Can you be non-verbal autistic without intellectual disability?
This question may seem strange when one evolves daily in the " Spectracular " world of autism, however it is not for the common man. Many false beliefs are still in circulation.
What exactly does "Non-verbal Autistic" mean?
The term "nonverbal" in the context of autism refers to a person who does not communicate, or communicates in a limited way, through traditional spoken language. This does not necessarily mean that the person does not communicate at all or has nothing to say. Rather, nonverbal people may use a variety of other methods to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs such as:
Nonverbal communication using gestures, facial expressions, or body language to communicate.
Alternative or augmentative communication (AAC) systems, which is the use of devices or systems designed to aid communication, such as communication boards with symbols, voice output devices, or applications on tablets.
Communication through behavior, indeed, sometimes, a person's nonverbal behaviors can be a form of communication. For example, a person may show agitation or discomfort in certain situations to express a need or desire.
The term "nonverbal" does not describe a person's intelligence or cognitive abilities. Nonverbal individuals may have average or above-average intelligence and be able to understand spoken and written language, even if they do not use it themselves to express themselves.
My case
I am diagnosed with high-functioning autism, and during the restitution, the CRA made me understand that I do not fall into the Asperger category, in particular because my language is not considered particularly developed. 😂 It's quite ironic, because, personally, I find that I manage quite well, at least in writing. Put me in front of a person I don't know or know little, and there, it's a total blackout, the "patatrophe" as my daughter would say, I lose all my words.
Not so long ago, when I was in society, I would resort to a beer or two to relax (it's not good, you shouldn't do that!!). My health being more important than social interactions, I try to tame this difficulty in expressing myself. But suffice to say that it is quite a challenge.
For example, job interviews are a real obstacle course for me. I am often perceived as too "direct" or "factual", "stubborn", "boring", in short, I am clearly not perceived as a nice person and even less docile.
It's not true, huh! I'm nice, cheerful and funny!
Moreover, I don't always perceive the subtleties of the "little chefs" who take themselves a little too seriously.
When I was young, I suffered a lot from hearing adults tell me ironically "Noëlle, we can hear you too much!". Clearly, it wasn't funny, and it was even very frustrating for me...
Writing has become my lifeline. That’s why my podcasts are what they are: an audio transcription of my writing, for those like me who prefer to listen rather than read. It’s Stan, an AI voice with a rather charming accent, who brings my words to life.
When I listen to an audiobook, a whole universe unfolds in my mind. But when I read a book, I often find myself reading the same sentences over and over again, which I think is more related to ADD than ASD.
So, if I can speak but have a lot of trouble expressing myself, does that mean I'm non-verbal?
Not exactly. I have the ability to speak, but expressing my thoughts and finding the right words in front of people outside my inner circle proves to be a monumental challenge. This difficulty does not categorize me as a nonverbal person in the traditional sense. Rather, it reveals a complexity in my ability to use verbal language fluently and effectively in certain circumstances. I continue to learn and adapt, seeking ways to communicate that work for me, while accepting that my journey will be punctuated by pitfalls and discoveries.
I "only" have difficulty with verbal communication, something that is frequently encountered in autistic people.
My challenges described here are related to several factors, such as social anxiety, difficulty processing and using language under pressure, and difficulty understanding social and emotional nuances in communication. These difficulties do not make me nonverbal, but they suggest that I could (should) benefit from specific support strategies for communication.
The terms "verbal" and "nonverbal" are often used in a simplified way to describe the complexity of communication skills. In reality, there is a wide spectrum of communication skills, and many autistic people may have verbal skills but experience significant barriers in using them effectively for communication, particularly in certain situations or with certain people.
If you have communication experiences and challenges, it is important to look for strategies or tools that can help you communicate more effectively based on your needs. This could include specific therapies like speech and language therapy, using visual or technological supports to facilitate communication, or techniques to manage social anxiety and improve your social skills.
But then, if a non-verbal autistic person is not mute and difficulties expressing oneself verbally are not part of it, what would be the exact definition of "non-verbal autistic person"?
To avoid any confusion surrounding the concept of nonverbal autism, I will try to clarify the exact definition and nuances related to this term. A nonverbal autistic individual is primarily characterized by a limited use or absence of spoken language to communicate. This does not necessarily mean that the person is mute or unable to produce sounds or words. Instead, the difficulty lies in the use of spoken language as the primary means of communication.
Being nonverbal autistic is not just a complete lack of speech; rather, it is an indication of how a person communicates and interacts with the world.
The reasons why some autistic people do not speak, or are nonverbal, can vary greatly from individual to individual and are influenced by a combination of biological, neurological, and environmental factors.
Neurological or developmental difficulties . Differences in brain development can affect the areas responsible for language and communication. This can make the process of learning and using spoken language particularly difficult for some people with autism.
Sensory sensitivities or challenges that make verbal communication uncomfortable or overwhelming. For example, they may be hypersensitive to sounds, making speaking or hearing others speak difficult to tolerate.
Motor coordination difficulties . Speech involves complex coordination of the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and vocal cords. Some people with autism may have difficulties with fine motor coordination (dyspraxia) that make speech production physically difficult.
Communication preferences . Some autistic people may prefer other forms of communication that better fit their abilities or comfort, such as using assistive technology (1) .
Social anxiety or sensory processing difficulties . Anxiety about social interactions, combined with difficulty processing complex sensory information, can make verbal communication particularly demanding for some people.
Carlie's Story
Carly Fleischmann is an autistic woman who has demonstrated extraordinary determination and resilience in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, becoming a pioneer in autism awareness and an inspiration to millions around the world.
