Website by CWS
Are All Autistic Children Nonverbal?
June 9, 2025
No, not all autistic children are nonverbal. In fact, many children with autism do speak—some may start talking later than their peers, while others may speak fluently but struggle with social communication.
Being nonverbal means a child doesn’t use spoken words to communicate, but that doesn’t mean they don’t communicate at all. Many nonverbal children use gestures, pictures, devices, or sign language to express themselves.
Autism exists on a spectrum, which means each child has unique strengths and challenges. Some may never develop verbal speech, while others may go from being nonverbal to speaking over time with the help of therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
ABA therapy focuses on building communication—whether that’s through speech, sign, or other tools—based on what works best for each child.
At Divine Steps ABA, we meet your child where they are. Serving families across Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, we create personalized therapy plans to support communication, behavior, and daily living skills.
Wondering how ABA can help your child communicate more effectively? Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s take the next step together.
SOURCES:
https://www.healthline.com/health/autism/nonverbal-autism
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/autism-spectrum-disorder-communication-problems-children
https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/nonverbal-autism-what-it-means
https://www.healthpolicypartnership.com/reimagining-communication-for-people-with-non-verbal-autism/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/non-verbal-autism
Learn how to tell if ABA therapy is working. From communication gains to reduced behaviors, see what real progress looks like and how parents can track results.
Understand the key differences between Comprehensive and Focused ABA therapy, including time commitment, goals, and outcomes, in this easy-to-read guide.
Learn what happens during your child’s first day of ABA therapy. Get tips from real therapists to help your child feel calm, supported, and ready to grow.