Communication is more than just words.
It’s how people connect, share feelings, ask for help, show love, or express pain. While spoken language is one way to do this, not everyone finds it easy to express themselves verbally. For people who are non-speaking and autistic, speech might not be their preferred or most accessible form of communication. That doesn’t mean they have nothing to say. It means there are other ways to listen- and that the right speech and language support can open up meaningful ways to connect.
Around 25 to 30% of people with autism are either nonspeaking or minimally verbal. That’s a significant number of people whose communication might be overlooked if only spoken words are considered.
Defining Non-Speaking Autism
Non-speaking autism occurs when an autistic child or adult communicates differently without using verbal communication. The reasons may vary from person to person, and it’s of high importance to understand the person’s preferred way of communication.
Why do some autistic children and adults engage in non-speaking communication?
Depending on the individual neurodevelopmental differences, some people feel more comfortable with non-verbal communication. Many on the other hand need professional support to develop communication skills.
There are different reasons why a person may not use spoken words. For some autistic people, sensory differences, motor planning difficulties, anxiety, or differences in how language is processed can all affect the way speech develops- or whether it develops at all.
Trauma is another common factor that can impact a person’s ability to communicate, sometimes leading them to stop speaking altogether. Similarly, limited social interaction can also affect communication skills- when people feel isolated or disconnected, they may struggle to find a reason to engage with others.
Non-speaking doesn’t mean without words or non-understanding. Many people who are non-speaking think deeply and experience the world in ways that spoken language can’t always capture. Recognising this is the first step towards providing the right support. That’s when speech therapy comes in.
The Difference Between Nonverbal Autism, Minimally Verbal Autism and Nonspeaking Autism
The terms nonspeaking and minimally verbal autism describe different experiences with spoken language among autistic people.
Nonspeaking autism refers to people who do not use spoken words to communicate. This doesn’t mean they don’t understand language or that they have nothing to say – many nonspeaking people have strong comprehension skills and express themselves through other methods such as writing, typing, sign language, gestures, or communication devices.
Minimally verbal autism usually refers to people who speak only a few words or short phrases – often fewer than 30 – and may use them inconsistently or only in specific situations. These words are often supported by other forms of communication like pointing, body language, or assistive tools.
What matters most is not how many words a person uses, but whether they feel safe, respected, and comfortable. When people are supported in ways that work for them – without pressure to speak if that’s not how they naturally communicate – they’re more likely to connect, thrive, and share who they are in their own way.
With the right support, communication becomes about understanding, not forcing speech. Every person deserves access to communication that respects their pace, strengths, and preferences.
Nonverbal autism is the term used for nonspeaking autism, just with a labeling effect. Lately, there have been huge debates on the meaning of the words nonverbal vs nonspeaking.
What’s the difference?
Nonverbal implies that people are without words. In many cases with autistic children and adults, this is not true. There are two different areas of the brain that are responsible for expressive language.
Language is cognitive. It involves understanding and expressing ideas.
Speech is motor. It’s the physical ability to produce sounds with the mouth and voice.
This distinction matters. Many autistic people find the term nonverbal inappropriate or even offensive because it overlooks their ability to understand and use language in non-spoken ways. It can create a one-dimensional view that excludes people from conversations – both literally and socially
What is Speech and Language Therapy (SALT)?
Speech and language therapy is a personalised approach that supports people with communication and swallowing needs. It’s not just about helping someone speak – it’s about understanding how they express themselves, whether through words, gestures, signs, or technology. For many autistic children and adults, it means creating safe, respectful spaces where they can communicate in ways that feel right for them.
Speech and language therapists also work with people who experience difficulties with eating, drinking, and swallowing – helping to make these everyday activities safer and more comfortable. It’s a whole-person approach that focuses on dignity, connection, and quality of life.
How SALT Supports Non-Speaking Autistic People
This approach to communication looks at how a person uses body language, sounds, behaviours, and movements to connect with others. It’s about building a bond and helping shift focus from being on their own to engaging in activities with others. The idea is that communication becomes meaningful when shared experiences happen – because if no one is there to share your world, there’s no real need to communicate.
Speech therapists provide support in a number of ways, including:
- Listening first – paying close attention to how someone already communicates, and recognising that behaviour, movement, eye gaze, or silence can carry meaning.
- Offering practical tools – introducing and supporting the use of AAC (like symbols, signing, or devices) to give people more reliable ways to express their thoughts, needs, and choices.
- Reducing anxiety around communication – helping people feel safe to communicate in their own time, without pressure to speak, and working with families and teams to respond with patience and understanding.
- Supporting emotional connection – enabling meaningful two-way communication, which can reduce frustration and help strengthen relationships with others.
- Helping people stay involved in daily life – whether it’s making choices, building friendships, or joining in with activities, communication is the foundation for participation and inclusion.
This kind of support doesn’t just help people communicate – it can shape how they see themselves, how others see them, and how they experience the world around them.
Introducing Alternative Communication Methods
For nonspeaking autistic people, communication is not about fixing or forcing speech – it’s about being understood, feeling safe, and having genuine ways to connect. Speech and language therapy focuses on building communication that works for the person, not the other way around. It starts with respect, curiosity, and a belief that every person has something to say.
