Up to 30% of children on the autism spectrum are nonverbal or minimally verbal. Effective communication can be a challenge for these kids, as well as for those who love and care for them. Fortunately, speech therapy can help, teaching the child to understand and use, to the best of their ability, both verbal and nonverbal means of communication. There are also steps you can take, in addition to making sure the child attends speech therapy, to support a nonverbal child.

How to Help a Nonverbal Child With Autism

1. Learn and Utilize Visual Tools

Using visual aids helps the nonverbal child link words to the corresponding objects and activities. This crucial learning allows the child to better express their needs, wants, and feelings and gives parents and others the means to meaningfully connect and engage with the child. There are a variety of visual aids available, including flashcards, photographs, and picture cards. Encourage the child to point to images of what he or she wants to say. Also, sign language is one of the best visual tools available, so consider signing your family up for a class.

2. Talk to Them

The easiest way to help a nonverbal child is to talk to them with the attention and frequency you talk with anyone else in the family. Address them by name as often as you can, and when possible, explain aloud whatever task you're doing when communicating with them. This reinforces the connection between words and specific actions/objects, and it creates a loving, inclusive, affirming environment that will only help the child in their efforts to communicate and feel like the valued family member they are.

3. Stay in Their Sightline

Staying in the child's line of sight when communicating lets them see your body language and other nonverbal methods of communication. It also allows them to see your face—its expressions, emotions, and reactions to certain words, as well as the shape of your mouth when you form words. Stay as fully as you can in the child's sightline, ideally at eye level.

A speech therapy professional at Affinity Health Group can provide you with customized strategies and resources for helping your child. Since 2007, they have been serving the Monroe, LA, area. Their team includes primary care physicians, dermatologists, physical and speech therapists, and behavioral health clinicians. Call (318) 807-4900 to make an appointment or visit their website to browse their services.