Non-verbal autism

Autism, a complex developmental disorder, affects around 8,000 children every year, underscoring its prevalence and importance in our society. However, it is essential to recognize that, among this considerable number, each child experiences autism in a unique way. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) encompass different subtypes, each with distinct individual characteristics, levels of severity and vulnerabilities.

Communication difficulties are one of the hallmarks of autism spectrum disorders, with some people being non-verbal, meaning they have difficulty communicating verbally. However, it is important to understand that non-verbal communication does not equate to a total absence of communication skills. Rather, it highlights the need to find alternative methods of communication and to adapt the environment to meet the child’s specific needs.

For non-verbal autistic children, exploring alternative communication tools such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems can prove invaluable. These tools encompass a range of strategies, from picture exchange systems to high-tech speech-generating devices, adapted to the child’s abilities and preferences. In addition, creating a supportive environment that adapts to and respects their unique communication style is essential to fostering meaningful interactions and promoting their overall development.

Autism often affects several skills in a child’s development. It is therefore important to have a general vision in order to better support the child’s development.

The non-verbal child

When a child suffers from a severe communication disorder, as is often the case with autistic children, it can be described as non-verbal. In this case, the child may present difficulties such as a limited vocabulary, difficulties in constructing complex sentences or an inability to use oral language effectively.

In some non-verbal children, speech may be totally absent, or they may use only a few words to express their thoughts or needs. In the absence of verbal language skills, these children rely mainly on non-verbal forms of communication, using gestures, facial expressions and body language to express themselves.

What’s more, the impact of verbal difficulties goes beyond communication alone, and can affect various aspects of a child’s development, including social interaction and academic progress.

Early intervention is key to supporting children with communication disorders, providing them with tools, alternatives and strategies to effectively overcome their difficulties. By equipping these children with the right resources and support, they can learn to engage and communicate meaningfully in their daily lives, thereby promoting their overall development and well-being.

How do you communicate with a non-verbal child?

Before looking at how to create a dialogue with a non-verbal child, it’s important to remember that an autistic child may also have difficulty relating to others and expressing his or her needs. These difficulties are specific to autism and are not linked to the ability or inability to speak. It is therefore important to take relational aspects into account when communicating with autistic children.

We have just seen that a non-verbal autistic child can communicate. Communication can take place through different channels, so it’s important to know which channel the child wants to use. All children use facial expressions to express themselves. Facial expressions are universal and everyone can give them meaning. In this case, it’s important to exaggerate the expressions to make them more obvious to the child.

It’s worth remembering that children with autism may have difficulty recognizing emotions, both their own and those of others. You can use books or games to help them learn to recognize this. For example, in the COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES you’ll find the game “Mime an emotion”. Using descriptive images and audio, children can learn to recognize emotions in themselves and others. They will then be able to match what they hear to their own emotions and those of others.

Here are just a few of the emotions children can learn from the COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES applications:

Pain

Another solution is to use images.

Pictures can help children expand their vocabulary if it’s limited, or replace communication. Images are easy for children to recognize and use.

There are different types of alternative communication for autistic children. In this case, it is important for the child to be monitored by a speech therapist who can teach the child and parents to use this type of communication. Learning to use these tools is not easy and takes time, because it’s like learning a new language. You need to be patient and help your child. It will be important to integrate this tool at school too, to enable the child to communicate in all situations.

When talking to your child, try to speak softly and give him or her time to respond. Similarly, when it’s the child who wants to communicate something, whether with a word or by showing a picture, give him time to express himself.
Once the child has finished, you can make the sentence more complex. For example, if the child has said the word “water” or shown the picture of water, you can say: “Would you like me to give you some water? Yes, here’s some water”. In this way, not only will the child be happy to be understood, but he’ll also be able to form more complex sentences and improve his communication skills.

Speech therapy for non-verbal children

Speech-language pathologists play a crucial role in supporting children with language or communication disorders, including those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is very helpful for children with ASD to benefit from speech therapy services to meet their special communication needs.

For non-verbal children with ASD, it’s important to recognize that communication takes many forms beyond verbal language. A speech-language pathologist may work with the child to explore alternative communication methods, such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, sign language or picture communication systems. By adapting interventions to the child’s abilities and preferences, SLPs facilitate effective communication and interaction.

