Empowering Nonverbal Autism: Strategies for Support at Home, School, and Work

Oct 11

Nonverbal autism is a unique and misunderstood condition affecting individuals' verbal communication ability. At Stanford University’s Neurodiversity Conference, I heard a presentation by Elizabeth Bonker, a recent valedictorian of Rollins College, who has nonverbal autism. In this blog post, we will explore nonverbal autism, with a special focus on the remarkable journey of Elizabeth Bonker. Additionally, we'll touch on the connection between nonverbal autism and verbal apraxia, shedding light on the challenges individuals like Elizabeth face regarding communication.

What is Nonverbal Autism?

Nonverbal autism, also known as nonverbal autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a subtype of autism characterized by significant communication challenges that affect 40% of individuals diagnosed with ASD. Individuals with nonverbal autism have difficulty using spoken language to express themselves effectively, but it's crucial to understand that this doesn't mean they lack the desire or ability to communicate. Instead, they often rely on alternative methods of communication, such as gestures, sign language, or assistive communication devices.

Historically, society assumed that nonverbal autistic people were not intellectually capable of communication. However, with the development of more sophisticated assistive technology, it became clear this assumption could be further from the truth. These tools unlock communication and allow nonverbal autistic individuals to demonstrate their gifted intellect and offer creative and innovative ideas.

The Remarkable Elizabeth Bonker

Elizabeth Bonker is a shining example of how individuals with nonverbal autism can overcome communication barriers and thrive. Born with nonverbal autism, Elizabeth faced significant challenges expressing her thoughts and emotions through speech. However, her determination and the support of her family and therapists led her on a remarkable journey of communication development.

Elizabeth's story highlights the importance of early intervention and the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. AAC includes tools and strategies that help individuals with nonverbal autism communicate effectively. In Elizabeth's case, she used a communication device to express herself, enabling her to interact with the world around her.

Valedictorian Speech Video

Verbal Apraxia

Verbal apraxia is a speech disorder that can co-occur with nonverbal autism. It refers to the difficulty initiating and performing the precise movements needed to make

Image for Empowering Nonverbal Autism, a blog by Gail Suitor, CEO of Ignite Change Makers Neurodiversity Consulting Firm.

speech sounds despite having no weakness or impairment in the necessary muscles.

Individuals with verbal apraxia may struggle with the following:

Inconsistent Speech: Their ability to produce sounds may vary, making their speech inconsistent.

Difficulty Planning Speech Movements: Verbal apraxia can affect an individual's ability to plan and coordinate the complex movements involved in speech.

Word-Finding Challenges: They may find it challenging to retrieve the right words, further hindering their verbal communication.

The presence of verbal apraxia in individuals with nonverbal autism can complicate their communication journey. It emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to therapy that addresses the underlying issues associated with autism and the specific challenges related to speech and communication.

Support at Home

When raising a nonverbal autistic child at home, knowing that nonverbal does not mean nonthinking is essential. Therefore, start by assuming the child is capable and intelligent and be curious about how to unlock communication for them.

Create a Communication-Friendly Environment

At home, it's crucial to foster an environment that encourages communication in whatever form it takes, including being patient, actively engaging, and responding to nonverbal cues and communication devices. Encourage family members to learn the individual's preferred communication method, whether through gestures, AAC devices, or sign language.

Establish Consistency and Routine:

Nonverbal autistic individuals often thrive in structured and predictable environments. Establishing daily routines can provide a sense of security and help reduce anxiety. Visual schedules and social stories can effectively convey daily routines and expectations.

Seek Professional Guidance:

Collaborate with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and behavioral specialists who have experience working with nonverbal autistic individuals. These professionals can provide valuable insights and strategies for enhancing communication and addressing specific needs.

More Resources

Support at School

When educating a student with nonverbal autism, start with the assumption that the child is capable and intelligent and needs to learn how to unlock nonverbal communication skills. Many advocates promote teaching them to spell as soon as possible so they can use a 26-letter assistive communication board.

Individualized Education Plan (IEP):

 Nonverbal autistic students often benefit from an IEP tailored to their unique needs and abilities. The IEP should outline communication, social skills, and academic progress goals and specify the necessary accommodations and services, such as AAC devices and speech therapy, if appropriate.

Inclusive Classroom Environment:

 Create an inclusive classroom that celebrates neurodiversity. Educate peers and teachers about autism, emphasizing the importance of patience and empathy. Encourage peer interactions and communication, fostering a supportive and understanding social atmosphere.

AAC and Assistive Technology: Schools should provide access to AAC devices and other assistive technologies that facilitate communication. Educators should receive training on supporting students in using these devices effectively. Regular communication between teachers and speech therapists is crucial to monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.

15 Best Methods to Teach a Nonverbal Autistic Student

Tips for supporting nonverbal employees at work

Patience, information, and empathy are key when hiring a nonverbal employee. When an individual uses assistive technology to communicate, it takes more time to produce the digital output. Therefore, giving information and questions ahead of time will allow them to create their answers in advance and increase their ability to produce thoughts and responses promptly. However, advanced notice is not always possible, and that is when the importance of patience and empathy play a role in creating a conducive work environment that will allow them to share their creative and innovative ideas. Understanding their unique perspective is worth the wait.

Here are our top three tips:

Accommodations and Accessibility

 Employers proactively discuss the employee’s unique needs with them and offer workplace accommodations catering to their requests, which may include providing agenda and meeting topics in advance, extra time to respond to questions and inquiries, noise-canceling headphones, allowing flexible work hours, or creating a quiet workspace. Ensure that all physical spaces are accessible and sensory-friendly, and schedule regular follow-up meetings to discuss current challenges and successes.

Training and Sensitivity

Promote awareness and understanding of autism among coworkers and supervisors. Conduct sensitivity training sessions to foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment. Encourage open communication and collaboration to accommodate everyone’s individual needs.

Career Development Opportunities

Recognize the talents and potential of nonverbal autistic employees. Provide opportunities for skill development, career advancement, and mentorship. Tailor job roles to align with individuals' strengths and interests, promoting job satisfaction and productivity.

In conclusion, supporting nonverbal autistic individuals requires a holistic approach that addresses their communication needs and fosters inclusion at home, school, and work. By creating supportive environments, providing access to necessary resources, and promoting awareness and understanding, we can empower nonverbal autistic individuals to thrive and contribute to their communities. Remember that every person is unique, so it's essential to adapt strategies and support to meet individual needs and preferences.

Hey There, I’m Gail Suitor

Living and working with a neurodivergent brain can be challenging. I know because I have one, raised three, and taught many over 25+ years.

I help learning disabled people break free from labels so that they can appreciate their unique brains, ignite their brilliance, follow their passions, and become the change makers they were born to be.

My Change Maker Accelerator Program uses Mastermind Pods to help participants learn the 7 strategies of highly effective neurodiverse people so that they can discover their superpowers, develop their Ultimate Change Maker Blueprint, and create the life they want.