Nonverbal Kids: Do They Say Any Words? Understanding Communication

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding “Nonverbal”: More Than Just Silence
3. Why Some Children Are Nonverbal: Exploring the Underlying Factors
4. Recognizing Early Signs and Milestones
5. Paths to Communication: Supporting Nonverbal Children
6. Speech Blubs: Empowering Every Voice
7. Investing in Your Child’s Communication Journey: Speech Blubs Pricing
8. Conclusion
9. Frequently Asked Questions

As parents and caregivers, few things are more deeply felt than the desire to connect with our children, to understand their thoughts and feelings, and to hear their unique voices. When a child struggles with spoken language, the question “Do nonverbal kids say any words?” can weigh heavily on our hearts, often bringing with it a mix of hope, concern, and a fierce determination to help. It’s a journey many families embark on, and it’s one we at Speech Blubs understand profoundly. Our mission is to empower children to “speak their minds and hearts,” a mission born from our founders’ own experiences with speech challenges. We believe every child deserves a voice, and that voice might express itself in ways beyond what we initially expect.

This comprehensive guide aims to illuminate the world of nonverbal communication, addressing common questions, dispelling myths, and offering practical strategies to support your child’s journey toward expressive communication. We’ll explore what “nonverbal” truly means, the various reasons a child might not be speaking, and most importantly, how we can foster an environment where all forms of communication are valued and encouraged. We’ll also delve into how innovative tools, like our Speech Blubs app, can play a pivotal role in transforming screen time into “smart screen time” that sparks communication joy and builds essential skills.

Introduction

Imagine a vibrant, curious child whose eyes light up at the sight of a beloved toy, or who passionately points to a juicy red apple, clearly indicating a desire. Yet, when prompted to say “apple,” silence, or perhaps a frustrated grunt, is the only response. This scenario is a daily reality for countless families, leading to understandable questions and sometimes, profound worry. The term “nonverbal” can be daunting, but it’s crucial to understand that a child being nonverbal does not mean they are incapable of communicating or understanding the world around them. In fact, many children who are labeled nonverbal are constantly sending and receiving messages through a rich tapestry of gestures, sounds, facial expressions, and body language.

Our goal in this post is to clarify what it means for a child to be nonverbal, examine the various underlying factors that can contribute to limited spoken language, and, most importantly, provide actionable insights and resources for parents. We’ll share how understanding a child’s unique communication style and embracing diverse support methods can unlock their potential. From recognizing subtle cues to integrating engaging tools like Speech Blubs into daily routines, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to nurture your child’s communication development, celebrating every step along the way. At Speech Blubs, we are committed to providing an immediate, effective, and joyful solution for the 1 in 4 children who need speech support, blending scientific principles with play into one-of-a-kind “smart screen time” experiences designed to help children find their voice.

Understanding “Nonverbal”: More Than Just Silence

When we hear the term “nonverbal,” our minds often jump to a complete absence of sound or interaction. However, in the context of child development and speech, “nonverbal” is a nuanced term that encompasses a spectrum of communication styles. It typically refers to children who have very limited or no functional spoken language by an age when it would typically be expected, often around age four. This doesn’t mean they don’t communicate; it means they don’t primarily use spoken words.

Distinguishing Key Terms

It’s helpful to differentiate “nonverbal” from other related terms:

• Nonverbal: A child who has little to no spoken language, or whose spoken words are not consistently functional for communication. They may use sounds, gestures, or other means to express themselves.
• Minimally Verbal: A child who uses a few words, or short, fixed phrases, but not enough to consistently communicate their needs, thoughts, or feelings across different situations. These words might be “pop-out words” – said sporadically or without clear context.
• Preverbal: This term is often applied to younger children (toddlers and preschoolers) who are delayed in their language development but are still expected to acquire spoken language with time and intervention. They are “before” speech, not necessarily without the capacity for it.

The critical takeaway is that a child being nonverbal doesn’t equate to a lack of understanding or a desire to communicate. Many nonverbal children understand far more than they can express verbally. They are actively engaged in their world, processing information, and attempting to connect with others, even if their methods of expression differ from typical spoken language. This understanding is foundational to providing effective support and recognizing the rich communication already present.

