Communicating with Someone Who is Non-Verbal: A Guide for Carers and Families.

By Jason Brien.

Communication is more than just spoken words.

Communication is more than just spoken words. For people who are non-verbal, there are many other ways they express their needs, emotions, choices, and personalities. As carers and families, understanding these alternative methods of communication is key to building trust, reducing frustration, and supporting independence.

What Does "Non-Verbal" Mean?

Someone who is non-verbal does not use speech to communicate. This might be due to autism, intellectual disability, medical conditions, or other developmental differences. However, being non-verbal does not mean they have nothing to say.Non-verbal people often communicate through:

• Gestures and pointing
• Facial expressions
• Body language
• Sounds or vocalisations
• Eye gaze or head movements
• Picture-based systems (e.g. PECS)
• Sign language or keyword signing
• AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) devices like tablets or speech-generating devices

Tips for Communicating Respectfully

1. Assume competence
   Always treat the person as someone who understands. Speak to them directly, not just to the people around them.
2. Be patient
   Give time for the person to process what you’ve said and to respond. Avoid rushing or speaking for them.
3. Watch and learn
   Pay attention to how the person reacts. You’ll start to recognise patterns in their responses, gestures, or facial expressions.
4. Use visuals
   Visual schedules, photos, objects, or symbols can help explain what’s happening and what choices are available.
5. Offer choices
   Instead of open-ended questions, offer 2–3 clear options they can choose from using gestures, pointing, or their device.
6. Respect all communication attempts
   Even if something is unclear or looks like a behaviour, it may be a form of communication. Try to understand the message behind it.
7. Use consistent language
   Familiar words or signs make it easier to process and respond. Repetition supports understanding.

The Role of AAC

AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication. These tools help people communicate in ways other than speech. AAC might include:

• Communication boards with symbols
• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
• iPads or devices with speech apps
• Eye-gaze or switch-based technology

Learning AAC takes time and support, but it opens up huge possibilities for connection, choice, and participation.

Final Thought

Just because someone doesn’t speak doesn’t mean they don’t have thoughts, feelings, preferences, and dreams. As carers and families, we have a responsibility to listen—with our eyes, our patience, and our respect.By embracing different ways of communicating, we help create a world where everyone’s voice is heard.

 As carers and families, understanding these alternative methods of communication is key to building trust, reducing frustration, and supporting independence.

What Does "Non-Verbal" Mean?

Someone who is non-verbal does not use speech to communicate. This might be due to autism, intellectual disability, medical conditions, or other developmental differences. However, being non-verbal does not mean they have nothing to say. Non-verbal people often communicate through:

• Gestures and pointing
• Facial expressions
• Body language
• Sounds or vocalisations
• Eye gaze or head movements
• Picture-based systems (e.g. PECS)
• Sign language or keyword signing
• AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) devices like tablets or speech-generating devices

Tips for Communicating Respectfully

1. Assume competence
   Always treat the person as someone who understands. Speak to them directly, not just to the people around them.
2. Be patient
   Give time for the person to process what you’ve said and to respond. Avoid rushing or speaking for them.
3. Watch and learn
   Pay attention to how the person reacts. You’ll start to recognise patterns in their responses, gestures, or facial expressions.
4. Use visuals
   Visual schedules, photos, objects, or symbols can help explain what’s happening and what choices are available.
5. Offer choices
   Instead of open-ended questions, offer 2–3 clear options they can choose from using gestures, pointing, or their device.
6. Respect all communication attempts
   Even if something is unclear or looks like a behaviour, it may be a form of communication. Try to understand the message behind it.
7. Use consistent language
   Familiar words or signs make it easier to process and respond. Repetition supports understanding.

The Role of AAC

AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication. These tools help people communicate in ways other than speech. AAC might include:

• Communication boards with symbols
• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
• iPads or devices with speech apps
• Eye-gaze or switch-based technology

Learning AAC takes time and support, but it opens up huge possibilities for connection, choice, and participation.

Final Thought

Just because someone doesn’t speak doesn’t mean they don’t have thoughts, feelings, preferences, and dreams. As carers and families, we have a responsibility to listen—with our eyes, our patience, and our respect. By embracing different ways of communicating, we help create a world where everyone’s voice is heard.