Can people with nonverbal autism learn to speak? How accurate can we consider aba therapy for non-autistic to be? A severe form of autism or level 3 autism affects approximately 40% of autistic children. A person diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) never developed the skills to speak more than a few words. Is there help?
Facts: Can People With Nonverbal Autism Learn to Speak and Symptoms
Since nonverbal autism is not a diagnosis but a condition that involves symptoms that indicate ASD, does that mean that person will never communicate? Will he never learn to understand the world around him and be an equal interlocutor to anyone? Absolutely not.
To get closer to the topic, we will first discuss the symptoms and causes that indicate this condition in an individual. It is not easy to understand how to approach this because we repeat, this is not a specific diagnosis. Therefore, the definitions and how experts tell you about it are different.
While in some cases, mostly with children, the person will not say anything, in other cases, the words will come from him, but the interlocutors will not understand. For individuals, it is a matter of time before they enter the conversation phase. Some of them will speak meaningfully only in certain situations.
Here’s an example. He will address you with “belly”, so what do you do about it? Is it hunger, stomach pain, nausea or something else? If you realize that a person is hungry, he will fail to answer what he would like to eat, but he may choose between options with pictures or words offered.
It affects a person’s verbal skills, and here are some common symptoms we find in those affected. He will not react to the conversation. No matter how much someone tries to approach him, he will stay focused on his “things”.
He will not enter the conversation spontaneously and will not desire to participate. The inability to compose a sentence is common. Children with nonverbal autism use only a few words to explain feelings or express desires.
They also very often turn to the use of sounds instead of words. Understanding by parents or caregivers generally exists. However, these kids usually have a hard time staying present with others. Their world often seems to be closed for everybody else.
We must also note that a lack of speaking skills does not necessarily mean that they do not understand what others are saying or demanding. The emphasis is simply on the inability to respond. And they are also too focused on an activity they’re indulging in.
So, can people with nonverbal autism learn to speak? Yes. Will they be able to speak like us? Not. Are there methods that help them master speech techniques and improve conversation over time? Of course.
What Are The Causes and How ABA Therapy Helps
In general, there is not enough evidence for autism. The research is also poor for us to claim why it occurs. Autistic children are different from each other. Developing this condition is quite complex too. In some, it appears quickly, while in others, it appears slowly and only affects some daily situations of the individual.
However, based on the studies known so far, some of the factors in the development of autism have been identified. Leading among the potential factors is certainly genetics. If a close relative is autistic, the likelihood of affecting the child is significantly higher.
Genetics also shows us to some extent what kind of autism can happen. Chromosomal disorders are another item that we see as a possible cause of this condition. For example, among people born with fragile X syndrome and tuberous sclerosis, there are more autistic ones.
The impact of drugs and harmful chemicals in pregnancy and the early stages of a newborn’s life is the most unexamined cause, but there is a suspicion that it increases the risk of autism.
There has been much research on vaccines in recent years. However, not a single research has yet confirmed they cause autism. Even in those with genetic prepositions.
Remember that we mentioned at the beginning that there is a possibility to help a person communicate with you and the world? Here is how to work with ABA therapy daily. ABA stands for applied behavioral analysis. Let the child (or a grown-up) have various activities that encourage the development of speech and improved communication daily.
Insert singing and nursery rhymes daily. Read and explain various situations in full sentences. Play pretend play games or use retelling of favorite situations.
You can also imitate a child. Repeat his stimuli that are positive, understandable and acceptable. That will help the child develop self-love. It also helps discern expressing his feelings and needs.
Nonverbal conversation is the key. Gestures and eye contact are a very important part of learning communication for these children. Starting from nodding your head for “yes” to more complicated forms of communication like pointing your finger as a way to tell “look”.
That may sound like a trivial start if your child is over a year old, but trust us, it is not. Remember that it is important to show your child where to start and how. When your child understands the way of communication that is suitable for him, it is time to build up his vocabulary.
And how to build up his vocabulary from there, you may ask? After simple words, of course, it’s time for sentences. The doctors recommend adding a verb to the learned noun. Let’s say you learned the word car. The next step may be to teach the child the verb “drive”. Take a toy car and imitate the action while saying: “drive a car”.
Aba Therapy Programs for Children and Adults
Autism is a condition that does not go away when people grow up. It is ideal to see the existence of the diagnosis in early childhood. That way, the child can grow up happily in his unique world. However, the therapy proves effective in both young adults and adults.
ABA therapy helps children and adults with autism to live happier lives. It helps them improve their academic life, attention, focus and memory. It helps them develop a self-care routine and a good schedule of household chores. Social skills, fitness, cooking, workplace communication skills and many more.
We know that it is difficult to be or have someone close who is different. However, help should not be lacking. And there is always a solution. So, can people with nonverbal autism learn to speak? In their way, yes. They can learn how to communicate.