How to Get My Non-Verbal Autistic Child to Speak

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Non-Verbal Autism and Communication
3. Laying the Foundation: Essential Strategies at Home
4. Engaging Activities to Spark Communication
5. The Power of Video Modeling: Our Approach at Speech Blubs
6. Speech Blubs Features for Non-Verbal Children
7. Getting Started with Speech Blubs: Pricing and Value
8. Conclusion
9. Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Imagine a world where your child has so much to say – thoughts, feelings, observations, questions – but struggles to find the words to express it. This is a common reality for many families raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially those who are considered minimally verbal or non-speaking. The desire to hear your child speak, to understand their inner world, is a deeply human longing, and the journey can often feel overwhelming. While it’s true that communication for a non-verbal child with autism may unfold differently, it does not mean they lack the capacity or the desire to connect. It simply means we, as parents and caregivers, need to learn their language first, and then lovingly guide them toward spoken words, sounds, and other forms of expression.

At Speech Blubs, we understand this journey intimately. Our company was born from the personal experiences of our founders, who all grew up with speech problems and created the tool they wished they had. We believe every child deserves to speak their minds and hearts, and we are committed to providing immediate, effective, and joyful solutions that blend scientific principles with play. This comprehensive guide aims to empower you with strategies, activities, and insights to help your non-verbal autistic child find their voice, whether through spoken words, gestures, or other meaningful forms of communication. We’ll explore what “non-verbal” truly means, practical steps you can take at home, engaging activities, and how innovative tools like Speech Blubs can support your child’s unique path to communication.

Understanding Non-Verbal Autism and Communication

When we speak of a “non-verbal” autistic child, it’s crucial to clarify what that really means. The term “non-verbal” is often used broadly, but it’s important to differentiate it from “non-speaking.” A child who is non-speaking may not use spoken words, but they are absolutely capable of communication. They might use gestures, pointing, facial expressions, body language, or even augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to convey their thoughts and needs. The challenge often lies in our understanding and interpretation of these diverse communication methods.

What “Non-Verbal” Truly Means

Professionals increasingly prefer the term “minimally verbal” or “nonspeaking” for children with ASD who have limited or no spoken language. This distinction is significant because it highlights that communication is much broader than just speech. Studies suggest that between 25% and 30% of autistic individuals are nonspeaking or have limited verbal abilities. This does not indicate a lack of intelligence or a reduced understanding of the world, but rather a unique way of processing and expressing information.

Children with ASD often face primary, brain-based deficits in understanding the social, back-and-forth nature of communication, making the acquisition of spoken language neurologically complex. They may also have difficulties understanding symbols and what they represent, impacting both language acquisition and symbolic play. It’s a common misconception that all children who fail to acquire spoken language have low nonverbal IQ scores; in reality, this group is highly variable, with some children having strong receptive language abilities despite minimal expressive speech.

The Spectrum of Communication

Every child with ASD is unique, and their communication profile will reflect this. Some children may vocalize sounds, babble, or make specific noises to indicate desires. Others might clap, make eye contact (or avoid it), or lead you by the hand to what they want. It’s essential to observe and truly understand your child’s current communication habits, no matter how subtle they may seem. This baseline understanding allows you to meet them where they are and build from there. Recognizing their individual preferences and innate abilities is the first step toward effective support.

For instance, a child who primarily communicates by pointing might benefit when you, as the parent, also point to objects to reinforce the association. If your child makes a specific sound when they want a snack, imitate that sound and then offer the snack, creating a meaningful connection between their vocalization and a desired outcome. This reciprocal imitation is a powerful tool in fostering communicative intent.

Why Some Children Are Minimally Verbal

The reasons behind a child being minimally verbal are complex and varied. It’s not a “one-size-fits-all” explanation. Factors can include difficulties with social communication, challenges in understanding symbolic representation, or delays in developing oral motor skills. While early intervention significantly improves spoken language skills for many preschoolers, some children, despite interventions, remain minimally verbal. However, it’s increasingly clear that some children do begin speaking or significantly expanding their communication after the age of five, underscoring the importance of continued support and intervention at all ages.

Our focus, therefore, shifts from if they will speak to how they can communicate most effectively and joyfully. This could mean developing foundational skills for speech, or embracing alternative communication methods like sign language, picture-based systems, or speech-generating devices. The goal is always to empower your child to exchange messages and information, reducing frustration and fostering connection. If you’re wondering if your child might benefit from additional support, we encourage you to take our quick 3-minute preliminary screener. It involves 9 simple questions and provides an assessment and next-steps plan.

