Non-verbal kids find it hard to express their thoughts. They may struggle to talk or use words. This makes daily life very challenging. Teaching strategies for non-verbal children can help them communicate better. These strategies include sign language, pictures, and technology. Parents and teachers can use them every day. With the right approach, children feel more understood.
Every child is different, and so unique teaching strategies for non-verbal children must be adapted for each child. Some learn through gestures, while others use devices. Finding the right strategy takes time and patience. But with the best methods, children can express their needs.
In this article, you will learn proven ways to help children who can’t communicate verbally, using unique teaching strategies for non-verbal children. You will also get expert tips to unlock their potential. Keep reading to discover powerful techniques for better communication.
Understanding Non-Verbal Children
Non-verbal children have trouble using spoken words. Some cannot talk at all, while others can say only a few words. They may struggle to express their thoughts, needs, and feelings. This can make daily life very hard for them and their families.
Many non-verbal children have autism, speech disorders, or developmental delays. Some understand what others say but cannot respond with words. Others may find it hard to process language. Every child is different, so their challenges vary.
Non-verbal kids use other ways to communicate. They may point, make sounds, or use facial expressions. Some rely on gestures, pictures, or devices. Understanding these signs is very important. It helps parents and teachers know what the child wants.
Anxiety and frustration are common in non-verbal children. They may feel upset when others do not understand them. This can lead to meltdowns or withdrawal. Creating a calm and supportive environment is very helpful.
Parents and teachers must be patient. They should observe the child’s behavior and reactions. This helps them find the best way to support communication. Understanding non-verbal children is the first step to helping them among the teaching strategies for non-verbal children. With love, effort, and the right strategies among the many recommended teaching strategies for non-verbal children, they can learn to express themselves.
Teaching Strategies for Non-Verbal Children
Being a parent of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) comes with many challenges, but one of the hardest is understanding your child’s needs and feelings.
You want to know when your child is hungry and what they would like to eat. You wish you could tell if they need comfort or reassurance. It may be difficult to determine whether they are enjoying their surroundings or feeling anxious and overwhelmed.
In unfamiliar places, you might struggle to see if they are feeling safe and secure or uneasy and frightened.
Without clear communication, it can feel overwhelming to meet your child’s needs in the best way possible. For many parents, this uncertainty can be a source of stress and worry.
Raising a child with autism presents unique obstacles, but if your child is also non-verbal, the difficulties can be even greater, making it a constant concern.
In the past, many believed that if a child remained non-verbal past the age of four, they would never develop speech. However, a 2013 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics provided hope. The research, which observed 500 children, showed that non-verbal children can learn to speak later in life, sometimes even achieving fluency in their teenage years.
This suggests that supporting a non-verbal child doesn’t mean giving up on verbal communication. Non-verbal methods can be stepping stones toward language development, and in the meantime, parents can use various techniques to understand their child’s needs.
It is essential to recognize that every child with ASD is different. A method that works well for one child may not be effective for another. However, some strategies have been shown to encourage communication in non-verbal children while also helping parents better understand their child’s wants and emotions.
Below are six of the most effective teaching strategies for non-verbal children for fostering communication with a non-verbal child:
1. Non-Verbal Communication Can Lead to Speech Development
While verbal communication may be the goal, non-verbal interactions can be just as powerful. Many of the skills involved in non-verbal communication, such as hand gestures and eye contact, help lay the foundation for speech development. Encouraging these behaviors can be an important first step toward verbal expression.
Parents can model these behaviors by using clear and exaggerated gestures that are easy for their child to imitate. For example, when asking a child to pick up a toy, parents should not only use words but also point at the toy while nodding to signal approval when the child selects the correct item.
Common gestures like clapping, reaching out for a hug, or opening one’s hands are universally understood and can help a non-verbal child express their thoughts more effectively.
2. Play and Social Activities Offer Opportunities for Expression
Playtime is an excellent way for children to learn and engage socially. Playing games that involve sorting or matching objects can help strengthen visual and motor skills while also encouraging communication.
Activities that involve touch, such as playing with clay or sand, create natural opportunities for children to describe their experiences. At first, they may use gestures, but over time, they may begin using words to express sensations.
Music can also be a helpful tool. Singing songs or using toy instruments can make communication more engaging. When playing with a child, parents should stay at eye level so the child can clearly see their facial expressions and gestures, making it easier to learn through observation.
3. Imitation Encourages Interaction and Understanding
One effective technique for promoting communication is imitation. This method works like a conversation, where both the parent and child take turns mirroring each other’s actions and sounds.
