My child isn’t talking what do I do? Parenting tips for non-verbal child with Autism

Many parents get anxious when their child's speech is delayed. Here are some tips when your child may have delayed speech or is non verbal.

1. Be flexible when it comes to communication. Communication happens in several different ways, verbal as well as non verbal. Embrace communication from your child in whatever form it comes. Some children may not be speaking but do communicate. This may be in the form or pointing, grabbing, looking, and many more . If you are aware of your autistic child communicating in any of these ways accept that and try to pair with words and increase these communication attempts. Example : your child grabs your hand and leads you to the pantry to get a snack. You could say the snack they request and have them point or attempt to say prior to giving it to them.

2. Be open minded when a autism professional suggests alternative communication. Some children with autism may benefit from alternative communication devices. This may be PECS (picture exchange communication system) , sign language, or an electronic alternative device such as an iPad or Big Mac ( devices that emit words for the child). Our goal is to give the child a voice and to meet the child wherever him or her may be functionally. Although a device is suggested this doesn't mean that verbal communication is not going to be an overall goal. It only means that it's important to not delay the child's ability to communicate now rather than later.

3. Don't delay treatment for communication for your child on the spectrum. Often times a lack of ability to communicate, whether verbally or non verbally, is accompanied by an increase in problem behaviors . It's is very important to assist a child as early as possible to communicate in some way to reduce the stress of not having a "voice" and unable to communicate wants and needs. If a child can communicate their wants whether by words, sign , pointing to, or exchanging a picture this can help reduce frustration and decrease behaviors. As the parent of a non-verbal child or child that's delayed in communication do not delay treating these issues and finding their "voice".