Laying the Foundation: Essential Strategies at Home

Creating a communication-rich environment at home is paramount for a non-verbal autistic child. These strategies focus on connection, understanding, and making communication a positive, rewarding experience.

Observe, Imitate, and Connect

The first step in helping your non-verbal child is to become a detective of their communication. What gestures do they use? What sounds do they make? How do they show you what they want or don’t want? Pay close attention to their unique signals.

Once you’ve observed, imitate their behaviors. If your child flaps their hands when excited, try gently flapping your hands too, making eye contact (if comfortable for them) and smiling. If they make a specific sound, echo it back. This imitation shows your child that you are present, you are listening, and you understand. It builds rapport and encourages reciprocal interaction, a critical precursor to more complex communication. This strategy is also a core part of our approach at Speech Blubs, where children learn by observing and imitating peers, a concept backed by the science of mirror neurons.

Creating Communication Opportunities

For many children, the motivation to communicate comes from needing something or wanting to share an experience. You can intentionally create these opportunities throughout the day:

• Offer Choices: Instead of guessing what your child wants, offer two clear choices. Hold up two different snacks and say, “Do you want crackers or fruit?” Wait patiently for a gesture, a sound, or even a glance toward their preference. This empowers them and demonstrates that their communication has an impact.
• “Forget” Items: When doing an activity, “forget” a crucial item. For example, if you’re drawing, forget the crayons. Wait for your child to signal that something is missing. When they do, affirm their communication: “Oh, you need the crayons! Good communicating!”
• Out of Reach: Place a favorite toy or snack slightly out of reach. This encourages them to ask for help, whether through pointing, gesturing, or vocalizing.
• Missing Pieces: During playtime, like building with blocks or doing a puzzle, withhold one piece. This creates a natural opportunity for them to indicate the need for the missing part.

These seemingly small interactions are powerful lessons in cause and effect: “When I communicate, I get what I want/need.”

Simple, Repetitive Play

Children with autism often thrive on routine and predictability. Incorporate simple, repetitive games that have clear beginnings and endings. These games reduce anxiety and create predictable patterns for communication.

• Peek-a-Boo: A classic for a reason. The predictable “Where’s [Name]? Peek-a-boo!” structure provides opportunities for eye contact, anticipation, and vocalizations.
• Rolling a Ball: Simple turn-taking, “My turn, your turn,” can be a great way to encourage interaction and shared attention.
• Action Songs: Songs with simple actions like “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” or “Pat-a-Cake” provide opportunities for imitation of gestures and sounds, alongside the rhythm of language.
• Cause and Effect Toys: Toys that respond with lights or sounds when pressed or manipulated can be highly motivating, demonstrating how actions (and eventually, communications) lead to predictable outcomes.

Remember to be patient. Your child may need many repetitions before they start to engage or vocalize. Celebrate every tiny step, every sound, every glance.

Patience and Positive Reinforcement

The journey to communication for a non-verbal autistic child requires immense patience. There will be moments of frustration, for both you and your child. When your child struggles to express themselves, they may act out or withdraw. During these times, offer comfort and a break if needed. Label their emotions: “I see you’re feeling frustrated right now.”

Positive reinforcement is key. When your child attempts to communicate, even if it’s not a spoken word, respond enthusiastically. A smile, a hug, a “Good job trying!” can go a long way. Connect their communication to a positive outcome immediately. If they point to a cookie, give them the cookie and say, “You pointed to the cookie! Here’s the cookie!” This immediate connection reinforces the value of their communication efforts.

Engaging Activities to Spark Communication

Beyond daily interactions, structured play activities can provide rich opportunities for developing foundational communication skills. These activities are not just about fun; they are carefully designed moments for learning and connection.

Sensory Play for Engagement

Many children with ASD are highly responsive to sensory input. Incorporating sensory play can be incredibly engaging and provide a low-pressure environment for communication.

• Sand and Water Play: These activities offer tactile experiences and opportunities for discovering cause-and-effect. As your child pours water or digs in the sand, you can narrate their actions using simple words: “Pour,” “Wet,” “Dig,” “Sand.” Ask simple questions like, “More water?” and wait for a response.
• Music Therapy & Dance: Music can be a powerful tool for self-expression and rhythm. Play different types of music and observe your child’s reaction. Encourage them to clap, tap, or move their body. Sing simple songs together, emphasizing sounds and words. Music can help develop rhythm and coordination, which are foundational for speech.
• Playdough or Clay: The tactile nature of playdough can be very calming and engaging. Work alongside your child, modeling actions and simple words: “Squish,” “Roll,” “Flat.”