The Myriad Ways Nonverbal Children Communicate

Just because a child isn’t speaking doesn’t mean they aren’t communicating. In fact, nonverbal children often become masters of alternative communication, using a combination of:

• Gestures: Pointing, reaching, waving, nodding, shaking head.
• Body Language: Leaning in for closeness, pulling away, tensing up, relaxing.
• Facial Expressions: Smiles, frowns, wide eyes, furrowed brows.
• Vocalizations: Grunts, hums, cries, laughs, squeals – sounds that convey emotion or intent without forming words.
• Eye Contact: Directing gaze to objects of interest, looking at a parent’s face, or avoiding eye contact in certain situations.
• Leading by Hand: Taking a parent’s hand and leading them to an object or a desired activity.

Recognizing and responding to these nonverbal cues is the first step in building a communication bridge. For a parent whose child uses a distinct grunt to request a favorite snack, acknowledging that grunt and providing the snack validates their communication, reinforcing the idea that their efforts are understood and effective. This positive reinforcement is key to encouraging further communication attempts, whether verbal or otherwise.

Why Some Children Are Nonverbal: Exploring the Underlying Factors

The journey to understanding why a child might be nonverbal is complex, as many factors can contribute to challenges in spoken language development. It’s rarely a single cause but often an interplay of various elements that impact how a child acquires and uses speech.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

One of the most commonly associated conditions with nonverbal communication is Autism Spectrum Disorder. It’s estimated that approximately 30% of children with autism may be nonverbal or minimally verbal, even into school-aged years. This is a significant subgroup within the autism community, often characterized by Level 3 autism, which indicates requiring substantial support.

Children with autism who are nonverbal may face specific challenges:

• Social Communication Differences: Difficulties understanding and using social cues, gestures, and the give-and-take of conversation.
• Sensory Processing Issues: Being overwhelmed by certain sounds, lights, or textures can impact a child’s ability to focus on and process auditory language.
• Repetitive Behaviors and Narrow Interests: While not directly causing nonverbalism, these can sometimes limit opportunities for diverse social interactions that naturally foster speech.
• Motor Planning for Speech (Apraxia): Some children with autism may also have childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), a neurological condition that makes it difficult to plan and execute the precise movements needed for speech, even if they know what they want to say.

It’s vital to remember that not all children with autism are nonverbal, and conversely, not all nonverbal children have autism. Each child is unique, and a thorough assessment is crucial for accurate diagnosis and tailored support.

Developmental Delays and Other Conditions

Beyond ASD, a range of developmental delays and medical conditions can impact a child’s ability to develop spoken language:

• Intellectual Disability: Cognitive delays can affect the acquisition of language skills, both receptive (understanding) and expressive (speaking).
• Hearing Impairment: Even partial hearing loss can significantly impede speech development, as children learn to speak by hearing and imitating sounds. Early and regular hearing screenings are essential.
• Neurological Conditions: Conditions like cerebral palsy, which affect muscle control, can impact the oral motor muscles necessary for clear articulation.
• Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS): As mentioned, CAS is a specific speech sound disorder where the brain has difficulty coordinating the complex muscle movements involved in speaking. Children with CAS often understand language perfectly but struggle to produce words consistently.
• Selective Mutism: While different from being “nonverbal,” selective mutism involves consistent failure to speak in specific social situations where there is an expectation for speaking, despite speaking in other situations. This is typically anxiety-related.
• Brain Injury: Trauma to the brain can affect speech centers, leading to temporary or permanent communication challenges.

Given the variety of potential causes, if you have concerns about your child’s communication development, it’s always best to seek professional guidance. Unsure if your child could benefit from a closer look? Take our quick 3-minute preliminary screener to get a simple assessment and a personalized next-steps plan. This tool can provide valuable insights and help you determine if further evaluation is needed.

Dispelling Misconceptions: Nonverbal Doesn’t Mean Unintelligent

Historically, there was a harmful misconception that children who were nonverbal, especially those with autism, were also intellectually disabled. This belief often stemmed from the challenges of assessing cognitive abilities in individuals who cannot use spoken language. Standard IQ tests heavily rely on verbal responses, making them an unreliable measure for nonverbal children.

Modern research and understanding have largely dispelled this myth. We now know that many nonverbal children possess strong cognitive abilities and can have excellent receptive language skills – meaning they understand much of what is said to them, even if they can’t speak. Their intelligence is simply expressed and measured differently. The absence of spoken language does not indicate a lack of comprehension or potential. Recognizing this is crucial for empowering these children and setting appropriate expectations for their development.

Recognizing Early Signs and Milestones

Understanding typical speech and language milestones is crucial for parents to identify potential delays and seek support early. While every child develops at their own pace, consistent delays across several milestones warrant attention.

