Autism spectrum disorder treatment programs see both mild forms of autism and nonverbal autism. But what is nonverbal autism and how common is it? Autism is a spectrum disorder because symptoms vary in severity. While many nonverbal issues can be overcome, some individuals with severe autism are unable to develop verbal skills, even in adulthood. A targeted intervention program in Westchester, NY improves children’s cognitive and social skills while also encouraging them to interact with one another in socially meaningful interactions.
What is Nonverbal Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can lead to significant impairments. Children with autism typically fail to meet developmental milestones, such as talking or walking, on time. Autism spectrum disorders impede social and language skills, which can make it hard for children with autism to interact and connect with peers.
Common symptoms of autism in children include:
- Significant delays in language development, such as failing to speak phrases by two years of age
- Motor impairments, such as difficulty walking or performing fine motor functions
- Repeating words, phrases, or body movements
- Trouble adapting to change
- Problems expressing emotion
- Avoiding eye contact
Nonverbal autism occurs when individuals fail to develop oral language skills even after therapeutic interventions. If you are still wondering what is nonverbal autism, it’s important to remember that having nonverbal autism doesn’t mean you can’t understand what other people say or feel.
Nonverbal autism can allow you to understand communication but it prevents you from expressing your thoughts and feelings with spoken words. That means many individuals with nonverbal autism have normal or above-average intelligence. Having nonverbal autism can make it especially difficult to cope with symptoms, as an inability to talk can preclude you from interacting with peers.
How is Autism Treated?
Autism spectrum disorder treatment programs in Westchester, NY work to improve social, communication, and self-care skills, which is especially important for those with nonverbal autism.
Autism treatment can begin within the first year of life, as programs like early intervention specialize in working with babies and young children. A targeted intervention program works with school-aged children and creates highly individualized treatment goals. Autism treatment programs involve family members to help parents learn how to cope with their child’s symptoms. Your child’s school may offer specialized services, such as providing a TSS, to ensure your child is meeting developmental goals and engaging in positive interactions with peers.
A social skills work program in Westchester, NY focuses on helping children adapt to standard social norms, like playing with classmates and responding to others when they talk. The reason developing social skills is a central part of autism treatment is that it helps improve communication, which makes socializing and cultivating friendships easier.
How is Nonverbal Autism Diagnosed?
Behavioral observation is how doctors diagnose autism spectrum disorders. Medical tests, like blood panels and imaging tests, can rule out other conditions. To meet the criteria for autism, symptoms must impact daily life and must not be caused by an intellectual disorder. Many parents first notice symptoms by age two, which is why contacting your pediatrician or an autism treatment center is important if you notice developmental problems.
Since a diagnosis may require a referral and multiple appointments, reaching out for help when symptoms first appear can improve treatment outcomes. Your child’s pediatrician or a childhood behavioral expert will observe your child, potentially in multiple settings. If your child is in school, observation may also occur there to see how your child interacts with peers.
If you notice symptoms in your child that make you wonder what is nonverbal autism, it’s likely a sign that you should contact your child’s pediatrician and discuss how to begin the diagnosis and treatment process.
