Recognizing and understanding your child’s communication needs is a critical part of parenting. One aspect that can often be challenging is identifying non-verbal communication. We will discuss common signs that your child may be non-verbal. By being informed, you can better understand your child’s unique ways of expressing themselves, paving the way for effective communication strategies that support their development.
Not Responding to Conversation
A common sign that your child might be non-verbal is if they typically don’t respond to conversations or verbal cues. Children who are non-verbal often show signs of not understanding or not reacting to spoken language in the way one would typically expect. For instance, they might not respond when their name is called, not follow verbal instructions, or not seem to understand basic questions or requests.
Parents may misconstrue this lack of communication as disobedience or a lack of attention, but it might indicate that the child is non-verbal. Understanding this sign can be crucial in developing tailored communication strategies that cater to your child’s unique needs. For example, there are many benefits of speech therapy for children with autism who are non-verbal.
Not Using Complete Sentences
Another potential sign that your child may be non-verbal is their inability or reluctance to use complete sentences. This characteristic can manifest in a variety of ways. For instance, your child might only use single words or short phrases instead of full sentences, even when they’re at an age where kids usually form full sentences. They might also repeat words or phrases they’ve heard from others (known as echolalia) instead of generating their own sentences.
While it’s normal for children to make grammatical errors as they learn to speak, persistently not using complete sentences can be an indicator of non-verbalism. Recognizing this pattern can help parents and caregivers adapt communication approaches to better suit their child’s needs.
Not Relying on Spoken Language
The third potential sign that your child might be non-verbal is their tendency to rely on sounds rather than words to express themselves. This might involve using non-lexical vocalizations, such as grunts, cries, or laughing, in contexts where one might expect verbal responses. For instance, they might laugh or grunt when they want something or are happy.
They might also use gestures more frequently than their peers, pointing to or physically showing you what they want instead of asking for it verbally. This reliance on sounds over words for communication is a prominent sign of non-verbalism. Recognizing this mode of communication can help caregivers create strategies that facilitate and encourage the development of more effective communication skills.
Now that you understand the common indications a child is non-verbal, you can take the necessary steps to identify these signs in your child. By acknowledging and understanding your child’s ways of expressing themself, you lay the groundwork for fostering a nurturing and supportive environment that will enable your child to thrive. For more insights and parenting tips, subscribe to That’s Total Mom Sense podcast today.
