Nonverbal therapy focuses on helping autistic children who do not use speech as their primary means of communication. It includes techniques such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) , visual supports, social skills training, and individualized approaches. The goal is to enhance communication, promote understanding, and improve overall quality of life for these children. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) : - AAC encompasses various methods beyond speech. - Examples include writing, drawing, gestures, pointing to letters or pictures, and using electronic devices. - These tools allow nonverbal individuals to express needs, emotions, and thoughts effectively. Visual Supports : - Visual schedules, social stories, and visual cues help structure routines. - These aids enhance understanding and provide predictability. Social Skills Training : - Teaching appropriate social interactions and responses. - Helping children understand social cues and engage with others. Individualized Approach : - Tailoring interventions based on each child's abilities, interests, and sensory preferences. - Play-based therapy encourages engagement and communication. Family Involvement : - Parents and caregivers play a crucial role. - Learning AAC techniques, reinforcing communication strategies, and creating a supportive environment are essential.

1. Nonverbal
Therapy for
Autism Children
Created by
Muhammad Farooq
Umaila Irum

2. Introduction
These children face
unique challenges in
expressing themselves
and connecting with
others. In this
presentation, we explore
nonverbal therapy
approaches, strategies,
and the importance of
alternative
communication methods
for these remarkable
children.
Autism spectrum
disorder (ASD) is a
complex
developmental
condition that affects
communication, social
interaction, and
behavior. Within the
autism community,
there exists a
subgroup of
individuals who are
nonverbal or
minimally verbal.

3. Nonverbal Autism
• Speaking is not the major way of communication
for persons with nonverbal autism.
• Instead of using spoken words, they may rely on
body language, gestures, or other nonverbal cues.
• Remember that not all individuals with autism are
nonverbal; a significant number of nonverbal autistic
individuals may comprehend language and convey
themselves through writing or typing.

4. Speech Delays of
children with ASD
Autistic children may speak as early as 10 months,
typically developing youngsters start using words at 12 to
18 months of age.
Children with autism typically start speaking at the age of
36 months.
Although a speech delay is frequently an early indicator of
autism, it's important to keep in mind that verbal
expression and comprehension are not necessarily the
same.

5. Nonverbal Forms Of
communication
People with autism can still communicate without using spoken language. A variety of
alternatives are available for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
Any nonverbal form of communication is included in AAC, including:
• Writing
• Drawing
• Facial expressions
• Gestures
• Pointing to letters to spell words
• Pointing to photos, text, or drawings
• Using an electronic device to generate speech or assist with communication in some
way

6. Augmentative and Alternative
Communication (AAC)
AAC helps people who struggle with communication. It
uses a variety of techniques, including:
Sign language, gestures, and facial expressions are used
in unaided AAC.
Facilitated AAC:
Low-tech: Picture symbols and communication boards.
Electronic gadgets (apps, speech-generating devices)
are considered high-tech.

7. Aternative communication
Writing Description:
Writing entails creating symbols, letters, and words on
paper or a digital device with a pen, pencil, or other
writing instruments.
Children with autism who are nonverbal can
nevertheless express themselves in writing, even
though spoken language is difficult for them.
Application in Therapy:
Urge the young person to put their wants, desires, or
thoughts in writing.
In therapy sessions, write as a form of communication.
Introduce journaling activities or writing prompts to
improve expressive language abilities.
Advantages:
• Writing gives one a way to express oneself.
• It allows the child to communicate independently
and share their inner world.

8. Drawing
Application in therapy
• Include sketching exercises in
the therapy sessions.
• Use visual cues to help the
child draw, like pictures or
symbols.
• Look at the child's drawings
to learn about their feelings
and experiences.
Photos provided by Pexels
Description:
• Drawing is the
process of utilizing
lines, forms, and
colors to create visual
representations.
• Art is a common
means of self-
expression for
children with autism.
Benefits
• Drawing encourages
emotional expression and
creativity.
• Between the child and the
therapist, it can act as a
conduit.

9. Facial Expressions
Application in Therapy:
Recognize various emotions
on the child's face, such as
happiness, sadness, and
amazement.
Learn to mimic and read
facial expressions.
Assign emotions to particular
expressions by using visual
aids, such picture cards.
Description:
Face expressions are a
means of communicating
intentions, feelings, and
social cues.
Children with autism who
are nonverbal may find it
difficult to understand
and make facial
expressions.
Benefits:
Enhanced empathy and social connections.
increased comprehension of emotions.

