Understanding Non-Speaking Autism: Communication Beyond Speech
Speech is one mode of communication out of many. Not talking does not necessarily mean that individuals with severe autism do not want to communicate or express their thoughts. Instead, they often resort to non-verbal communication methods, such as gestures, writing, or typing, to convey their ideas effectively. This article explores the reasons behind non-speaking autism and the various ways in which individuals with severe autism communicate.
Speech: A Multistep Cognitive and Motor Function
Speech is a complex process that involves both cognitive and motor functions. It requires the brain to plan and organize speech sounds, coordinating the motor system that includes the lips, cheeks, tongue, vocal cords, lungs, and diaphragm. Different phonetic sounds, such as 'ka', 'ma', and 'pa', require specific motor functions that must work in a particular manner. As words and their meanings are synthesized, appropriate sentence structures and pragmatics develop.
Apraxia is a motor dysfunction that can hinder the ability to produce speech. Individuals with apraxia may have intact cognition but struggle to present their thoughts through speech. Poor coordination within the motor system of speech can make it difficult for a person to communicate effectively through speech. Similarly, individuals with poor coordination of hand muscles may find it challenging to write, even if they have learned the written language.
Communication Beyond Words: Gestures, Writing, and Typing
The primary goal of communication is to convey thoughts, emotions, and ideas. In an era where there are numerous methods available for communication, it is crucial to focus on the essence of communication rather than solely concentrating on the absence of speech. Non-speaking individuals can communicate effectively through alternative means such as gestures, writing, and typing.
For instance, a non-speaking individual with severe autism might use gestural communication, where specific movements or signs represent different ideas or emotions. Others may utilize writing or typing to express themselves. Many autism-focused organizations and platforms offer tools and resources for individuals to communicate through these alternative methods.
Personal Experiences: A Non-Speaking Autistic Perspective
Not everyone who appears non-speaking is so from birth or even from a young age. Growing up, I did not speak until the age of three, according to my parents, and even then only repeated fragmented words. However, I can recall a vivid memory from when I was one year old, sitting on the porch of a house in Thailand. This memory predates my first words and highlights the realization of objects not being mine, a concept that was not understandable at that age.
Infants are born without words and it takes many months before they acquire the first ones. By the time I started speaking, I was already aware that there were things that were not mine, and the idea of ownership was just beginning to develop. This journey into words may have been the start of my understanding of communication and the world around me.
Reframing Our Understanding of Non-Speaking Autism
The term 'severely autistic' often implies an absolute lack of speech, which may not be accurate for individual cases. For some individuals, the absence of speech may mean a developmentally delayed or impaired ability to use speech, rather than an inherent unwillingness to communicate. As a society, we need to reframe our understanding to include and empower these individuals, rather than solely focusing on what is missing. Alternative communication methods, such as writing and typing, can provide a means for non-speaking individuals to express themselves effectively.
Conclusion
Communication goes beyond words, and individuals with severe autism can communicate effectively through various means. Speech is a complex process that involves both cognitive and motor functions, and motor dysfunction, such as apraxia, can hinder speech production. Alternative methods, such as writing, typing, and gestural communication, can play a crucial role in empowering non-speaking individuals to express their thoughts and ideas.