5 Top Tips for Helping Your Nonverbal Child with Autism Communicate

:mega:Silence can be used as a tool to encourage communication in children with autism.

:eyes:Visual strategies, such as using visuals and symbols, can aid in communication for children with autism.

:raising_hand:Parents should create opportunities for their child to communicate, by setting up situations where communication is necessary.

:teacher:Parents should shift from being testers to becoming teachers, providing language models and teaching language structures.

:tada:Communication should be fun and rewarding for children with autism, and parents can make themselves as fun as the toys or activities their child enjoys.

Does using visuals and symbols prevent nonverbal children from speaking?

—There is no research to support that using visuals and symbols inhibits nonverbal children from speaking. In fact, visual strategies can often help in communication.

How long should you wait for a nonverbal child to respond?

—It is recommended to wait at least 10 seconds for a nonverbal child to respond, allowing them enough time to process and respond to a question or prompt.

Are visual strategies only effective for nonverbal children?

—Visual strategies can be beneficial for all children, including those with communication difficulties. Visuals support understanding and can enhance communication for individuals with autism.

What are some examples of visual strategies?

—Examples of visual strategies include using visual schedules, visual prompts or cues, visual timers, and visual communication boards.

How can I make communication more fun for my child with autism?

—You can make communication more fun for your child by using exaggerated facial expressions, gestures, and engaging in activities or play that your child enjoys. Be as fun for your child as their favorite toys!

00:43Silence can be used as a tool to encourage communication in children with autism. By waiting and observing, parents can learn about their child's interests, attention, and communication skills.

01:51Visual strategies, such as using visuals and symbols, can aid in communication for children with autism. Visual information is processed better by individuals with autism.

02:41Parents should create opportunities for their child to communicate by setting up situations where communication is necessary. This can include using favorite toys as motivation for communication.

03:27Parents should shift from being testers to becoming teachers, providing language models and teaching language structures. Commenting and providing examples can help teach language to children with autism.

04:09Communication should be fun and rewarding for children with autism. Parents can make themselves as fun as the toys or activities their child enjoys, using exaggerated expressions and gestures.