Two-Way Communication
Some individuals diagnosed with autism do not talk. Can a non-verbal person have sophisticated receptive language? If a person does not talk, does that mean he is unable to communicate? Because the inability to talk can be a result of many different factors, we must avoid assumptions about a person’s language skills.
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Some people with autism do not speak because they are self-absorbed, and have little interest in the world around them. Others are not motivated to talk because they simply do not connect with other people. They tend to view other people as objects rather than as communication partners. Some individuals with autism do not converse with others because of extreme auditory sensitivities, or other issues related to autism that interfere with two-way communication.
Whether a person is diagnosed with autism or not, a non-verbal person can have normal receptive language. Inability to speak can be caused by physiological issues related to hearing or speech production or because of aphasia, apraxia, or language processing issues. Individuals who have had a stroke or who have specific language-related learning disabilities can encounter similar challenges.
No matter the circumstance, it is wise to assume non-verbal individuals with autism understand every word we say. It takes some practice, but we do our friends a great service by conversing freely without expecting a reply. The trick is to take time to connect frequently during the day, and to talk about compelling, age-appropriate, interesting topics.
TIP FOR THE DAY: Keep up the conversation, even if you get no response. Over the years I have been surprised many times when a previously non-verbal person with autism has suddenly made a verbal response as if they had been participating in the conversation all along.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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