How can speech therapy help people who are non-verbal?

​Speech therapy can be life-changing for nonverbal people. Even if someone doesn’t speak with words, speech therapists help them find the best way to communicate, so they can express their needs, thoughts, and feelings by communicating using tools like pictures or devices, understand language better, connect with others and gain confidence and independence. 

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It's ideal to start with 2-3 year old children but it can help older children.

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Finding the Right Way to Communicate

Not everyone uses spoken words. Speech therapists help people communicate in other ways, such as:

• AAC devices (iPads or tablets with speech apps)  Click here to learn more about assistive technology.

• Picture boards or PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)

• Sign language

• Gestures and body language

💡 The goal isn’t always to make someone speak—it’s to help them be understood.

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Understanding Language

Nonverbal people may still understand a lot, even if they don’t speak. Speech therapy helps with:

• Understanding words and instructions

• Following conversations

• Responding to questions using signs, pictures, or devices

 

Expressing Needs and Emotions

Speech therapists teach how to communicate things like:

• "I’m hungry"

• "I want a break"

• "I’m hurt" or "I’m happy"

This can reduce frustration, meltdowns, and behavioral challenges.

 

Building Social Skills

Even without speaking, people can:

• Greet others

• Make choices

• Join in games or activities

• Say “yes,” “no,” or ask for help

Speech therapy helps make that possible.

 

Supporting Independence

When nonverbal people can communicate in their own way, they can:

• Make more decisions for themselves

• Be more included at school, work, and in the community

• Feel more confident and connected

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What if traditional speech therapy isn't working?

​Verbal Behavior Approach helps nonverbal autistic people learn how to ask, answer, and connect—no matter how they communicate. It's a type of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that focuses specifically on teaching communication. It looks at the function of language—not just the words (Functional Communication).

Instead of just teaching words like “apple,” VB teaches why we use words, such as:

• To ask for things (requesting)

• To name things (labeling)

• To answer questions

• To have conversations

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VB helps nonverbal individuals learn to ask for what they want—like food, toys, or a break—using:

• Gestures

• Pictures (like PECS)

• Signs

• Speech-generating devices

• Vocal sounds or words (if possible)

Example: Teaching a child to hand over a picture of juice when they’re thirsty.

 

Starts With Motivation

VB uses what the person wants as motivation. If a child loves bubbles, that’s used to teach them to ask for “bubbles” in whatever way works best for them.

This makes learning natural and meaningful, not forced.

 

Breaks Communication Into Steps

VB teaches small, specific types of communication, such as:

• Mand – Asking for something (e.g., “cookie”)

• Tact – Naming something (e.g., seeing a dog and signing “dog”)

• Echoic – Copying sounds or words

• Intraverbal – Answering questions or having a back-and-forth exchange

Even nonverbal learners can work on these using AAC tools or gestures.

 

Builds Toward Spoken Language (if possible)

VB can help nonverbal people develop speech by:

• Encouraging vocal imitation

• Pairing sounds with actions or rewards

• Slowly shaping sounds into words, if they are able

But even if speech doesn’t develop, the focus stays on functional communication.

 

Improves Quality of Life

When nonverbal individuals can communicate their needs, they:

• Have fewer meltdowns

• Feel less frustrated

• Are more independent

• Can form stronger social connections

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The VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program) is a tool used to measure the language, learning, and social skills of children with autism or other developmental delays. It is based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behavior. The VB-MAPP helps therapists and teachers understand what a child can do and what skills they need to work on next. It also helps track progress over time and guide individualized therapy plans. Click on this presentation which breaks it down verbal milestones and you'll also see an example of a VP-MAPP.