In addition, Speech-Language Pathologists provide valuable advice and support to families, offering strategies and activities to promote language development and communication skills at home. Collaboration with speech therapists enables families to create an enriching communication environment and implement effective communication strategies tailored to their child’s needs.

Ultimately, the goal of speech-language pathology is to equip children with ASD with the tools and skills to communicate effectively, fostering meaningful interactions with their environment, family members and peers. Through ongoing support and intervention, speech-language pathologists play an essential role in improving the overall communication and social functioning of children with ASD.

Non-verbal children and school

Children with communication disorders, including those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), can experience difficulties in the school environment that can impact on their academic performance and social interactions. It is essential that educators and school staff understand and take into account the unique communication needs of these students in order to effectively support their learning and development.

When a child with ASD uses alternative communication methods – such as pictures, apps or sign language – it’s essential that teachers are informed and trained in the use of these modalities. This enables them to facilitate communication and interaction in the classroom environment and promote the inclusion of all students. In addition, educators can play a vital role in fostering peer understanding and acceptance of different communication styles, creating an inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and supported.

Adapting classroom activities and assessments to the child’s communication modality is essential for academic success and engagement. For example, if a child communicates using pictures, it’s important to provide visually presented materials and assignments, rather than relying solely on written text. By adapting learning materials to the child’s preferred mode of communication, educators can improve accessibility and ensure that the child can participate fully in learning activities.

In addition, ongoing collaboration between educators, speech therapists and other support professionals is essential to implementing effective communication strategies and accommodations in the classroom. By working together, school teams can develop individualized plans that address the unique needs of each child with a communication disorder, fostering an inclusive learning environment that promotes academic success and social-emotional development.

COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES,
educational and physical games

The COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES app features over 30 educational and physical games. Each game has three levels of difficulty and an audio description to suit all children.

With Coco, you can stimulate all cognitive functions such as attention, memory, logic and language.

In the COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES applications, you’ll find a range of games so that every child can find something to play. Remember that every child is different, and that’s just as well! You should try to adapt the environment to the child’s needs and use his or her own skills to overcome difficulties.

The sports break

This break is very useful for non-verbal children, as there’s no need to communicate orally. Communication can take place through the body, movements and facial expressions. Sport and physical activity break down any language barriers that may exist between children.

PHYSICAL GAMES “COCO MOVES

The family and social environment: an essential lever for the development of communication

While healthcare professionals, speech therapists and teachers play a central role in supporting non-verbal autistic children, the involvement of the family and close circle of friends is just as vital in supporting and reinforcing learning on a daily basis.

Why is the social environment so important?

• Communication develops through interaction: a child learns to express himself because he is understood and encouraged to interact. Every moment shared with loved ones can become a learning opportunity.

• Repetition and consistency: Children assimilate communication tools better when they are used regularly, in different contexts (home, school, leisure).

• Affective security: A reassuring environment encourages children to experiment and open up to new modes of expression, without fear of failure.

How can we actively involve family and friends? Concrete examples:

• Create a visual family communication booklet (paper or digital format):

  • Example: photos of everyday objects, family members, familiar places.

  • Benefits: enables all members of the household to speak the “same visual language”.

• Train family members in the use of AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication):

  • Grandparents, siblings or babysitters can learn the basics of the system used by the child (PECS, apps like Mon Dico…).

  • This ensures that the child’s interactions are not limited to just a few adults.

• Use shared routines to strengthen exchanges:

  • Example: during breakfast, the child shows the picture of orange juice → a parent rephrases: “You want orange juice? All right, here’s some orange juice.”

• Encourage siblings to participate:

  • They can play with the child using pictograms, gestures or adapted applications.

  • This encourages sibling bonding and fosters mutual understanding.

Bonus tip: integrate communication into fun activities

• Simple role-playing with images (e.g. “You’re the cook, show me what it takes to make a cake!”).

• Hands-on activities with simple, repetitive words.

• Use music or rhymes with gestures.

AND FOR MORE INFORMATION

ACCOMPANYING AN AUTISTIC ADULT

In this guide, we give you practical advice on how to support, stimulate and bond with an adult with autism. Useful day-to-day advice to make life easier for family and professional caregivers. Exercises to work on all aspects.