Autism is associated with differences in the brain. These differences can affect how autistic people communicate, interact, behave, and learn compared with neurotypical people.
Communication develops differently and often more slowly in autistic children than in neurotypical children. Some autistic children have delayed speech or difficulty talking.
This article explains the communication signs of autism and how they may appear in everyday life. It also covers how speech therapy and AAC devices can help autistic children communicate more clearly in ways that feel authentic to them.
Communication signs of autism
As noted, autistic people often communicate differently. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, these differences vary from person to person. However, autistic children commonly have some limitations in verbal communication. These may involve the number of words they use or their social communication skills, meaning how they interact with other people.
Speech- and language-related signs of autism may include difficulty with:
- Understanding and using gestures, such as pointing or waving
- Understanding and using spoken words
- Following directions
- Reading and writing. Some autistic children learn to read early but do not understand what they read (this is called hyperlexia)
- Having conversations
Autistic children may also:
- Stop using words they previously said
- Be difficult to understand
- Repeat words or phrases they heard recently or even weeks earlier (this is called echolalia; children who communicate this way may be gestalt language processors)
- Speak with a voice that sounds more robotic or songlike
- Talk very little or not at all
- Communicate their needs through behaviors rather than words or gestures
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How do autistic people communicate?
No two autistic people communicate in exactly the same way. Each person has their own strengths and differences. Still, we can group some of the ways an autistic person may communicate into a few broad categories.
Expressive language in autistic children
Autism can affect speech. Many autistic children have difficulty with expressive language, which is how they use spoken words and nonverbal gestures to communicate.
Consider one scenario and the different ways autistic children might respond based on their communication skills. A child wants their milk, which is sitting on the counter, but they cannot reach it on their own.
A child who uses few spoken words and cannot point may scream, cry, or show other “big behaviors.”
Another child may vocalize by making a sound or trying to say “milk” or “cup,” even if the word is not clear.
A child who is old enough to speak in full sentences might instead use a short phrase, such as “want milk,” or even a single word.
These are only a few general examples, but they illustrate some of the ways autistic children may have difficulty talking.
Receptive language in autistic children
Autistic children may also have challenges with receptive language , which refers to how a person understands what others say to them. Here are some everyday examples of how these challenges may appear.
Some autistic children have trouble understanding every word in the questions people ask. If someone asks, “What do you want to play?” the child may not understand the question and may have difficulty responding.
Autistic children may also have difficulty following directions. If someone says, “Go get your shoes and backpack,” the child may not be able to follow through or may need substantial support to complete the directions.
Autistic children may also have trouble identifying objects. For example, you might notice this while reading together. If you ask, “Where’s the dog?” while looking at a picture book, your child may not know where to point.
Social communication in autistic children
Social communication skills are often affected in autistic people. Social communication, also called pragmatics, includes many of the unspoken aspects of communicating and interacting with others.
Social communication differences can appear in several ways. Here are a few examples:
Some children may prefer playing alone. They may have difficulty participating in activities that require two people to interact, such as tossing a ball back and forth, playing tag, or engaging in pretend games like playing “doctor.”
Autistic children may have difficulty identifying how other people feel. This can make certain interactions challenging, and they may have trouble making and keeping friends.
Conversations may also be difficult for autistic children. They may be unsure how to begin a conversation, ask questions, make comments, or stay on topic. This may be especially true when the topic does not interest them. Autistic people often have specific interests they prefer to discuss.
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How AAC can help autistic children communicate
As of 2018, about 25% of autistic children were nonspeaking or used words sparingly. Autistic people who do not speak can communicate in many ways besides speech.
The terms “nonverbal” and “nonspeaking” generally mean that a person has challenges with expressive language. Talking is one form of expressive language, but a nonverbal child can also express themselves through augmentative or alternative communication, known as AAC. AAC can include gestures, picture communication boards, speech-generating devices, and other tools.
Some people use AAC temporarily, while others use it successfully throughout their lives. A speech therapist supports each person’s communication abilities in the ways that work best for them and their family. A child can continue learning to talk while using AAC to communicate. In fact, studies have shown that AAC use supports the development of spoken language.
People who use AAC should take it everywhere so they can communicate during everyday situations. An estimated 5 million people of all ages in the United States could benefit from AAC.
How can speech therapy help autistic people?
According to the CDC, the most common developmental therapy for autistic people is speech therapy. Speech therapy is valuable for autistic people in part because it is not one-size-fits-all. A speech therapist develops personalized goals and treatment activities to support each autistic child’s or adult’s communication.
The speech therapist evaluates the person to identify opportunities to develop their speech and language skills. The therapist then works with the person and their family to find the most authentic and effective way for them to communicate. An autistic child may focus on verbal communication skills, social interactions, or the use of AAC.
Everyone deserves to have their voice heard and to feel comfortable and confident when communicating. Speech therapy can help make that possible.
An important note: When speaking about a community as a whole, we believe the best approach is to prioritize that community’s voices, needs, and preferences. The larger autism community currently prefers identity-first language, such as “autistic children,” which is why we use it in our content. Astrel is committed to listening to and learning from the populations we serve. If their preferences change, we will adjust our approach accordingly.