10. Gestures
Benefits:
• Makes communication
easier in everyday
situations.
• provides an alternative
to speech, which reduces
frustration.
Description:
The purpose of gestures is
to communicate meaning
through the movements
of the hands, arms, and
head.
Children with autism may
use gestures as a form of
self-expression.
Application in Therapy:
• Introduce practical gestures, such as
pointing and waving hello.
• Encourage the child to
suggest, request, and
exchange information with gestures.
• To improve communication, integrate
gestures with spoken cues.

11. Pointing to Letters to
Spell Words
Application in Therapy:
• Introduce letter boards
or communication
devices with alphabet
grids.
• Teach the child to point
to letters to construct
words.
• Encourage spelling out
messages or requests.
Description:
• Pointing to individual
letters or symbols to
form words is a form of
spelling.
• This method is
commonly used in
augmentative and
alternative
communication (AAC)
systems.
Benefits:
• Enables the child to express specific thoughts or needs.
• Builds literacy skills.

12. Letter Boards or Communication
Devices:
• Imagine a board with all the
letters of the alphabet arranged
in a grid.
• Each letter has its own spot on
the board.
• These boards can be physical or
digital (like on a tablet).
• They help people who have
difficulty speaking to
communicate.
Teaching the Child to Point to Letters:
• If a child wants to say something,
they can point to the letters on
the board.
• By pointing to the right letters in
order, they can spell out words.
• For example, if they want to say
“cat,” they’d point to C, then A,
then T.

13. Using an Electronic
Communication
Device Application in Therapy:
Show the youngster how to use AAC
devices or applications.
Put words and phrases that are pertinent
to the device's purpose.
Teach the young person how to
communicate via the device.
Description:
High-tech AAC is provided
via electronic equipment
(such as tablets, speech-
generating devices, or
communication apps).
Based on input from the
user, these gadgets either
display text or produce
speech.
Advantages:
Allows fluid conversation.
promotes social interaction and linguistic development.

14. Pointing to Photos,
Text, or Drawings
Application in Therapy:
• Create personalized communication
boards with relevant pictures or
symbols.
• Use these boards during therapy
sessions for communication.
• Encourage the child to point to specific
items to express themselves.
Description:
• Pointing to visual symbols or
representations is a powerful
form of communication.
• It allows the child to convey
preferences, choices, and
emotions.
Benefits:
• Enhances communication efficiency.
• Provides a concrete way to express
desires or feelings.

15. PECS (Picture Exchange Communication
System)
PECS (Picture
Exchange Communicat
ion System) is
a method used by
individuals
with nonverbal autism
spectrum disorder
(ASD) to
communicate using
pictures.
• Benefits: PECS
empowers nonverbal
individuals
to communicate
visually
and independently.

16. Cont...
• Select a Picture: The
person chooses a
picture representing
what they want (e.g.,
a snack, toy, or
activity).
• Approach Someone:
They give the chosen
picture to another
person.
• Exchange for the
Desired Item: In
return, they
receive the actual
item they requested.

17. Refrences
• Nonspeaking Autism (Nonverbal Autism): Symptoms & More (healthline.com)
• Nonverbal Autism: Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, and Therapy Options (psychcentral.com)
• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). (n.d.).
https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/
• Barbaresi WJ, et al. (2006). Autism: A review of the state of the science for pediatric primary health care clinicians.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/205781
• Brignell A, et al. (2018) Communication interventions for autism spectrum disorder in minimally verbal children.
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD012324.pub2/full
• Cerasuolo M, et al. (2022). Examining predictors of different ABA treatments: A systematic review.
https://mdpi-res.com/behavsci/behavsci-12-00267/article_deploy/behavsci-12-00267.pdf?version=1659595104
• CDC’s developmental milestones. (2022).
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
• Discover the joy of communication. (n.d.).
https://touchchatapp.com/
• Gabriels RL, et al. (2015). Randomized controlled trial of therapeutic horseback riding in children and adolescents with
autism spectrum disorder.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0890856715002841