Non Verbal Communication - Introducing AAC

Non Verbal Communication 

For many autistic people, verbal speech is not achieved.  This could be for a number of reasons, such as severe dyspraxia or other sensori-motor disruption.  

However we would like to point out here that there have been incidents where a child has grown up being non-verbal, thought to be due to their autism, when in fact it was due to unaddressed medical issues, unrelated to autism.    We therefore recommend establishing why a child is non-verbal.

Giving a person a suitable means to communicate is essential, however the communication method looks.  It is only with an effective means to communicate can someone demonstrate their intellect, make choices, find autonomy and have their basic human rights met.

A few famous Autistics like Carly Fleishman have shared their stories of how once they were given an AAC, they were able to truly have their needs met and opportunities to show their true intelligence and abilities . 

The main, wide one you may of heard of is AAC, (abbreviated  from Augmentive Alternative Communication) 

Some therapists, (as we often see with ABA) believe that the only valued method is verbal speech and spend considerable time using communication methods as a means to that end.  However this can be at the detriment of enabling a person to have an appropriate means of communication.   Also the Science community in some ways is still discovering some of these methods as AAC is a very under-addressed and under-researched area. However communicating with non-verbal autistic people, the benefits are clear and there is increasing evidence that AACs actually, almost incidentally, enhance and increase the likelihood of verbal speech.

The following articles introduce you to AAC

Simple AAC

What is beginning AAC?
Unspoken (documentary trailer)

This app is tremendous and free:
Snap Scene pathways

These facebook pages are great:

Small but kinda Mighty
We speak PODD
Emma's Hope Book
IDO in Autismland
Hold My Words
Praactical AAC
Uncommon Sense Blog

For more information or questions please join our facebook group 'Autistic Allies' and we can redirect you to some excellent guidance
Autistic Allies facebook group

Counterarguments are Critical to debunking misinformation

Counterarguments are critical to debunking misinformation

Something I hope will be helpful for teachers (and parents) or Autistic kids

Something I hope will be helpful for teachers (and parents) of Autistic Kids

Autistic Allies Facebook Community

Our Autistic Allies facebook community seeks to offer help and support to Autistics, parents and people who work with Autistic people.

Therefore we pride ourselves on having a few useful groups, for all kinds of questions

In order to join the community however, everyone needs to be a member of our primary group called Autistic Allies ☺.  This way we can quickly link people back to any useful information and it also gives members added security ☺


Autistic Allies

Learn about autism positivity and neurodiversity

Members ask questions like :

I need help debunking the vaccine myth
Why do people use identity first language?
How can I make my area more accepting?
What do you make of this article?

You have to be a member of Autistic Allies to be a member below

SupportyMcGroupface

A great support group for Autistics and parents alike

Members ask questions like this:
My kid won't eat vegetables
How do I work with this behaviour?
How can I help my kid with this?
I feel .......   , can you relate?

You have to be a member of Supportmcgroupface to access the two groups below

Supportymcloveboat

For help with relationships when one member or both is autistic

Members ask questions like this:

I don't understand my wife because ....
Why does my partner do this ...... ?

EverythingMcElseface

Just a fun group ☺

Posts like:

Look at this cool meme
Try this daft quiz
I need to take my cat to the vets
I was speaking to a friend yesterday and .....


Educational Autistic Allies

( you need to be a member of Autistic Allies but not a member of Supportymcgroupface to be in this group)

This group is for Educators, therapists and home schoolers, as well as parents who need more guidance

Questions asked are often:

How can I help the autistic kid in my classroom?
How can I help my kid learn this?
I need help with my child's IEP
I need resources to help my kid learn about

Please also give our pages a like :

Autistic Allies facebook page

Autistic Allies Supporting Science

And Our Twitterfeed

Autistic Allies twitterfeed

...

Attitudes Information and Education - Amy Sequenza

Attitudes Information and Education - Amy Sequenza

Good, Safe Interventions to Support Your Child

Safe Interventions for your Child


As Autistic Allies we firmly believe ABA is not a good intervention for your child.

Please follow the facebook page  ABA Controversy Autism Discussion UK  for more details

Also type 'ABA' into the search bar here for good links on why not.  We have a whole host of links for you to look through

The type of interventions that DO work for your child are very individual

For most kids we would  recommend Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy if needed.

Check out our Speech Therapy link : Speech Therapy Activities

Occupational Therapy link:  Occupational Therapy help and ideas

For Sensory Ideas check out this page:
Sensory Aids and Play Ideas

and of course seek out professions in this field, in your local area

If you child in non verbal check out AAC
Non Verbal Communication - Introducing AAC

This facebook page is a good one to seek alternatives to ABA

Better Ways than ABA

Here are some good interventions we recommend which may suit your child:

What are some good therapies for Autistic children

10 Autism Interventions

Will keep adding to this page when I can. in the meantime the 'Better Ways' Facebook page will give you many ideas



There are lots of different therapies which can help your child but you have to choice them carefully.  Any which say your child won't develop without them are scaremongering, as no therapist has a crystal ball


Good luck

An open letter from an Autistic Child in Meltdown

An open letter from an Autistic Child in Meltdown

Autistic, non speaking, and intelligent

Autistic, non speaking and intelligent

Autistic Neurology and Behaviour

Autistic Neurology and Behaviour

Am I spoiling my child or accommodating his special needs?

Am I spoiling my child or accommodating his special needs?

Debunking the Myth of Non Verbal Autism

Debunking the Myth of Non Verbal autism

ABA article - The hidden cost of planned ignoring

The hidden cost of planned ignoring

Five Ways To Damage Autistic Children Without Even Knowing, by Chris Bonnello

Click: Five Ways To Damage Autistic Children Without Even Knowing, by Chris Bonnello