Not being able to have a conversation with your child can be heartwrenching. You know they are trying to express a want or need to you, but you can’t figure out what they are attempting to say. Additionally, they might not appear to be receptive to what you’re telling them. It can be frustrating. This doesn’t always have to be the case. With time, some children develop the ability to verbally articulate what they are thinking and become receptive to spoken words. At Monarch House we have a professional, interdisciplinary staff of occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, and speech pathologists that are here to help. Nonverbal autism presents unique challenges, but with the right strategies, parents and caregivers can effectively support communication, learning, and overall development. 

Here are ten approaches to managing and nurturing children with nonverbal autism in Burlington.

1. Play And Social Interaction

The way your child has fun playing on their own or with others can be revealing of their underlying psychology. Beyond that, play can be a critical avenue for learning. At Monarch House, we use engaging, structured play activities specifically tailored to your child’s interests. This helps to foster social interaction and communication. For example, we might initiate a turn-taking game which can teach your child patience and cooperation while building relationships. How they express themselves nonverbally throughout the game can give us some idea of how they communicate without words.

2. Alternative Communication Methods

There are ways to get an idea across that don’t rely on the spoken word. When it comes to nonverbal children, opening your mind to other means of  communication is essential. At Monarch House, we make use of tools like Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), sign language, or assistive communication devices to help bridge the communication gap. With positive reinforcement, we consistently try new ways to help children express needs and emotions.

3. Visual Supports

There are different types of learners, and not all of them are auditory. Children with nonverbal autism often process information visually. For this reason, at Monarch House, we often make use of visual schedules, pictographs, and charts to guide your child through daily routines. Seeing everything mapped out on the board so the expectations are clear helps to reduce anxiety and make transitions smoother. These tools clarify instructions and promote independence.

4. Occupational Therapy

At Monarch House we have four different types of therapists available for your child. One of them, occupational therapy (OT), serves to address sensory sensitivities, fine motor skills, and daily living tasks. Our professional in-house occupational therapist can initiate sensory-friendly approaches to nonverbal behaviour. They can help your child adapt to different environments and enhance their ability to communicate through gestures or actions.

5. Leveraging Technology

You are not alone. There are thousands of other parents that are aching to communicate with their nonverbal autistic children. Technology has picked up the helm and offered a multitude of useful programs that can potentially help. One example is Card Talk available through Google Play. Apps and tablets designed for children with autism offer interactive ways to learn and communicate. Programs like Proloquo2Go or Avaz AAC provide speech alternatives. There are also educational apps that can support cognitive and social development.

6. A Sensory-Friendly Environment

One of the barriers to having a child communicate is a sense of discomfort in their immediate environment. It’s not uncommon for a child to be too overwhelmed by various sensory stimulation to focus. For this reason, at Monarch House we persist that managing sensory overload is crucial for nonverbal children. We make it a priority to create a calm, predictable environment with tools like noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, or fidget toys. Our therapists are mindful to observe triggers and adapt the setting as needed to help your child feel safe and regulated.

7. Positive Reinforcement

Celebrate the everyday victories. At Monarch House we make use of positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviour. We embrace progress, no matter how small the advancement. A sticker, some screen time, or a high five as a reward can help your child feel valued. For nonverbal children we are sure to offer encouragement through verbal praise as well. This consistent approach builds trust and motivates children with autism to engage more actively.

8. Speech-Language Pathologists

It might seem counterintuitive, but one of the best approaches to managing nonverbal children with autism is through a speech pathologist. Speech therapy doesn’t just focus on verbal skills. Speech pathology also supports alternative communication. At Monarch House, one of our speech-language pathologists (SLP) can design a personalized strategy for your child to help to improve understanding, social cues, and nonverbal communication like gestures or facial expressions.

9. Routine And Consistency

Does your nonverbal child with autism gravitate to the same rituals and routines throughout the day? Children with autism often thrive in structured environments. There’s a reason for it: Consistent routines can serve to minimize stress (as there is less room for unexpected surprises). They also provide a sense of predictable security. This is why any necessary changes to their pattern can be tricky. At Monarch House, we prepare your child well in advance using visual aids and clear explanations.

10. Family And Community Support

At Monarch House we believe in an all-hands-on deck approach. We actively engage the entire family and community to foster a supportive environment. We get everyone involved including siblings, grandparents, extended family, and teachers. Working together we can build effective strategies for interacting with the child. We also encourage families to connect with local autism support groups. This is a way to find additional resources and encouragement.

Hearing your child speak to you for the first time can be a magical experience. It’s not something that will happen overnight though. Managing nonverbal autism involves patience, creativity, and a commitment to understanding your child’s unique needs. Our therapists will work together with you, and your child’s educators and caregivers, to integrate these ten strategies into their daily life. We have an approach that is based on positive reinforcement and persistence. In this way, Monarch House clinics can empower children with autism in Burlington to communicate, learn, and thrive. Every child is different, so we believe that ongoing observation and flexible adaptation are keys to success. Our goal is to help your child engage with you, and the rest of their social environment, as they learn lifelong skills to prepare them for independence.