Typical Language Development Milestones

• By 12 Months: Babbling with varied sounds (“mama,” “dada”), responding to their name, understanding “no,” pointing to desired objects.
• By 18 Months: Saying several single words (4-6 words), following simple one-step commands, pointing to body parts.
• By 2 Years: Using 50 or more words, combining two words (“more juice,” “bye-bye mommy”), asking simple questions (“what’s that?”).
• By 3 Years: Speaking in three-word sentences, being understood by family members most of the time, understanding simple stories.
• By 4 Years: Speaking in complex sentences, non-family members understanding most of what is said, telling simple stories.

Signs That May Indicate a Need for Evaluation

If your child is consistently missing these milestones, or if you notice any of the following, it’s wise to consult with your pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist:

• No babbling by 12 months: Lack of early vocal play.
• Not responding to their name by 12 months: May indicate hearing or attention issues.
• Not pointing to objects by 14 months: A key early indicator of joint attention and communicative intent.
• Not saying single words by 16 months.
• Not using two-word phrases by 24 months.
• Any loss of speech or social skills at any age: This “regression” is a red flag and requires immediate attention.
• Preferring to be alone and avoiding eye contact.
• Relying on sounds or gestures instead of words as their primary form of communication, particularly after age 2.

For instance, if your two-year-old struggles to combine even two words, or if your three-year-old primarily communicates through grunts and leading you by the hand rather than using words, these could be signs that additional support might be beneficial. Early intervention is incredibly powerful; the sooner challenges are identified, the sooner effective strategies can be put in place. A speech-language pathologist can conduct thorough assessments to pinpoint specific areas of need and develop an individualized plan.

Paths to Communication: Supporting Nonverbal Children

Supporting a nonverbal child requires a multifaceted approach that is patient, consistent, and tailored to their unique needs. The goal is to open up avenues for communication, reduce frustration, and foster a love for connection.

The Holistic Approach: Beyond Just Speech

Before diving into speech-specific strategies, it’s important to remember that communication is deeply intertwined with a child’s overall development. A holistic view considers all aspects of a child’s well-being:

• Physical Health: Ensure good nutrition, adequate sleep, and address any underlying medical issues. For example, feeding challenges (like aversion to certain textures) can sometimes impact oral motor skills needed for speech.
• Sensory Needs: Understand and accommodate your child’s sensory preferences. An overwhelmed child cannot focus on learning. Creating a calm, predictable environment can reduce sensory stress.
• Behavioral Regulation: Addressing challenging behaviors often leads to improved communication, as frustration can manifest as behavioral outbursts when a child can’t express their needs.
• Social Connection: Foster joyful interactions and play, which are natural contexts for communication development.

Building on Existing Communication

Start where your child is. Every sound, gesture, or glance that expresses intent is a form of communication.

• Acknowledge and Validate: When your child points to their sippy cup, respond by saying, “You want your cup!” This shows them you understand and attaches words to their nonverbal cues.
• Expand and Model: If your child makes a “mmm” sound for “milk,” you can model, “Milk! You want milk.”
• Create Opportunities: Place desired objects slightly out of reach to encourage them to initiate a request, even nonverbally at first.

For a parent whose child makes a specific sound to indicate they want a snack, consistently responding with “Snack? You want a snack!” while offering the item helps them associate the sound and the item with the word “snack.”

Reducing Pressure and Increasing Motivation

Learning to speak should be an enjoyable experience, not a source of stress.

• Follow Your Child’s Lead: Observe what truly interests your child and incorporate those interests into communication activities. For a child fascinated by cars, use car-related words (“go,” “fast,” “stop”) during play.
• Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate every attempt at communication, no matter how small. A smile, a hug, or giving them the desired object can be powerful motivators. Avoid “say please” or “use your words” if it creates pressure and shutdown.
• Play-Based Learning: Integrate speech practice into fun, interactive games. Children learn best when they are engaged and enjoying themselves.

Simplifying Language and Modeling Clearly

• Use Simple, High-Interest Words: For a child just beginning their verbal journey, focus on one or two-syllable words that are highly motivating. Instead of “Would you like to play with your red ball?” try “Ball!” or “Want ball?”
• Slow Down and Emphasize: Speak slowly and clearly, highlighting the key words you want your child to learn. If you’re giving them juice, say “Juice. Juice time!” with enthusiasm. This helps them segment and recognize words.
• Repetition is Key: Repeated exposure to words in meaningful contexts helps solidify their understanding and encourages imitation.

