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Will they ever speak? Nonverbal Children age 14 plus

Kendra - posted on 03/04/2009 ( 2 moms have responded )

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Hi my name is Kendra. My son is 14 and has autism. He is nonverbal. He was diagnosed when he was three. I am his stepmother but he's my son because I've lived with him and taken care of him since he was 5.

His teachers over the past years were always focused on teaching him sign language, which he knows some, and or using the pecs system and the speak and tech verbal box. For me it seems they don't focus enough on him talking. They focus more on him just communicating through other means. I guess my question is after a certain age, Will they talk? Is it too late for a break through? I don't think so. I pray every day for a miracle. We have seven children and if you looked at my son you wouldn't even think anything was wrong.... that is until he opens his mouth and yells. So let me know what you think.

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Beth - posted on 03/13/2009

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Keep praying. God answers prayers, but not according to our time table. My daughter is non-verbal and she is 5. I do not know what the future holds for her either. But my church, my family and I am praying for her and her ablility to communicate. I can see it with my little one, they are focusing on sign (which is impossible for her due to her lacking the fine motor skills) and using an augmentative device (Dynavox). The therapists believe that the device and our words model the sounds and may help her form the words. I know it is not that simple. But I am thankful we have the device so she can learn to express her wants and needs and we can understand. It sounds like he has the ability to express himself, his wants and needs using tools that everyone can understand. Thank God that he can communicate even if it is not with his own voice. Communcation is not just words, it is facial expressions, actions, body language, a laugh, a smile or a finger pointing to something. It is a way to connect with others and be a part of the community.

Sandy - posted on 03/04/2009

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I understand very well what you are going through, my son is 33, tomorrow, with the same issues. Don't give up hope, or your prayers. Mine hasn't ever talked with the exception of some delayed ecolale, which is speech he says that has absolutely nothing to do with the situation at hand or surroundings. It is frustrating when I hear him say these things, and know he is physically able to form speech, but can not hold even the smallest of verbal conversations. My son was taught the sign language and picture board form of communication, but just never cared enough to use it. He signs for "more" and "eat" and "drink", etc. if he is made to. He is living on his own now in an ISL - Independent Supported Living - house with 2 room mated with very similar autistic issues. They are non-verbal too. they have 24 hour staff, but it is their home. So in the big picture he was able to do what my other , 23 year old son was able to do...finish school and move out on his own. He seems happy in his home and with his room mates, with smiles galore. He has lived on his own since he was 19 years old.

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