How to Teach a Non-speaking Autistic Child to Communicate
By: Vanessa Blanchard
Learning to speak can be difficult for autistic children. People sometimes assume that this means that their child is unable to think or to comprehend the world around them.
This is so not true.
There are tons of autistic authors that dismantle this notion. I highly recommend reading the book, How Can I Talk if My Lips Don’t Move? by Tito Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay. It’s a wonderful book about the inner world of a non-verbal autistic boy as he grows. (The way he talks about his mother is beautiful as well.)
What is AAC?
AAC, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication, is a collection of speech alternatives that allow people who struggle with speaking to communicate.
There are multiple options for AAC, so talking with a specialist or other autistic adults who might help you find a match that works best for your child. Some autistic kids eventually develop the ability to speak, others rely on AAC over their lifetime, some will find that they need to switch back and forth.
What to Do
Research different methods of communication and find what works best for your child.
Reach out to autistic folks for advice and insight into what has helped them or their loved ones.
What Not to Do
Don’t panic when your child expresses anger as they begin to communicate, even if it’s directed towards you or another authority figure. Imagine how frustrating it must be to be unable to express yourself. It’s normal to exercise a newfound freedom with a strong display of rebellion.
About the writer
I’m a writer, artist, and advocate who loves living in Maine among the trees and oceanside villages. I’m also autistic, ADHD, and PTSD. My education, both academic and personal, has centered around mental health and neurodevelopmental disabilities, as well as discrimination and the socioeconomic consequences of living disabled in America. I work to plant seeds and spread ideas through my writing.
You can find me on Twitter @ladysnessa.