Parents can start by mimicking their child’s movements and noises to encourage them to do more of both. A simple imitation game might involve copying a child’s block-stacking actions. If the child adds a piece to their tower, the parent can do the same. If the child knocks over the tower, the parent follows suit.
Toys like balls, building blocks, dolls, cars, and action figures can all be used in imitation games, making interactions fun while fostering communication through non-verbal means. These activities can help establish a strong foundation for future verbal exchanges.
4. Let Your Child Take the Lead and Pick a Topic That Interests Them
Following your child’s interests and allowing them to set the pace can be an effective way to keep them engaged. Letting your child choose what to focus on helps maintain their attention and encourages learning naturally.
Observe what your child is already doing and use simple words to describe their actions. For example, if they are sorting shapes, you can say “circle” when they pick up a circle or “in” when they place it in a container.
This approach allows your child to concentrate on something they enjoy while also helping them connect words with their activities.Using simple and easy-to-understand words can make communication more accessible for your child. Starting with single words such as “take” or “ball” can make it easier for them to comprehend and repeat.
As they become comfortable with these words, you can gradually extend the phrases to “take toy” or “roll ball.” Eventually, you can build these into full sentences, helping your child express themselves more effectively.
5. Consider Using Communication Aids
There are various assistive tools available to help children and adults with ASD communicate, whether they are verbal or non-verbal. These devices are not meant to replace speech but instead serve as a foundation for communication, helping children express themselves more easily.
Visual aids can also be helpful in allowing children to communicate their needs and thoughts by selecting pictures that produce spoken words. A variety of communication tools exist, including apps that can be installed on smartphones or tablets, making them more accessible.
6. Give Your Child Time to Respond Instead of Speaking for Them
Sometimes, your child may not immediately respond or provide a complete answer, and that’s completely fine. It’s natural to feel the urge to fill in the blanks, finish their sentences, or speak for them when others ask a question.
However, it’s essential to give your child the opportunity to respond on their own, even if their response takes time or doesn’t come at all.
Children with ASD often require extra time and space to process information before responding. Even if they don’t answer, it’s important to keep creating chances for them to communicate rather than doing it for them.
After asking a question, pause for a few seconds and show your interest by looking at your child attentively. Pay close attention to any signs of movement or sounds they might make.
If they do respond in any way, acknowledge their effort immediately. Offering this kind of positive reinforcement can be incredibly encouraging and empowering for your child.
Distinguishing Between Nonverbal and Nonspeaking Autism
Based on information from Autism Speaks, approximately 30% of individuals on the autism spectrum are unable to use spoken language for communication from birth. The term “nonverbal” can have varying meanings depending on the individual. In fact, it has been discoverd that when educators were teaching, this term was frequently used in different contexts.
According to Merriam-Webster, “nonverbal” is defined as “not involving or using words and lacking or appearing to lack the ability to engage in speech.” Meanwhile, “nonspeaking” is described as not using spoken language and being unable or unwilling to speak.
It is important to keep in mind that individuals often labeled as nonverbal may still fully comprehend language and respond to it. This is why the term “nonspeaking” is sometimes considered more accurate, as these individuals can understand language and express themselves in other ways.
Not being able to communicate verbally does not mean a person is incapable of understanding language or conveying their thoughts through words. Although many still use these two terms interchangeably, I am simply sharing some insights I have discovered.
Effective Classroom Activities for Nonverbal or Nonspeaking Autistic Students
From an expert at Adapting for Autism, who has taught in an autism classroom with many nonverbal students, she completely understand the challenge of deciding what to teach. Without a district-provided curriculum, she had to either find or create her own materials.
Here’s a valuable insight discovered during times in the classroom:
Keep activities consistent. Every. Single. Time.
Once she started designing learning resources that followed the same structure while covering different subjects, her students quickly became familiar with what to do. Whether they were working on reading or math, they recognized the routine and understood the instructions without confusion.
This approach was a game changer in helping them develop independence in completing tasks.
Below, I’m sharing some of the most effective resources she used with nonverbal students who communicated in different ways. The goal is to create a classroom environment where every student can succeed.
The Importance of Visual Supports
Anyone working with autistic students knows how powerful visual aids can be. For children who don’t use spoken language to communicate, visual supports are very important. Here are some highly effective visual tools for nonverbal learners:
– Engaging Reading Activities for Nonverbal Students
⭐ Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
PECS is a fantastic way for students to express their wants and emotions using picture cards. Beyond communication, it’s also an excellent tool for literacy development! You can create PECS cards with simple words like “cat” or “dog” and gradually introduce more challenging vocabulary to support reading skills.