Reading and Storytelling

Reading aloud is a cornerstone of language development for all children, and it’s particularly important for non-verbal autistic children.

• Interactive Books: Choose books with bright pictures, textures, or lift-the-flaps. Point to objects and name them: “Look, a dog! Woof, woof!” Encourage your child to point or make sounds. For a child who enjoys animals, pointing to the dog and making a “woof” sound in the book provides a visual and auditory cue they can imitate.
• Predictable Stories: Books with repetitive phrases allow your child to anticipate and potentially fill in words or sounds. This builds memory and sequencing skills.
• Narrate Pictures: Focus on the illustrations. Ask simple questions like “What do you see?” or “Who is this?” If your child points, label what they’ve indicated.

Interactive Games and Choices

Games that encourage turn-taking and shared attention are vital.

• Playing with Blocks: Building towers or knocking them down provides opportunities for “Up,” “Down,” “More,” and “Crash!” It also helps develop fine motor skills and spatial reasoning.
• Puzzles: Simple puzzles require focus and matching, and you can use words like “Match,” “Fit,” and “Finished.”
• Role-Playing with Toys: Use dolls or action figures to act out simple scenarios. Narrate the actions: “The doll is sleeping. Shhh.” or “The car is driving. Vroom, vroom!” This helps develop symbolic play, which is often a challenge for children with ASD but crucial for language development. For example, a parent whose child struggles with symbolic play can use the “Dress Up” section in Speech Blubs to model different roles and actions, providing a stepping stone towards understanding abstract concepts through familiar, child-friendly scenarios.

Movement and Expressive Arts

Movement and art can be powerful outlets for expression when spoken words are limited.

• Nature Exploration: Going for walks in nature exposes children to new sights, sounds, and textures. You can label what you see: “Bird,” “Tree,” “Flower.” This also provides calming sensory input.
• Drawing and Painting: Provide opportunities for creative expression without the pressure of speech. You can ask “What color?” or “What are you drawing?” and simply observe their non-verbal responses.

Remember to follow your child’s lead during these activities. If they show disinterest, try something else. The goal is engagement and joyful interaction, not forced participation.

The Power of Video Modeling: Our Approach at Speech Blubs

While home-based strategies are foundational, technology can also play a pivotal role in augmenting your child’s communication journey. At Speech Blubs, we leverage scientific principles to create a unique and effective tool designed to empower children to speak their minds and hearts. Our founders, having experienced speech challenges themselves, created the app they wished they had – a joyful, immediate, and effective solution for the 1 in 4 children who need speech support.

What is Video Modeling and Why It Works

One of the cornerstones of the Speech Blubs approach is video modeling. This method involves children learning by watching and imitating their peers. This technique is highly effective for children with autism because it taps into their natural inclination to learn visually and through observation. Research indicates that observing a peer performing a target behavior, like making a specific sound or word, can activate mirror neurons in the brain, which are crucial for imitation and learning.

Unlike passive viewing of cartoons or adult speech, which can be less engaging for some children with ASD, video modeling provides:

• Relatability: Children are more likely to imitate other children. Seeing a peer make a sound or word makes it seem achievable and less intimidating.
• Clear Visual Cues: Peers demonstrate mouth movements and expressions clearly, providing strong visual anchors for speech production.
• Motivation: The interactive nature and joyful expressions of the peer models make the learning process fun and motivating.

This scientific methodology has placed our app in the top tier of speech apps worldwide, recognized for its high MARS scale rating. You can learn more about the research behind our approach and how it drives results.

Speech Blubs: Smart Screen Time for Communication

We believe screen time can be “smart screen time.” Speech Blubs offers a screen-free alternative to passive viewing by transforming device interaction into an active, engaging, and educational experience. It’s a powerful tool for family connection, where parents and children can learn and practice together.

Our app is meticulously designed to teach complex communication skills through short, highly engaging video clips. For a parent whose child loves watching other kids, Speech Blubs provides a perfect, structured environment where that natural inclination is harnessed for language development. It’s not just about repetition; it’s about joyful, intentional imitation.