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is a way to support people in expressing themselves when speaking isn’t their preferred or possible method. This could mean using picture boards, symbols, sign language, or even technology that speaks for them.
It’s not just a tool – it’s about helping people express their thoughts, needs, and emotions in a way that feels comfortable and authentic to them. AAC opens up opportunities for connection, allowing them to engage with the world around them and share their voice, no matter how it sounds.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a communication tool that uses pictures to help people express their needs, desires, and thoughts. It involves teaching a person to exchange a picture of an item or activity for the actual object or action they want.
PECS starts with simple exchanges and gradually encourages more complex communication, supporting people build language skills in a visual, tangible way. It’s especially helpful for people who have difficulty with speech, providing them with a clear, effective way to communicate and engage with those around them.
Sign Language and Gestures
Sign language and gestures offer an effective way for people to communicate without relying on spoken words. Sign language, like British Sign Language, uses hand shapes, movements, and facial expressions to represent words or concepts, creating a rich, visual language.
Gestures, on the other hand, are more informal and can include a wide range of body movements or facial expressions to convey meaning. Both sign language and gestures can empower people, especially those with speech difficulties, to express themselves and connect with others in an effective way.
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology, including multimedia tools and Talking Mats, helps people better understand the world and communicate their true feelings, needs, and desires. Multimedia, such as videos and avatars, creates an engaging environment that allows people to interact with information in a visual and accessible way, helping them process and express complex ideas.
Talking Mats uses visual symbols on a mat to support communication, allowing individuals to share their thoughts, preferences, and emotions. Together, these tools provide new opportunities for self-expression and connection, supporting people in ways that work for them.
Building Nonverbal Communication Skills
Frequently described as “hard to read” or “hard to reach” are often nonspeaking or minimally speaking autistic people who may appear deeply engaged in their own thoughts or activities. This perception can lead to misunderstandings about their desire or ability to connect with others. However, research indicates that many nonspeaking autistic people possess a strong capacity for communication when provided with appropriate support and tools.
It’s crucial to recognise that behaviours interpreted as disinterest may stem from challenges in sensory processing or previous experiences of not being understood. This approach not only enhances mutual understanding but also affirms the person’s identity.
Enhancing Receptive Language
Enhancing receptive language is an important part of developing non-verbal communication skills, especially for people who do not use speech to express themselves. Receptive language refers to the ability to understand what others communicate – through words, gestures, tone, facial expressions, or symbols. For many autistic people, especially those who are non-speaking or minimally verbal, understanding often comes before expression.
Supporting receptive language means creating clear, consistent ways for people to process information: using visuals, objects, routines, and body language that match their communication style. When people feel safe and are given time, their ability to respond, engage, and connect through non-verbal communication can grow in powerful ways.
Reducing Behaviours of Concern
The most common reason a person may experience distress is when their needs are not understood or met. This might be due to pain, sensory overload, or a strong need to connect with someone. For many autistic people, this distress can also show through stimming- repetitive movements or sounds used to manage anxiety, emotions, or sensory input.
Speech and language therapy focuses on understanding each person’s unique way of communicating, recognising that behaviour is often communication in itself. By building trust and forming genuine relationships, therapists can help uncover what the person is trying to express. When a reliable and respectful form of communication is in place, behaviours of concern often reduce naturally, because the person finally feels heard, safe, and supported.
Can non-verbal Autism Become Verbal With SALT?
For people with limited or no verbal communication, the initial priority of a speech and language therapist is to establish a functional and reliable method of communication. Once this is achieved, it can lead to broader developmental progress across communication and social interaction.
Real-Life Example
This is a real-life example shared by our speech and language therapist within Catalyst Care Group. They worked with a person who had autism and a severe learning disability, just before being admitted to a mental health hospital. At the time, this person was in a very difficult state and unable to engage in typical forms of communication.
Instead of speaking, the therapist chose to simply be present with them, sitting quietly beside them. By observing their actions, the therapist began to mirror what the person did. For example, if the person moved their hand, the therapist would mirror the movement. When the person blinked intensely, the therapist mirrored their blinking. Although no words were spoken, the therapist could sense the person’s awareness and engagement.
As the therapist mirrored their actions, the person began to notice. A small smile appeared, followed by a gentle giggle. Encouraged by this, the therapist introduced playful, silly hand movements. Together, they shared laughter, without exchanging any words. They were laughing so hard by the end that they spontaneously started talking again.
The therapist’s goal wasn’t to immediately push for verbal communication but to create a safe and comfortable space. Through these simple, joyful moments, the person felt more at ease and began to trust again. By connecting with them in a playful, wordless way, the therapist knew they were building the foundation for future communication.
Speech and Language Therapy with Catalyst Care Group
At Catalyst Care Group, our internal therapy team takes a person-centred approach, working closely with people, their families, and support teams to shape communication support around each person’s strengths, preferences, and needs.
Our support includes emotional understanding, social connection, and responsive behavioural strategies. Together, this creates a well-rounded support system that helps make everyday interactions more meaningful and life more connected.
For more information on how our internal therapy team can support communication development and improve everyday quality of life, get in touch with us today.
