Parents of children who have autism can face challenges throughout their parenting experience. Children who have autism often communicate differently than children who do not, and in this post, we will be discussing non-verbal autism.
Non-verbal autism simply means that the autistic child does not speak. It does not mean that they are unable to speak or that they cannot communicate, but instead that they may not have developed the verbal communication skills necessary for effective verbal communication.
Two conditions that can be associated with non-verbal autism are apraxia of speech and echolalia.
Apraxia of Speech:
Apraxia of speech is a disorder that makes it challenging for children with autism to say what they want to say. This can affect adults as well, but we will keep our focus on children.
Autistic children with Childhood AOS may know what they want to say but they have difficulties getting the words out structurally (lips, jaws, mouth, tongue, etc.).
Echolalia:
Echolalia is a disorder that causes people to have repetitive speech and often they end up repeating a question they were asked as opposed to answering it.
People with this disorder have trouble expressing their own thoughts, making it difficult to communicate.
Shopping for toys for children with non-verbal autism
Now to get into our bread and butter, which is how to deliver fun, smiles, and healthy child development for all children with ASD!
Children with non-verbal ASD will most likely enjoy the same toys as children who are verbally communicative, however there is one major challenge.
If the child does not speak, how can you be sure that the toys they have are desirable for them and how will you know what they want if they do not tell you?
While it may be somewhat easy to tell if your child enjoys a toy, it also may be more challenging than you think to know for sure.
Here is what we suggest…
Go for toys that soothe
Children with non-verbal ASD are more likely to have continued stressors because when they feel strong emotions, they are unable to communicate their frustration.
Toys that ease stress and anxiety such as fidgets and stress balls are always a good option.
Visual communication aides
Being that children with non-verbal ASD do not effectively communicate verbally, picture cards and visually stimulating toys are a great way to go.
Children can use these to communicate their feelings and needs as well as use them for entertainment and healthy sensory development.
Group play and games
Games that include sensory components are great for children with non-verbal autism. This type of toy will encourage group play and promote communication.
Aside from the group element, sensory games will help counting and recognition as well as build fine motor skills.
Balls and bouncers
Ball and bouncers are a great way for kids to get some exercise and develop gross motor skills.
For children with non-verbal ASD, outdoor activities that allow them to exert more energy are also great for relieving stress and frustration that can come with the difficulties they face with communication.
The DeveloPLAY Box
The DeveloPLAY box is the perfect selection for children with non-verbal autism.
The reason for this is that each DeveloPLAY is hand-picked by an occupational therapist, so you can be sure that they are designed with your child in mind.
What’s more is that you get a NEW box of toys delivered to your door each and every month! This will ensure that your child gets a good variety of toys and that they never get bored playing with the same toys.
It is also convenient for you, the parent, because we have taken all of the work out of it for you!
Learn more by following the link below!