help individuals with nonverbal autism lead fulfilling lives.
Contact Us in San Diego, CA
Contact Champion Autism if you believe your child has nonverbal autism. Our team based in San Diego is dedicated to helping you find the best resources for your child. Our Access to Care Program (ATC) can connect you with any financial assistance if you need help getting therapy for your child. Be Involved. Act Now. Champion Autism. serves parents just like you throughout the San Diego area. Call us today at (888) 815-2627 to learn more.
