Having a non-verbal child can be challenging and sometimes it can even feel overwhelming, especially if the child themselves become frustrated when they can’t communicate effectively. 

The good news is that there are several key strategies and supports available to help you and your child navigate these challenges. 

So, if you’ve got or you care for a non-verbal child and you’re not sure where to begin, here are some steps to consider. 

Consider potential underlying causes

To start with, ensure your child’s hearing is tested to rule out hearing loss as a reason for their non-verbal behaviour.

You might also want to take a look into Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other conditions that could affect their communication skills. A comprehensive evaluation from your local healthcare professional can help identify any underlying issues and how to tackle them. 

Consult with professionals

Once you’ve ruled out some of the common causes of non-verbal behaviour or you now need extra support, it might be time to speak with a therapist. Speech and language therapists (SALT) are specialists in communication disorders and they can assess your child’s needs, identify any issues and recommend the best therapies and techniques to treat them. 

In the first instance, it’s likely that they’ll conduct a SALT assessment to uncover why your child is non-verbal. They can then recommend the best course of action. 

It’s likely that your child will need ongoing therapy until the issue is resolved and these specialists can act as advisors and confidants to you as a parent. You just need to make sure that you find the right speech therapist for you and your child. 

Stick to the plan 

If you’ve been given advice and techniques to use by your child’s therapist or even a teacher, make sure to keep to the plan and follow the exercises as much as possible. 

There are lots of different ways to do this, some of which we’ll outline below, but just make sure that your child’s communication is a top priority. Without piling on too much pressure, of course, you don’t want to stress them out. 

Encourage communication in daily activities

You need to create opportunities for communication in your daily routines, such as at meal times, play and when getting dressed. Offer your child choices and patiently pause to give them a chance to respond to you. 

You should also use gestures and simple words to model how to communicate, being as consistent and patient with them as possible. 

Visual supports should become part of your daily routine, creating visual schedules, choice boards and flashcards to support their development. 

Picture books and stories can also be a great way to engage with your child and make learning more fun.

Use positive reinforcement to encourage them

It’s important to celebrate your child’s success, so, when they attempt to communicate, even if it’s not perfect, celebrate their effort. Positive reinforcement encourages them to keep trying and keep working on their communication. 

You could also use a reward system to encourage their communication. This could be as simple as giving praise, stickers or allowing them to do their favourite activity when they work hard or communicate well. 

Build a supportive environment

Family involvement is so important for a non-verbal child. As such, you should educate family members on how to use communication tools and support your child’s development no matter who you’re with. Consistency across these environments (home, school, etc.) is absolutely crucial.

You might also want to connect with other parents who have non-verbal children. There are lots of support groups or online communities you can join that provide emotional support and practical advice.

Monitor and adjust your strategies 

You need to regularly assess your child’s progress and adjust your communication and learning strategies as needed. What works for you today may not work tomorrow, so you need to evolve as your child grows and develops.

Often, speech therapists can help with this, regularly evaluating your child’s progress and setting out the next steps. 

You should also keep learning about new tools and techniques to support your non-verbal child as communication methods and technologies are constantly evolving and you need to stay informed. 

Advocate for your child

In educational settings, it’s crucial to work with your child’s school to ensure they have access to necessary communication supports. An Individualised Education Plan (IEP) can include specific goals and services to help them when they’re at school. 

You should also advocate for accessibility and understanding in your local community. Educate others on how to communicate with your child and support their inclusion, and look for local initiatives that support non-verbal children. 

Be patient and compassionate

We’ve already touched on this above but it’s so important to understand the process. Communication development can be slow and progress may come in small steps, therefore, patience and compassion are key to supporting your child’s journey.

With that in mind, try to focus on connection, not just words. Pay attention to your child’s non-verbal cues, body language and emotions to understand their needs and relieve their frustrations. 

Take care of yourself 

Caring for a non-verbal child can be stressful, so don’t hesitate to seek support for yourself as a parent or caregiver, whether that is through therapy, support groups or just making time for self-care.

It can also be helpful to educate yourself and stay informed about your child’s condition, communication methods and rights, to ensure you’re equipped to support them effectively. This can help to reduce your stress even further as you feel more confident supporting them and communicating with them in different ways. 

It’s important to remember that every child is unique, so finding the right combination of strategies and tools may take time but it’s vital that you remain patient and get it right. 

With the right support, non-verbal children can still achieve meaningful communication and connection, so don’t give up.