Creating Joyful Learning Moments

Our mission at Speech Blubs extends beyond just teaching words; it’s about fostering a love for communication, building confidence, reducing frustration, and creating joyful family learning moments. We understand that for a non-verbal child, every sound, every gesture, and every word is a triumph. Our app celebrates these small victories, encouraging children through positive reinforcement and engaging content.

We also believe in setting realistic expectations. While Speech Blubs is a powerful tool, we never suggest guaranteed outcomes like “your child will be giving public speeches in a month.” Instead, we focus on the benefits of the process: developing key foundational skills, expanding communication repertoires, and making the journey of finding one’s voice a positive and enriching experience for the whole family. It’s a powerful supplement to your child’s overall development plan and, when applicable, professional therapy.

Speech Blubs Features for Non-Verbal Children

Speech Blubs is designed with a diverse range of communication needs in mind, offering features that are particularly beneficial for non-verbal children with autism. Our app is structured to be interactive, supportive, and adaptable to individual learning styles.

Engaging Activities and Sounds

The app contains thousands of activities organized into themed “Blubs” designed to capture a child’s imagination. For a parent whose 3-year-old struggles to make initial vocalizations, the “Early Sounds” section offers a vibrant, interactive way for children to mimic the clear, joyful sounds made by their peers, making initial vocalizations less daunting and more fun. They see other children saying “aaaa” or “oooo,” and are encouraged to try it themselves. This removes the pressure often associated with adult-led instruction.

Many non-verbal children are drawn to specific interests. If your child loves animals, our “Animal Kingdom” Blub provides a fun, motivating way to practice sounds like ‘moo’ and ‘baa’ by watching other children make these sounds. Similarly, the “Yummy Time” Blub can help with sounds related to food, tying into daily routines.

Real-Life Peer Models

The heart of our methodology lies in the real-life video models. Children with ASD often learn best through visual cues and imitation. When your child watches another child their age articulate a word or sound, they receive immediate, clear visual and auditory input. This activates mirror neurons, facilitating learning and imitation. The authenticity of these peer interactions creates a sense of connection and makes the learning process feel like a shared game rather than a lesson. This also helps generalize skills, as children are learning from a variety of peer faces and voices, not just a single adult.

Parent-Led Learning and Support

Speech Blubs is designed for active parent involvement. It’s not a babysitter; it’s a tool for you to use with your child. When your child interacts with the app, you can sit beside them, encourage their efforts, celebrate their successes, and echo the sounds and words. This co-play reinforces the learning and strengthens your bond. We provide guidance and tips within the app to help you make the most of each session. For a child who might need extra encouragement to imitate, having a parent enthusiastically copy the peer models alongside them can make all the difference.

From Sounds to Sentences: A Gradual Approach

Our content progresses gradually, starting with basic sounds and single words, and moving towards more complex phrases and sentences. This structured progression ensures that children build foundational skills before moving on, reducing cognitive load and preventing frustration.

For a child making their very first attempts at vocalization, the focus is on sound imitation and developing oral motor skills. As they progress, the app introduces simple words, then two-word phrases, and so on. This step-by-step approach ensures that every child, regardless of their starting point, can find activities that are challenging yet achievable. We believe in celebrating every milestone, no matter how small, as each step contributes to the ultimate goal of effective and joyful communication.

If you’re ready to see the difference Speech Blubs can make, you can download Speech Blubs from the App Store or Google Play Store to get started on this exciting journey with your child.

Getting Started with Speech Blubs: Pricing and Value

We are committed to making our effective and joyful communication solution accessible to as many families as possible. When considering how to integrate Speech Blubs into your child’s communication journey, understanding our pricing options is important for making the best choice for your family.

Our Commitment to Your Family

At Speech Blubs, we believe in transparency and providing exceptional value. Our plans are designed to give you flexibility, but we highly recommend our Yearly plan for its superior benefits and long-term savings. We’ve structured our offerings to ensure that you get the most out of our “smart screen time” experience. We know that consistency is key in speech development, and our Yearly plan supports that long-term commitment.

Choosing the Best Plan for Your Child

We offer two main subscription plans for Speech Blubs:

• Monthly Plan: For $14.99 per month, you get access to our core Speech Blubs app and its vast library of engaging activities. This plan offers flexibility for those who prefer a month-to-month commitment.
• Yearly Plan: This is by far our best value, priced at just $59.99 per year. This breaks down to an incredible $4.99 per month, allowing you to save 66% compared to the monthly plan!