Visual Supports and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

For many nonverbal children, alternative communication systems are invaluable, providing a bridge while spoken language develops, or serving as their primary means of expression.

• Sign Language: Simple signs for core words (more, eat, drink, all done) can reduce frustration.
• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): Children exchange pictures for desired items or activities. This teaches the function of communication.
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices: These can range from communication boards with symbols to high-tech speech-generating devices (SGDs) like iPads with specialized apps. AAC empowers children to communicate complex thoughts by touching pictures or typing words, which are then spoken aloud by the device.

The Role of Professional Speech Therapy

A qualified speech-language pathologist (SLP) is an indispensable partner in this journey. They can:

• Diagnose Specific Challenges: Identify underlying speech sound disorders like apraxia or phonological disorders.
• Develop Individualized Therapy Plans: Create tailored strategies based on your child’s unique profile.
• Teach Specific Techniques: Utilize evidence-based methods such as vocal imitation, labeling objects and actions, and manding (requesting).
• Address Unique Speech Patterns: Help with issues like humming, echolalia (repeating phrases), or unusual speech tones common in some autistic children.

Working with an SLP, parents learn how to implement these strategies at home, turning everyday moments into powerful learning opportunities. Speech Blubs is a powerful supplement to a child’s overall development plan and, when applicable, professional therapy, amplifying the progress made in structured sessions into joyful daily practice.

Speech Blubs: Empowering Every Voice

At Speech Blubs, we understand the immense love and dedication parents pour into their children’s development. Our journey began with a deeply personal motivation: our founders, all of whom grew up with speech problems, created the tool they wished they had – a joyful, effective, and scientifically grounded solution for speech support. We believe that every child deserves to find their voice, and we are committed to providing that support to the 1 in 4 children who need it. Explore how our app can make a difference in your child’s life by visiting our main homepage.

Our Unique “Video Modeling” Methodology

Central to our approach is our unique “video modeling” methodology. Instead of learning from animated characters or adult instructors, children learn by watching and imitating their peers. This technique leverages the natural power of “mirror neurons” in the brain, which fire both when we perform an action and when we observe someone else performing that same action. For children, seeing other children successfully making sounds, words, and gestures makes the task feel more attainable and less intimidating.

• Engagement Through Peer Interaction: Our app features hundreds of real children modeling target sounds and words. This creates a highly engaging and relatable experience, making learning feel like playtime with friends. For a child who might be hesitant to repeat words for an adult, watching another child playfully say “bubble” or “cat” can spark their own imitation attempts.
• “Smart Screen Time” vs. Passive Viewing: We transform screen time from a passive activity (like watching cartoons) into an active, interactive, and educational experience. Instead of simply consuming content, children are prompted to imitate, respond, and engage directly with the models on screen. This fosters active participation, which is critical for skill development.
• Targeted Skill Development: Speech Blubs offers a wide range of content organized into fun “sections” or “packs,” each targeting specific speech and language skills.
  • For a parent whose child loves animals but struggles with verbalizing sounds, our “Animal Kingdom” section uses video modeling to show real kids making “moo” or “baa” sounds, encouraging imitation in a playful way.
  • If your child is learning to identify emotions, our “Emotions” section provides peer models expressing joy, sadness, and surprise, giving them visual and auditory cues to imitate and understand, thereby building emotional literacy alongside verbal skills.
  • For children working on basic vocabulary, our “First Words” section helps them practice essential words like “eat,” “drink,” and “ball” through engaging video prompts, making connections between words and concepts.

Fostering Confidence and Joyful Communication

Our goal is not to promise that your child will be giving public speeches in a month, but rather to foster a lifelong love for communication. Speech Blubs focuses on:

• Building Confidence: Every successful imitation, every new sound made, builds a child’s confidence in their ability to communicate. This reduces frustration and encourages further attempts.
• Reducing Frustration: When children have a tool that makes speech practice fun and accessible, the frustration often associated with communication challenges can significantly decrease for both the child and the parent.
• Developing Foundational Skills: We help children develop key foundational skills like imitation, sound production, and early vocabulary, which are stepping stones to more complex language.
• Creating Joyful Family Learning Moments: Speech Blubs is designed to be a tool for connection. Parents often play alongside their children, participating in the video modeling, and celebrating successes together. It’s a powerful tool for family bonding and shared learning.

Our scientific methodology and high user satisfaction have earned us a top-tier rating on the MARS scale for health apps. You can learn more about the science behind our approach and the research supporting video modeling on our research page. We’ve also received countless positive testimonials from parents who have seen remarkable progress in their children’s communication skills. See what other parents are saying about their children’s success with Speech Blubs.

