Some general tips for communicating with non-speaking autistic people.

1. Communicating
With a Non-Speaking
Autistic Person
Treat an adult like an
adult. Don’t talk like they
aren’t in the room, just
because someone else
answers for them or
helps them. Face the
person when talking to
them.
Invite them to things
that you would typically
have invited them to if
they spoke.
Make sure the activity or
event is accessible to
those with alternative
communication.
DO's
Take the time to understand the communication
method the person uses. Please be mindful of
sensory processing differences that tend to be
more prominent in some non-speaking people.
These are just some general guidelines.
Assume competence. Don’t talk down to them.
Learn and ask about their
form of communication.
Some non-speakers have
co-occurring fine motor skill
difficulties that make typing
or writing difficult and this
impacts their mode of
communication.
Don’t assume you can’t
communicate together.
Don’t only talk to the
person that may be there
for the autistic person.
Don't allow a
communication
difference to disqualify
someone from being
invited to an event.
DONT's
Don’t deprive a non-speaker from having access to communication.
All forms of communication are valid.
Check out Matthew's blog, a non-
speaking autistic blogger:
htps://autisticwhospells.com