⭐ Interactive Storytelling
Bring stories to life with props, gestures, and visual cues! Encourage students to point to images in the book or use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices to share their thoughts. Adapted books with CORE words can be especially helpful for teaching key concepts. For example, she oved using books focused on community helpers to make learning more meaningful.
⭐ Sensory Reading
Make reading a multisensory experience by adding textures and sensory elements to storytelling. For example, when reading a book about the beach, bring in sand or seashells for students to touch. This kind of hands-on interaction helps students better engage with and understand the story.
⭐ Picture-to-Word Matching
Using visuals is an essential strategy when working with autistic students, particularly nonverbal learners. One effective activity involves having students match words to corresponding pictures in a file folder. This helps assess their ability to recognize and decode words while reinforcing reading skills.
– Fun and Effective Math Activities for Nonverbal Students
⭐ Counting with Visuals
Numbers can be challenging, but visual aids make math more accessible. Use brightly colored counters, number lines, or favorite toys to help students understand counting and basic math concepts. For example, using building blocks or LEGO bricks can make counting interactive. Ask students to create a tower with a specific number of blocks, like “Build a tower with 5 blocks” or “Make a bridge using 3 blocks.” This reinforces not only counting but also early addition and subtraction skills.
⭐ Matching File Folder Activities
For students who struggle with fine motor skills and cannot verbally answer math problems, matching activities can be a great tool. For example, counting file folders can be used to assess a student’s progress in counting throughout the year. While students can sometimes guess the correct answer, the biggest advantage of these activities is that they promote independent work skills.
By incorporating these activities into the classroom, we can create an environment where nonverbal students can learn, communicate, and thrive in their own unique way!
– Writing Activities for Students Who Are Nonverbal or Nonspeaking
⭐️ AAC Writing Apps:
There are many excellent apps available to support AAC users in building their writing abilities. These apps allow individuals to type or select words and phrases to form sentences, create stories, and express their thoughts in written form. AAC, which stands for augmentative and alternative communication, refers to any method of communication other than spoken language.
When selecting an AAC writing app, it’s important to consider the student’s specific needs, preferences, and the level of assistance they require. Many of these apps provide free trials or basic versions, making it easier to explore their features and choose the most suitable one.
Here are some AAC Writing Apps to explore:
➡️ Proloquo2Go – This feature-rich AAC app provides a text-based communication system with numerous customization options. Users can form sentences and paragraphs using either symbols or text. It also includes an extensive vocabulary and grammar support.
➡️ TouchChat – A flexible AAC app offering both symbol-based and text-based communication tools. It includes word prediction and abbreviation-expansion features to assist users in forming sentences and messages more efficiently.
➡️ Snap + Core First – Developed by Tobii Dynavox, this app serves as a multifunctional communication platform that supports text-based messaging and writing. It has an intuitive interface and a variety of vocabulary and symbol choices.
➡️ LAMP Words for Life – LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) focuses on language development and motor planning. It can be adapted for writing by customizing grids or utilizing the built-in text-based communication features.
➡️ SpeakBook – Primarily designed for storytelling and social interactions, this app can also be used for writing. It enables users to craft sentences, captions, and stories using a mix of text and symbols.
⭐️ Cut-and-Paste Writing Activities:
Cut-and-paste worksheets are excellent tools for teaching the sequencing aspect of writing. These activities guide students in understanding how events or ideas flow logically. Using cut-and-sequence worksheets, students can arrange events in order, and if they are capable, they can construct a short sentence or paragraph using picture prompts as a reference, depending on their writing abilities.
– Social Skills Activities for Nonverbal or Nonspeaking Students
⭐️ Visual Social Stories:
Visual social stories illustrate different social situations and the appropriate ways to respond to them. These stories serve as an effective way to teach students about social interactions and expected behaviors.
A social story is usually written from the student’s point of view and provides a clear, simple explanation of a potential situation they may encounter. It offers answers on how to handle challenges and navigate social norms, making it a valuable tool for autistic students who need guidance in social communication.
For instance, if a student is sensitive to loud noises and a fire drill is scheduled that week, reading them a social story about what will happen during the drill and how they should react can help reduce their anxiety.
Adapted 4 Special Ed offers a variety of social stories that may be helpful, and you can find some of them at the site.
⭐️ Group Games:
Engaging students in interactive group games helps build cooperation and communication skills. Activities like “Simon Says” or board games such as Candy Land can be particularly beneficial for teaching nonverbal students essential skills like taking turns, following directions, and engaging with others in a structured yet enjoyable way.
⭐️ “I Feel, I Need” Visual Choice Board:
Although originally created for autistic students, this visual aid can benefit any child who struggles with verbal expression. Even students who can speak sometimes find it difficult to retrieve the right words or express their emotions clearly.