Investing in Your Child’s Communication Journey: Speech Blubs Pricing

We believe that every child deserves access to effective and engaging speech support. To make Speech Blubs accessible while providing exceptional value, we offer flexible subscription plans. We encourage transparency in our pricing to build trust and help you make the best decision for your family.

Our pricing plans are as follows:

• Monthly Plan: For $14.99 per month, you can access the core features of Speech Blubs. This plan offers flexibility for those who prefer a month-to-month commitment.
• Yearly Plan: Our most popular and recommended option is the Yearly Plan for $59.99 per year. This plan offers significantly superior value, breaking down to just $4.99 per month. By choosing the Yearly Plan, you save a remarkable 66% compared to the monthly option, making it the clear best choice for sustained progress and long-term support.

The Yearly Plan isn’t just about significant savings; it also unlocks a suite of exclusive, high-value features designed to maximize your child’s learning and your experience as a parent:

• 7-Day Free Trial: Only the Yearly Plan includes a full 7-day free trial, allowing you and your child to explore all the premium features and experience the app’s benefits firsthand before making a commitment. The Monthly Plan does not include a free trial.
• Extra Reading Blubs App: As a Yearly subscriber, you gain complimentary access to our companion Reading Blubs app, further enhancing your child’s literacy and language journey.
• Early Access to New Updates: Get a first look at new content, features, and improvements before anyone else.
• 24-Hour Support Response Time: Receive priority assistance from our dedicated support team, ensuring your questions are answered promptly.

The Monthly Plan does not include these valuable benefits. We designed the Yearly Plan to provide the most comprehensive, cost-effective, and feature-rich experience, ensuring your child has continuous access to the tools they need to thrive.

Conclusion

The journey of a nonverbal child is one filled with unique challenges and profound triumphs. It’s a journey that teaches us that communication extends far beyond spoken words, encompassing a rich tapestry of gestures, expressions, and sounds. While the question “Do nonverbal kids say any words?” resonates with many parents, the answer is often multifaceted: many do, even if only a few, and all nonverbal children communicate in their own powerful ways. With understanding, patience, and the right support systems, every child has the potential to express themselves, reduce frustration, and build meaningful connections with the world around them.

Embracing a holistic approach, recognizing and validating existing communication, creating a low-pressure learning environment, and leveraging supportive tools like Speech Blubs are all crucial steps. Our commitment at Speech Blubs is to provide a joyful, effective, and scientifically-backed resource that empowers children to find their unique voice, fostering a love for communication and building confidence one sound, one word, one interaction at a time. We are here to support you in transforming everyday moments into invaluable learning opportunities, making “smart screen time” a catalyst for growth and connection.

Ready to empower your child’s voice and embark on a joyful communication journey? Start your 7-day free trial today by creating your account on our website or by downloading Speech Blubs directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store! Remember to select the Yearly Plan to unlock the free trial, access the bonus Reading Blubs app, and enjoy all the exclusive features designed to give your child the very best start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What exactly qualifies as “nonverbal”?

A child is generally considered “nonverbal” if they have little to no functional spoken language by an age when speech would typically be expected, often around four years old. This doesn’t mean they don’t communicate at all; they may use gestures, sounds, facial expressions, or alternative communication systems. The key is the limited or absent use of spoken words for daily communication.

Q2: Can nonverbal children with autism ever learn to speak?

Yes, many nonverbal children with autism can and do develop spoken language, especially with early and intensive intervention. While some may remain minimally verbal, a significant number learn to use words and even simple sentences. Factors like early intervention, effective therapy, and consistent support play a crucial role in their progress. It’s important to remember that every child’s journey is unique, and progress can look different for everyone.

Q3: How can I encourage my nonverbal child to communicate?

Encourage communication by acknowledging all attempts (gestures, sounds), simplifying your own language, using visuals (pictures, sign language), following your child’s lead during play, and creating a low-pressure, motivating environment. Focus on high-interest words and use repetition. Tools like Speech Blubs, with its video modeling, can also provide engaging opportunities for imitation and practice.

Q4: When should I seek professional help for my child’s communication?

If you notice any consistent delays in language milestones (e.g., no babbling by 12 months, no single words by 16 months, no two-word phrases by 24 months), or if your child relies heavily on nonverbal communication without spoken words by age two or three, it’s advisable to consult your pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist. Early intervention is key to supporting a child’s communication development effectively.