Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder with various symptoms and levels of severity. Each child will have varying levels of communication skills, from high-functioning to knowing only some basic words. Non-verbal communication skills for children with autism can help your child better communicate using visual aids and other non-verbal techniques. A speech therapy program can help improve your child’s communication skills and confidence in their abilities.
At Camp Worth, we help teen boys and girls aged 11-17 improve their communication skills through our speech therapy program. Our therapists and educators will work with your child to enhance verbal and non-verbal skills and build their confidence in interacting with others. To learn more about improving your child’s non-verbal communication skills for children with autism, reach out to our Camp Worth team by completing our online form or calling 855.915.2545 today.
Signs Your Child with Autism Is Non-Verbal
Some children with autism will grow up to lead a normal, independent life with minimal symptoms. Notable people with autism include Albert Einstein, Dan Akyord, and Elon Musk. Some people you would not even know have autism because they have developed the communication skills they need to communicate with others in any situation effectively.
Children on the other end of the autism spectrum will only have minimal communication skills. They can become easily frustrated trying to communicate with others and act out negatively. Non-verbal does not mean they cannot communicate at all. Some non-verbal children with autism can communicate very well through writing, American Sign Language (ASL), or other communication devices.
Signs that your child with autism may be non-verbal include when they:
- Avoid eye contact
- Are shy and withdrawn and prefer to be alone
- Are unmindful of personal space
- Do not like being touched
- Become hyper-focused on a single task and ignore everything else
- Have short attention spans
Learning Non-Verbal Communication Skills for Children with Autism
When children with autism cannot communicate their feelings or needs, it can lead to negative behavior like temper tantrums, stimming, and hyperventilating. Learning how to communicate with your child will help reduce unwanted behavior and form a closer bond with your child.
Types of non-verbal communication include:
- Facial expressions – Helping your child learn to communicate through facial expressions can help teach them how to convey how they are feeling without words. Use visual aids to associate words with their expression.
- Eye contact – Eye contact is a crucial part of communication as your eyes can convey interest, worry, and affection. Children with autism who practice making proper eye contact with others will boost their self-confidence as their non-verbal communication skills improve.
- Touch – Touch is an essential communication tool that is part of your child’s development. Learning when it is appropriate to give a hug or a handshake in the right situation can ease social tensions and reduce the uncertainty of new situations.
- Space – Children with autism have a tough time understanding personal space. You can use visual aids and social stories to teach them about personal space and when it is appropriate to be physically close to someone else.
Camp Worth’s Therapy and Skills Training Options
At Camp Worth, we help frustrated teen boys and girls aged 11-17 improve their verbal and non-verbal communication skills. While there is no “cure” for ASD, we employ a variety of therapy and skills training to give your teen the best chances at leading an independent life. Some of these options include:
- Recreational therapy
- Individual therapy
- Family counseling
- Social skills groups
- Functional communication training
Enhance Non-Verbal Communication Skills for Children with Autism at Camp Worth
As a parent, you want the best for your teen with autism. At Camp Worth, our team provides comprehensive care for teens with autism, including improving non-verbal communication skills.
To help your teen living with autism improve their communication skills, call 855.915.2545 today or fill out our online form to learn more about improving non-verbal communication skills for children with autism through our speech therapy program.
