All posts tagged: nonspeaking

I’m autistic and non-speaking. Here are three common myths that aren’t true

I’m autistic and non-speaking. Here are three common myths that aren’t true

Published by Daniella Wilson

Get the Well Enough newsletter with Harry Bullmore for tips on living a healthier, happier and longer life Get the Well Enough email with Harry Bullmore Get the Well Enough email with Harry Bullmore My travels with autism started long before my diagnosis at the age of three years and three months. My family noticed autistic features from around 15 months of age. I never looked at people and did not respond when called. I lined up toys instead of playing with them. When I wanted something, I took people’s hands to get it for me. I had frequent meltdowns in busy environments or when routines changed unexpectedly, but I couldn’t let people know why I was upset. I was later diagnosed with autism. My family grieved to hear that I might never be able to lead an independent or full life. But my mother wasted no time in organising support. Soon, my days were filled with home-based intensive behavioural programs, speech therapy and other supports. But unfortunately, I never learned to speak. But I …

Two-thirds of non-speaking autistic children gain speech with evidence-based therapy

Two-thirds of non-speaking autistic children gain speech with evidence-based therapy

Published by José Betancourt

A large-scale analysis of data on autistic preschoolers reveals that while the majority of children gain spoken language skills after receiving evidence-based early interventions, a distinct subgroup does not experience these same linguistic advances. The research identifies specific developmental characteristics, such as lower motor imitation skills and adaptive behavior scores, that mark the profiles of children who remain non-speaking. These findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology. Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental condition that affects how individuals communicate and interact with the world around them. One of the primary objectives of early therapeutic programs is helping these children acquire spoken language. The ability to speak during the preschool years is widely recognized as a strong predictor of long-term independence, social inclusion, and overall quality of life. Conversely, children who remain non-speaking or minimally speaking by the time they reach school age often face increased risks for lifelong disabilities. Clinical trials have long established that various behavioral and developmental therapies can be effective in promoting speech. However, researchers and clinicians …