Non-verbal Communication/non-VER-bal kuh-myoo-ni-KAY-shun/

Non-verbal communication encompasses all forms of communication that don't rely on spoken words. This includes both spontaneous non-verbal communication (like facial expressions, gestures, and body language) and intentional alternative communication methods (like writing, typing, sign language, picture communication, and assistive technology).

For many neurodivergent people, particularly those who are autistic, non-verbal communication may be:

• Their primary or preferred communication method
• More reliable than spoken communication, especially during stress or overload
• A way to communicate complex thoughts when speaking is difficult
• Necessary during temporary periods when speech isn't available

Types of non-verbal communication include: body language and expressions (facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact patterns), written communication (text, typing, handwriting, notes), visual communication (pictures, symbols, diagrams, art), sign languages (formal like ASL, BSL, or informal gesture systems), assistive technology (communication devices, apps, computer programs), environmental communication (arranging objects, using space to convey meaning).

It's important to understand that non-verbal doesn't mean non-communicative. Many people who don't use spoken language are highly articulate through other means. The term "non-speaking" is often preferred over "non-verbal" when specifically referring to people who don't use spoken language, as they may be very verbal through writing or other methods.

In neurodivergent and disability communities, non-verbal communication is recognized as equally valid and valuable as spoken communication. The community strongly advocates for: respect for all communication methods, presuming competence regardless of communication style, access to communication tools and training, understanding that communication preferences may change based on context, recognition that some people are selectively speaking or situationally non-speaking.

Common community experiences include: being underestimated because of communication differences, having communication methods dismissed or not accommodated, finding relief and empowerment when discovering effective communication tools, advocating for communication access in education, healthcare, and public spaces.

The community emphasizes: non-speaking doesn't mean non-thinking, people may use different communication methods at different times, some autistic people lose speech temporarily during stress, overload, or shutdown, communication is a human right that shouldn't depend on speaking ability.

Research on non-verbal communication in neurodivergent populations shows: neurological differences (some autistic people show differences in speech and language processing areas, making alternative communication methods more efficient), communication development (using alternative communication methods doesn't prevent speech development but can support overall communication skills), effectiveness (people using AAC can achieve complex communication when given appropriate tools and support), motor speech differences (some neurodivergent people experience differences in motor planning for speech making other methods more reliable), stress and communication (stress, sensory overload, and emotional overwhelm can temporarily affect speech ability, making alternative communication methods crucial).

Language around non-verbal communication is evolving based on community preferences. Preferred terms: Non-speaking (when referring specifically to speech), uses AAC, communicates through [method], alternative communication user, situationally non-speaking. Avoid: "Severely autistic" based on communication method, "low-functioning" or "high-functioning" labels, assumptions about intelligence based on communication style. Many people in the community identify positively with their communication methods and don't view them as limitations but as different ways of expressing themselves.

Understanding non-verbal communication has important implications: Education: Schools need to provide AAC training, respect students' communication methods, ensure all communication styles are valued. Healthcare: Medical providers must be trained to communicate with non-speaking patients and provide alternative ways to report symptoms and consent. Workplace: Employers should accommodate different communication styles, provide written options for meetings, ensure non-speaking employees can fully participate. Legal/civic: Courts, government services, and voting systems must be accessible to people using alternative communication methods. Social/family: Friends and family benefit from learning various communication methods and understanding that communication style doesn't reflect personality or intelligence.

Everyday Life Examples

The emergency situation: Mia (autistic, non-speaking) types fluently on AAC device. ER visit for broken arm. Staff keep talking to her mom instead of Mia. Nurse asks mom "Does she understand what's happening?" Mia types on device: "I understand perfectly. I'm 28, have two degrees, and would like to be addressed directly." Staff embarrassed. Common experience—people assume non-speaking means non-thinking. Mia articulate and competent; communication method irrelevant to intelligence.

The shutdown moment: Alex usually speaks. During family argument, sensory overload plus emotional stress = complete loss of speech. Tries to talk, nothing comes out. Family demands "Just SAY something!" Panic increases, shutdown deepens. Finally grabs phone, texts: "Can't speak right now. Need quiet. Will talk later." Family didn't understand situational non-speaking. Speech not always reliable during stress—alternative methods crucial even for speaking people.

The interview breakthrough: Jordan non-speaking, uses tablet with AAC app. Job interview at tech company. Traditional interview = disaster (companies don't wait for typed responses). New company sends questions ahead, allows typed responses, judges on portfolio. Jordan hired. Excels at job. Team learns to include chat alongside verbal meetings. Jordan's code reviews (typed) become most valuable on team. When given accessible communication method, competence obvious.

Quick Tips

• Today: Address one non-speaking person directly (not their companion) if opportunity arises
• This Week: Provide one written option alongside verbal information
• This Month: Learn about one AAC method or tool

Do / Don't

Do's

• Presume competence regardless of communication method
• Give time for communication using alternative methods
• Provide multiple communication options in settings
• Respect when someone chooses not to speak
• Address person directly, not their communication partner

Don'ts

• Assume intelligence level based on communication style
• Force speech when someone uses alternative communication
• Speak for someone who can communicate for themselves
• Treat alternative communication as "less than" spoken communication
• Rush responses when someone needs time to type/type/communicate

For Families, Schools, and Workplaces

For Families:

• Learn and respect family member's preferred communication method
• Presume competence always—non-speaking ≠ non-understanding
• Provide access to multiple communication tools (free apps, paper, keyboards)
• Don't force speech when alternative methods work better
• Understand situational non-speaking (stress can affect speech)

For Schools:

• Provide AAC training and tools for non-speaking students
• Ensure all communication styles valued in participation
• Don't require speech for demonstrating knowledge
• Train peers to interact directly with non-speaking students
• Provide written instructions alongside verbal

For Workplaces:

• Accommodate different communication styles in meetings (chat, text, email)
• Send agendas/materials ahead so non-speaking employees can prepare
• Ensure non-speaking employees can fully participate in all activities
• Train staff to communicate directly with non-speaking colleagues
• Provide assistive technology and communication tools

Intersectionality

Non-verbal communication intersects with autism, apraxia, cerebral palsy, stroke survivors, selective mutism, trauma. Financial barriers affect access to AAC devices (expensive, insurance often doesn't cover). Cultural attitudes vary—some cultures more accepting of communication differences. Educational access affects literacy for text-based AAC. Language barriers compound—AAC tools often English-focused. Medical bias: non-speaking people face medical discrimination, needs dismissed. Legal system often inaccessible to non-speaking people.

The community increasingly prefers "non-speaking" over "non-verbal" when referring specifically to people who don't use spoken language, since many are highly verbal through writing or other methods. "Communication differences" is often preferred over "communication disorders." AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is the technical term for communication methods that supplement or replace speech.