Many parents of kids with autism wonder if non verbal autism can be cured or not. In this article we examine both the question itself and provide an answer.
‘Curing’ non verbal autism
The first thing which is worth addressing is the question itself in that the word cure can be offensive to many people with autism.
Autism is not a disease or a illness that can be addressed by taking antibiotics after all. Being autistic is more of a a way of life than anything else.
But we are not one to pull people up on terminology on this website, we are all just trying our best after all.
The reality of the question.
If you have searched “can non verbal communication be cured” it is most likely that you are trying to establish two things;
- If a non verbal autistic person can be taught to speak?
- Can autism be ‘cured’ in general?
Lets have a look at those two questions individually.
Can a non verbal autistic person be taught to speak?
Like so much with autism this is a tricky question to answer. If you wanted to be really basic with a reply the answer is yes, non verbal autistic people can be taught to speak.
But the devil is in the detail here with non verbal autism. So much would be dependent on the age of the individual, the level of support and their overall capabilities.
The rule of thumb is that the younger the person with autism the more likely that speech can be introduced.
Nearly every study shows that early intervention is a key factor in developing an autistic persons speech.
As time goes on however, sadly the window for developing speech reduces somewhat. For example if an autistic person has got to 50 without ever speaking then it is unlikely that this will change.
That is not to say that they can’t live full and happy lives. There are all kinds of other forms of communication which can be adopted to assist with daily life.
Can autism be cured?
Terminology aside this is a bit of an easier question to answer. No there is not a cure for autism.
However if the question was worded, can symptoms of autism be reduced… then the answer is a resounding yes.
Through intervention, patience, time and therapy an autistic persons challenges can be reduced.
What help is there available?
It is important to understand that autism is a lifelong condition, and there is no single treatment that works for everyone.
The treatment plan for an individual with non-verbal autism will depend on their unique needs and challenges.
The goal of treatment is not to cure autism but to help the individual reach their full potential and lead a fulfilling life.
One of the most effective treatments for non-verbal Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a commonly used intervention for individuals with autism.
ABA uses positive reinforcement techniques to teach new skills and behaviors, such as communication and social skills.
Speech therapy is another treatment option for non-verbal autism. Speech therapists can work with individuals to develop communication skills using alternative methods, such as sign language or assistive technology.
Other interventions that can help individuals with non-verbal autism include occupational therapy and sensory integration therapy.
Occupational therapy can help individuals develop fine motor skills and improve their ability to perform everyday activities, such as eating and dressing.
Sensory integration therapy can help individuals with sensory processing issues better understand and manage their environment.
Summary – Can non verbal autism be cured?
While there is no known cure for non-verbal autism, there are treatments and interventions available.
These methods can help individuals improve their communication skills, social interactions, and overall quality of life.
Early intervention, speech therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, and lifestyle changes can all be effective in helping individuals with non-verbal autism.
It is important to focus on the individual’s strengths and abilities and provide support to help them reach their full potential.