The Yearly plan isn’t just cheaper; it comes packed with exclusive, high-value features designed to supercharge your child’s communication development:

• 7-Day Free Trial: Only with the Yearly plan do you get to try out the full Speech Blubs experience completely free for 7 days. This allows you and your child to explore all the Blubs, witness the engaging video modeling, and see firsthand how our app can spark communication.
• Extra Reading Blubs App: As an exclusive bonus for Yearly subscribers, you’ll also receive full access to our complementary Reading Blubs app. This app is designed to support early literacy skills, further enhancing your child’s overall language and cognitive development.
• Early Access to New Updates: Yearly subscribers get first access to new features, activities, and content updates, ensuring your child always has fresh, engaging material to explore.
• 24-Hour Support Response Time: We prioritize our Yearly subscribers with expedited customer support, guaranteeing a response within 24 hours to any questions or assistance you might need.

We highly encourage you to choose the Yearly plan. Not only does it offer significant savings, but it also provides the full suite of features and benefits that will give your child the most comprehensive support on their communication journey, starting with that invaluable 7-day free trial. Ready to get started? Create your account and begin your 7-day free trial today by selecting the Yearly plan.

We’re proud of the positive impact Speech Blubs has had on countless families. Don’t just take our word for it; see what other parents are saying about their child’s success with Speech Blubs.

Conclusion

The journey of helping a non-verbal autistic child find their voice is a unique and often challenging one, but it is also filled with incredible potential and profound joy. Remember that every child’s path to communication is different, and the goal is not necessarily just spoken words, but meaningful connection and expression. By understanding what “non-verbal” truly means, creating a supportive and engaging environment at home, embracing patience, and utilizing innovative tools, you can empower your child to communicate their unique mind and heart.

We’ve explored how observing and imitating your child’s communication, creating intentional opportunities for expression, and engaging in simple, repetitive play can lay a strong foundation. Activities like sensory play, reading, interactive games, and expressive arts provide rich contexts for learning and interaction. At Speech Blubs, we are dedicated to complementing these efforts with our unique video modeling methodology, turning screen time into “smart screen time” that fosters imitation, builds confidence, and creates joyful learning moments for children and families.

Our commitment is to provide a solution that is immediate, effective, and rooted in scientific understanding. With the right strategies and resources, every child can experience the joy of being understood. Take the next step in your child’s communication journey today. We invite you to explore the full potential of Speech Blubs. Download Speech Blubs from the App Store or Google Play Store, and be sure to select the Yearly plan to unlock a 7-day free trial, the bonus Reading Blubs app, early updates, and priority support. Begin your free trial and discover how Speech Blubs can support your child in speaking their mind and heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does “non-verbal” mean my child can’t communicate at all?

A1: Not at all! “Non-verbal” often refers to a child who uses limited or no spoken words. However, all individuals communicate. Your child may use gestures, pointing, facial expressions, body language, sounds, or even alternative communication systems like pictures or devices. The key is to learn to recognize and respond to their unique communication signals.

Q2: What’s the best way to start encouraging speech at home for a non-verbal autistic child?

A2: Start by observing your child’s natural interests and existing communication attempts, no matter how subtle. Imitate their sounds and gestures to build connection. Create intentional opportunities for communication by offering choices (e.g., “apple or banana?”), “forgetting” items to prompt a request, or placing desired objects slightly out of reach. Use simple, repetitive language and activities, and always reinforce any attempt at communication with positive attention.

Q3: How long does it take for a non-verbal child with autism to start speaking?

A3: This varies greatly for each child. Some children may start vocalizing or using single words relatively quickly with consistent intervention, while others may take longer or develop alternative forms of communication. It’s important to focus on consistent effort, celebrating small milestones, and providing a supportive environment. The journey is often about continuous progress in communication skills rather than an immediate leap to full verbal fluency.

Q4: Can Speech Blubs replace traditional speech therapy for my non-verbal child?

A4: Speech Blubs is a powerful and scientifically-backed tool designed to supplement and enhance your child’s overall communication development. It offers “smart screen time” that supports key foundational skills and provides engaging practice. However, it is not a replacement for professional speech therapy. For many children, especially those who are minimally verbal, a comprehensive approach often includes a combination of professional therapy, home-based strategies, and supportive tools like Speech Blubs. We encourage parents to consult with a speech-language pathologist for a personalized assessment and therapy plan.