Non-verbal autism

The non-verbal child

When a child suffers from a severe communication disorder, as is often the case with children with autism, they may be classified as non-verbal. In this case, the child may exhibit difficulties such as a limited vocabulary, challenges in constructing complex sentences, or an inability to effectively use spoken language.

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

Moreover, the impact of verbal difficulties goes beyond communication alone and can affect various aspects of the child's development, including social interactions and academic progress.

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

How to communicate with a non-verbal child?

Before looking at how to create a dialogue with a non-verbal child, it is important to remember that a child with autism may also have relational difficulties and struggle to express their needs. These difficulties are specific to autism and are not related to the ability or inability to speak. Therefore, it is important to consider relational aspects in communication with children with autism.

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

It should be noted 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 emotions. For example, in the COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES app, you will find the game "Mimic an Emotion". The child can learn to recognize emotions in themselves and others using images and descriptive audio. They will thus be able to match what they hear to their emotions and those of others.

Here are some emotions that children can learn in the COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES app:

Another solution is to use images.

Images can help the child expand their vocabulary if it is limited, or substitute for communication. Images are easy for children to recognize and use.

There are different types of alternative communication for children with autism. In this case, it is important that the child is followed by a speech therapist who can teach the child and parents how to use this type of communication. Learning to use these tools is not easy and takes time, as it is like learning a new language. You need to be patient and help your child. It will also be important to integrate this tool at school to allow the child to communicate in all situations.

When speaking to your child, try to speak softly and give them time to respond. Similarly, when it is the child who wants to communicate something, whether with a word or by showing an image, give them time to express themselves.
Once the child has finished, you can make the sentence more complex. For example, if the child said the word "water" or showed the image of water, you can say: "Do you want me to give you water? Yes, here is water." In this way, the child will be happy to be understood, but they will also have more complex sentences and be able to improve their communication.

Speech Therapy for Non-Verbal Children

Speech therapists 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 specific communication needs.

For non-verbal children with ASD, it is important to recognize that communication takes various forms beyond verbal language. A speech therapist can 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, speech therapists facilitate effective communication and interaction.

Furthermore, speech therapists provide valuable advice and support to families, offering strategies and activities aimed at promoting language development and communication skills at home. Collaborating with speech therapists allows families to create a rich communication environment and implement effective communication strategies tailored to their child's needs.

Ultimately, the goal of speech therapy is to equip children with ASD with the tools and skills necessary to communicate effectively, fostering meaningful interactions with their environment, family members, and peers. Through ongoing support and intervention, speech therapists 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), may face difficulties in the school environment that can impact their academic performance and social interactions. It is essential for educators and school staff to understand and consider 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 is 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. Furthermore, educators can play a crucial role in fostering peer understanding and acceptance of different communication styles, thereby creating an inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and supported.

It is essential to adapt classroom activities and assessments to the child's communication modality to promote their academic success and engagement. For example, if a child communicates using pictures, it is important to provide them with visually presented materials and assignments rather than relying solely on written text. By adapting teaching materials to the child's preferred communication mode, educators can enhance accessibility and ensure that the child can fully participate in learning activities.

Moreover, ongoing collaboration between educators, speech therapists, and other support professionals is essential to implement 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 socio-emotional development.

COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES, educational and physical games

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

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

In the COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES app, you will find several games so that every child can find something to play. Remember that each child is different, and that's perfectly fine! You should try to adapt the environment to the child's needs and use their own skills to overcome challenges.

Sports break

This break is very useful for non-verbal children, as there is no need to communicate verbally. Communication can occur through the body, movements, and facial expressions. Sports and physical activities eliminate the 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 health professionals, speech therapists, and teachers play a central role in supporting non-verbal autistic children, the involvement of family and close surroundings is equally crucial to support and reinforce daily learning.

Why is the social environment so important?

• Communication develops through interaction: A child learns to express themselves because they are understood and encouraged to interact. Every moment shared with loved ones can become a learning opportunity.

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

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

How to actively involve loved ones? Concrete examples:

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

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

  • Usefulness: allows all household members to speak the "same visual language".

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

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

  • This prevents the child from being limited in their interactions to just a few reference adults.

• Use shared routines to strengthen exchanges:

  • Example: during breakfast, the child shows the image of orange juice → a parent rephrases: "Do you want orange juice? Very well, here is some orange juice."

• Encourage siblings to participate:

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

  • This fosters sibling relationships and develops better mutual understanding.

Bonus tip: integrate communication into playful activities

• Simple role-playing games with images (e.g., "You are the cook, show me what is needed to make a cake!")

• Commented manual activities with simple and repetitive words.

• Use of music or nursery rhymes with gestures.

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