Difficulties with communication is a hallmark of ASD, but can non verbal autism be cured?

Below we examine the question and give some guidance to parents and loved ones.

Can a non verbal autistic person be cured?

For parents raising children with autism, the path can be uniquely complex.

This is especially when faced with questions about their child’s future.

One such question that often arises is whether non-verbal autism can be cured.

Describing any intervention as ‘curing’ autism can be offensive to some, so if we could be clear that is not our intention.

We try to answer the questions which parents may have, no matter the wording.

While the idea of a cure may be an emotive subject, it’s essential to approach this topic with empathy and realistic expectations.

The nature of being non verbal

Non-verbal autism is a subtype of ASD where children and adults experience challenges in expressing themselves through speech.

Children with non-verbal autism may not develop functional speech or may have limited verbal communication skills.

It’s important to note that autism is a very complex condition and is not caused or defined by any single factor.

Rather, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental influences.

That is all great but can you cure non verbal autism?

If anyone is asking this question what we really think they want to know is when is the latest children start speaking?

The first thing to note is that there are various examples of children who through therapy and intervention find their voice.

Opinions are rife all over the internet in terms of how late a child can start to talk however.

Some pessimistic views cite anything after age four or five being a tipping point whereby it becomes very unlikely the autistic child will gain full speech.

That however is countered by Scientists at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, in Baltimore.

In this study they give a lot of hope to parents longing for their child to find their voice.

They looked at information on 535 autistic children, ages 8 to 17. Each had severe language delays at age 4.

At age 4, their language delays ranged from not speaking at all to using single words or phrases without verbs.

The researchers found that, in fact, most of these children did go on to acquire language skills.

Nearly half (47 percent) became fluent speakers. Over two-thirds (70 percent) could speak in simple phrases.

The researchers also looked into what factors might predict whether a severely language-delayed child with autism would eventually develop speech.

They found that most of the children who did so had higher IQs (assessed with non speech related tests) and lower social impairment.

Of note, the researchers found a child’s level of repetitive behaviours and restricted interests did not affect the likelihood of speech development.

“These findings offer hope to parents that their language-delayed child will go on to develop speech in elementary school, or even as teenagers,” says Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D.

What can parents do to help

We have many articles on speech development including some very simple speech therapy which can be completed at home.

We would also recommend you reach out to experts either through your child’s school or local therapists.

A great book which we recommend to everyone is called More Than Words by Fern Sussman.

This has many tips on how you can make changes to your daily life to ease the speech out of your child.

What if your child never speaks

It is really important for us to remain grounded in this article.

Although we would always recommend intervention and therapy, all parents should be alive to the possibility that the speech may not arrive.

It’s essential for parents to set realistic expectations while also holding onto hope.

Progress in children with non-verbal autism varies widely and is influenced by a number of factors.

These include their individual abilities, the effectiveness of interventions, and the support network around them.

Celebrating small victories and acknowledging incremental progress can provide a sense of accomplishment and encouragement along the journey.

That is not to be disheartening but just aware of the very real prospect of a child not gaining speech.

There are however a wide range of communication aids and devices which can really help your child if they remain non verbal.

Options like PECS cards can be life changing for those with non verbal autism.

Summary – Can you cure non verbal autism?

The question of whether non-verbal autism can be “cured” is complex and multifaceted.

Instead of fixating on a singular outcome, parents are encouraged to focus on supporting their child’s growth, development, and overall well-being.

With that said as the above study proves, there have been many cases of previously non verbal children gaining speech.

The journey of raising a child with non-verbal autism is one that requires patience, understanding, and unwavering love.

While a cure isn’t always within reach, the potential for progress and meaningful communication is always there.