A simple file folder containing a visual choice board allows students to communicate their needs and feelings using pictures. This tool can make it easier for them to express themselves in challenging situations.
Helping Nonverbal Autistic Children Speak – Expert Tips
Researchers have shared encouraging findings that even after the age of four, many children with nonverbal autism can still develop spoken language. Naturally, families, educators, and caregivers are eager to learn how they can assist nonverbal children or teenagers with autism in building their language skills. Fortunately, research has identified several effective methods.
Before diving into these helpful strategies, it’s crucial to acknowledge that autism affects each individual differently. A technique that works well for one child or teen may not necessarily work for another, no matter the effort put in.
Additionally, while every autistic person can develop communication skills, spoken language isn’t always the primary mode of expression. Nonverbal individuals have valuable contributions to offer and can lead meaningful lives with the support of visual aids and assistive technology.
Seven Effective Strategies for Encouraging Speech in Nonverbal Autistic Children
- Promote Play and Social Engagement
Learning often happens through play, and this includes developing language. Interactive games create enjoyable chances for communication between you and your child. Try different types of activities to see which ones your child enjoys most. Playful social interactions like singing songs, saying nursery rhymes, or engaging in gentle physical play can also be beneficial. While interacting, position yourself in front of your child at eye level to enhance communication and engagement. - Mirror Your Child’s Actions
Copying your child’s vocal sounds and play behaviors encourages them to be more vocal and interactive. It also promotes turn-taking and imitation. When mimicking, follow their lead as long as the behavior is positive. For instance, if your child rolls a toy car, you can roll one too. If they crash the car, you can do the same. However, avoid imitating negative behaviors like throwing toys. - Emphasize Nonverbal Communication
Gestures and facial expressions can serve as stepping stones to verbal communication. Demonstrate these actions and encourage your child to use them. For example, make your gestures more noticeable—point while saying “look” or nod when saying “yes.” Use simple, easy-to-copy gestures like clapping, opening hands, or extending arms. Additionally, respond to your child’s gestures. If they point at a toy, hand it to them or engage with it yourself to encourage further interaction. - Create Opportunities for Your Child to Respond
When a child doesn’t speak, it’s common to instinctively fill in the silence. However, it’s vital to allow them enough time to communicate in their own way. When you ask a question or see that they want something, pause for several seconds and look at them expectantly. Pay close attention to any sound or movement they make and respond right away. Quick responses help reinforce the idea that communication is powerful. - Use Simple Language
Speaking in simple terms makes it easier for your child to understand and imitate language. If your child is not yet verbal, use single words when talking to them. For example, if they are playing with a ball, simply say “ball” or “roll.” If your child is already using single words, expand slightly by speaking in two- or three-word phrases, such as “roll ball” or “throw ball.” Always aim to use phrases that are just slightly more complex than your child’s current speech level. - Follow Your Child’s Interests
Instead of redirecting their attention, use their current focus as an opportunity for language development. Narrate what they’re doing using simple phrases that match their level. If your child is playing with a shape sorter, you could say “in” when they place a shape inside or “dump shapes” when they empty the container. By describing what they are engaged in, you help them associate words with actions and objects. - Utilize Visual Aids and Assistive Technology
Tools like communication apps and picture-based devices can do more than replace spoken words—they can help develop verbal skills. Many of these tools allow children to tap on pictures to generate spoken words. Simpler visual aids, such as picture cards or communication boards, can also help them express their thoughts and requests effectively. For more guidance, resources like the Autism Speaks ATN/AIR-P Visual Supports Tool Kit can provide helpful insights.
Collaborating with Therapists
Your child’s therapy team plays a crucial role in selecting and implementing these communication strategies. Share both your successes and challenges with them so they can guide you toward the most effective approaches. By working together with your child’s therapists, you can help them find their own unique way to communicate and express themselves.
What Every Parent and Educator Musk Know on Teaching Strategies for Non-Verbal Children
Teaching strategies for non-verbal children make a big difference. They help children express themselves and feel understood. Simple methods like sign language and picture boards work well. Technology, like AAC devices, also helps kids communicate better. With the right tools, children gain confidence and improve their social skills.
Parents and teachers should use these strategies daily. Patience and consistency are key. Every small step helps a child grow and learn. If your child struggles with communication, start using these strategies today. With love and effort, you can unlock their full potential.
Every student who is nonverbal or nonspeaking has unique strengths and needs. It’s important to customize these activities to match their individual preferences and abilities. Be flexible, patient, and celebrate each milestone, no matter how small! Hopefully, these ideas offer helpful inspiration—let me know which ones you’d like to try!