Carly was born in 1995 in Toronto, Canada. From an early age, her parents, Arthur and Tammy Fleischmann, noticed that Carly was not developing like her siblings. She did not speak, did not respond to her name, and had repetitive and self-stimulating behaviors, such as rocking and flapping her hands. At the age of two, Carly was diagnosed with severe autism spectrum disorder, as well as cognitive delay. Doctors told her parents that she might never speak and would need lifelong care.
Her parents, determined to give her the best possible chance, began intensive therapy. Carly underwent years of occupational, behavioral, and speech therapy.
But despite all these efforts, Carly remained nonverbal, and her progress was slow. She showed signs of extreme frustration, often expressed through yelling and self-aggressive behavior.
Her parents wondered if she was able to understand what was happening around her, or even if she was aware of her surroundings.
The turning point came when Carly was 11. One day, during a therapy session at home, Carly suddenly ran to the computer and typed the words “HELP TEETH HURT.” It was a stunning moment for her parents and therapists. They realized that, despite not being able to speak, Carly had a clear understanding of language and concepts. She had found a way to communicate, even if it wasn’t in the conventional way.
This event marked the beginning of a new phase for Carly. Through the computer, she began to express her thoughts and feelings. What quickly became apparent was that Carly was not only aware of her surroundings, but also highly intelligent. She began writing about her experience with autism, offering a unique perspective on what it feels like to be nonverbal and autistic. Carly explained that while she could not control her body or movements, her mind was active and she understood everything that was happening around her.
With the support of her parents, she began sharing her story publicly. She started a blog where she wrote about her life with autism, covering topics such as self-stimulatory behaviors, sensory overload, and communication difficulties. Her blog quickly became popular, attracting the attention of the media and families around the world who were looking to better understand autism.
In 2012, Carly and her father co-authored a book called "Carly's Voice: Breaking Through Autism," which tells Carly's story and provides insight into her inner world. The book has been widely acclaimed and has become a valuable resource for parents, educators, and professionals working with individuals with autism.
Carly has become a sought-after speaker, speaking at autism conferences and events. She has used her public appearances to advocate for a better understanding of autism, emphasizing that many autistic people, even those who are nonverbal, are capable of complex thought and understanding, but they simply need different ways to communicate.
In 2015, she took a bold step by launching her own YouTube interview series, called “Speechless with Carly Fleischmann.” In the series, Carly interviews celebrities, including Channing Tatum and James Van Der Beek, using her computer to ask questions. What makes the series unique is not only Carly’s perspective, but also the way she interacts with her guests. She covers everything from celebrity experiences to deeper questions about life, all with a touch of humor and disarming sincerity.
The series "Speechless" was a success, highlighting her talent as an interviewer, her sense of humor and her charisma. She showed the world that, despite her inability to speak, she could communicate effectively and captivate an audience.
Carly Fleischmann changed the way many people view autism, especially the nonverbal autism spectrum. She proved that just because someone can’t speak doesn’t mean they have nothing to say. Her courage and determination not only helped her own family understand and live better with autism, but also inspired thousands of families around the world.
Conclusion
To answer the question " Can you be non-verbal autistic without intellectual disability? ", the answer is therefore:
Yes, it is entirely possible to be nonverbal autistic without having an intellectual disability. Autism is a broad spectrum that affects individuals in very different ways. The ability to speak or use language in a conventional way is just one of many skills that can be affected by autism, and it is not necessarily related to intelligence or intellectual abilities.
Some nonverbal autistic people can communicate effectively using alternative communication systems, such as pictograms, assistive communication apps, or sign language. They may excel in other areas, such as visual arts, music, mathematics, or computers, and have average or above-average intellectual skills.
Autism without intellectual disability, sometimes called Asperger's syndrome in earlier classifications, may present challenges with social communication and repetitive behaviors, without significant impact on intelligence .
(1) This refers to any type of device, technology, or method designed to assist individuals who have difficulty performing a function that might be considered “normal” due to a disability or limitation. In the context of communication for nonverbal autistic individuals, “assistive technology” may include tools and devices that facilitate communication and help overcome barriers to verbal expression.
Here are some examples of functional technologies used in communication:
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices: These devices can range from simple communication boards with pictures or symbols to complex electronic devices capable of generating speech from text or symbols selected by the user.
Apps for tablets or smartphones: Many apps are available to aid communication, offering a range of features from selecting symbols to construct sentences to converting text to speech.
Specialized keyboards and input devices: For people with motor disabilities, adapted keyboards or alternative input devices can make electronic communication more accessible.
Text prediction software: This software helps speed up text typing by predicting what words or phrases the user is likely to type next, which can be especially useful for people who communicate using text.
Your questions
Following this article, we received a relevant question from a reader:
"People have to take tests to be diagnosed with autism. What if they can't talk? And the test involves being filmed? Which he doesn't want?"
Diagnosing autism in people who are nonverbal or do not want to be filmed during assessments requires a tailored approach that goes beyond speech or video recording. Health professionals use behavioral assessments and observations, as well as specific assessment instruments, to understand the person's needs and abilities without relying exclusively on verbal communication or video recording.
The diagnosis is made by a multidisciplinary team (for example in a CRA).
For nonverbal individuals, assessments may include observation of nonverbal communication, social interactions, and repetitive or restricted behaviors. The diagnostic process may also rely on feedback from loved ones and the use of alternative or augmentative means of communication.
Here are several links that could help you in your process:
Diagnostic teams take into account the needs and difficulties of each person.
👉 Here is the link to the Facebook page of the CRA of Tours https://www.facebook.com/CRA.Centre.ValdeLoire/
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