Non-verbal autism is a subtype of autism spectrum disorder characterised by significant challenges in verbal communication. Individuals with non-verbal autism may not use spoken language to communicate, but this does necessarily mean an inability to communicate. Rather, individuals with non-verbal autism may rely on alternative methods or technology to help express their thoughts, feelings, and needs with others. Speech pathology, with its array of specialised techniques and strategies, plays a critical role in facilitating the process of weighing up and implementing different alternatives.
Speech pathologists help to diagnose and treat a range of communication disorders, including a range of conditions from language delays, speech sound disorders, and non-verbal autism. Through a set of targeted strategies, speech therapists can help individuals discover and develop their own unique methods of communication and ensure they are able to effectively interact with others and their environment. In this post, we will explore some of these various strategies, like Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), visual support strategies, and behavioural and play-based therapy, to provide a comprehensive understanding of their impact and important of each of these options.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC, encompasses various forms of communication that supplement or replace speech and writing. The principles and ideology of AAC are based on the understanding that communication is a fundamental human right and that everyone deserves the ability to express themselves. AAC can be particularly beneficial for individuals with non-verbal autism, offering them a platform to express their needs and desires effectively.
AAC systems are divided into two main categories:
- Unaided systems – which rely solely on the individual’s body (e.g., sign language or gestures)
- Aided systems – which involve external tools (e.g., communication boards or electronic devices)
Both these types of systems provide valuable means for individuals to communicate. Unaided systems allow for immediate and spontaneous communication, while aided systems can offer more complex and detailed ways of expressing thoughts.
Implementing AAC in speech pathology for non-verbal autism can be a transformative step, empowering individuals to express themselves and engage in social interactions, which can also contribute to reducing frustration. For instance, high-tech AAC devices, such as speech-generating devices (SGDs), enable users to construct sentences and phrases by selecting symbols or words on a screen, which the device then vocalises. This can significantly enhance the user’s ability to communicate complex ideas and emotions—a task which may have previously been extremely challenging or impossible to complete.
Visual Support Strategies
Visual support strategies are another cornerstone of speech pathology for supporting non-verbal autism. Since many individuals with autism are visual thinkers, utilising visual aids can substantially improve their understanding and communication by providing clear, concrete representations of abstract concepts. Visual aids can help bridge the gap between what an individual wants to express and their ability to convey it effectively.
Visual aids can range from visual schedules, which provide a structured sequence of activities, to social stories that elucidate social situations and appropriate responses. The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a widely-used visual support strategy where individuals learn to exchange pictures to communicate their needs and desires. PECS can start with simple picture exchanges and progress to more complex sentence construction, allowing for a scalable approach to communication development.
These visual aids offer a concrete and consistent mode of communication, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with non-verbal autism. They help bridge the gap between understanding and expression, facilitating better interaction with the environment and others. Visual supports can reduce anxiety by providing predictability and structure, making it easier for individuals to navigate their daily routines and social interactions.
Behavioural and Play-Based Therapy
Behavioural and play-based therapy offers an interactive approach to speech pathology for non-verbal autism, focusing on developing communication skills through play, which is inherently engaging for children. This approach utilises the natural interests and activities of the child to foster communication and social skills in a fun and motivating way.
One effective strategy is promoting joint attention, which involves sharing a focus on an object or activity with another person. This practice can enhance non-verbal communication skills such as eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions as it encourages children to engage and communicate with others. Another strategy is fostering imitation skills, as children often learn to communicate by observing and mimicking others. By encouraging children to imitate actions, sounds, and words, therapists can help them develop foundational communication skills.
Encouraging functional play skills also helps children with non-verbal autism to understand the purpose and function of various objects, aiding in communication development through practical and meaningful activities. For example, using everyday objects in play can teach children how to express their needs and desires more effectively.
For example, in a play-based therapy session, a speech pathologist might use a favourite toy to encourage a child to make requests or engage in turn-taking activities. These interactions can build foundational communication skills that extend beyond a therapy setting, helping children to generalise these skills to real-world situations. This method not only makes learning enjoyable but also ensures that the skills developed are relevant and applicable to the child’s daily life.
- Clinic Location: Robina
2/201 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina, 4226
Gold Coast, Queensland
Speech pathology provides a multitude of effective strategies for addressing non-verbal autism, including AAC, visual support strategies, and behavioural and play-based therapy. These techniques, among others, offer comprehensive support that can significantly enhance communication and interaction for individuals with non-verbal autism.
Each child with non-verbal autism is unique, and it is crucial to adopt an individualised approach tailored to their specific needs and abilities. By understanding and leveraging their strengths, speech pathologists can create effective communication plans that empower these individuals to express themselves more fully. If you would like support in designing a personalised communication plan or implementing some of the aforementioned strategies, contact us to speak with one of our therapists today.
The field of speech pathology is continually evolving, with ongoing research and development of new strategies for non-verbal autism. Advances in technology and innovative therapy approaches are continuously enhancing the tools available to speech pathologists, offering new ways to support communication. As our understanding of autism and communication grows, we can anticipate even more innovative methods to help individuals with non-verbal autism find their voice and connect meaningfully with the world around them.
