Communication skills in individuals with autism vary widely. Some may be primarily non-verbal communicators, while others may be more verbal. Non-verbal episodes occur when a child with autism temporarily loses the ability to use spoken language. These episodes can be confusing and concerning, but learning about them is the first step toward helping your child.
Parents may feel overwhelmed when they encounter non-verbal episodes for the first time. It’s important to know that you’re not alone and that there are ways to understand and manage these moments. This overview of non-verbal episodes in autism is meant to help you feel more informed and prepared to support your child.
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What are non-verbal episodes?
Non-verbal episodes in individuals with autism, often referred to as “autistic shutdowns,” can be periods where the individual is unable to communicate verbally, even if they are primarily verbal.
The individual during these episodes may then rely on non-verbal communication methods such as gestures, facial expressions, or writing.
For example, your child may usually speak in short sentences but suddenly stop using words and instead point, gesture, or make sounds to communicate. Such times are known as non-verbal episodes.
They can be temporary and often reflect your child’s need to communicate in a different way when they are stressed or overstimulated.
Causes of non-verbal episodes
Non-verbal episodes in individuals with autism can be caused by a variety of factors. Understanding these causes is crucial for caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals to provide appropriate support and interventions. Here are some common causes.
1. Sensory overload
Individuals with autism often have sensory processing differences, making them more sensitive to environmental stimuli.
Sensory overload occurs when one or more of the senses are overstimulated by factors such as loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, or tactile sensations.
The overwhelming sensory input can lead to a shutdown where the individual is unable to process or respond to further stimuli, including verbal communication. This can manifest as the individual withdrawing or becoming non-verbal to cope with the overload.
2. High levels of stress or anxiety
Situations that cause significant stress and anxiety can trigger non-verbal episodes. Common stressors include social interactions, changes in routine, or high demands from the environment.
High anxiety levels can lead to a fight-or-flight response, where the individual might shut down and become non-verbal as a protective mechanism.
Anxiety can also cause difficulty in initiating or maintaining verbal communication.
3. Emotional distress
Intense emotions, whether positive or negative, can overwhelm individuals with autism. Emotional triggers could include frustration, excitement, anger, sadness, or even happiness.
Emotional overload can cause an inability to verbalize thoughts and feelings. The individual may become non-verbal as a way to manage and process intense emotions.
4. Cognitive overload
Situations requiring complex thinking, decision-making, or multitasking can lead to cognitive overload. This can happen during activities that require a lot of concentration or when too much information is presented at once.
Cognitive overload can make it difficult for individuals to organize their thoughts and express them verbally. They may become non-verbal to avoid further cognitive strain.
5. Communication challenges
Individuals with autism may have inherent difficulties with language and communication. These challenges can include difficulties in understanding and using language, which may become more pronounced in stressful situations.
When faced with communication difficulties, an individual might withdraw and become non-verbal, especially if they feel misunderstood or unable to express themselves effectively.
6. Physical discomfort or pain
Undiagnosed or untreated physical discomfort, illness, or pain can cause distress. Conditions such as gastrointestinal issues, headaches, or other health problems are common in individuals with autism.
Physical discomfort can lead to non-verbal episodes as the individual may not be able to communicate their pain or may withdraw to cope with the discomfort.
7. Exhaustion or fatigue
Mental and physical fatigue can result from continuous social interaction, sensory processing, or cognitive demands. Individuals with autism may tire more easily due to the effort required to navigate their environment.
Exhaustion can reduce the individual’s capacity to communicate verbally, leading to non-verbal episodes as they conserve energy.
Impact of non-verbal episodes
Non-verbal episodes in individuals with autism can have a wide range of impacts on various aspects of their lives. They can have difficulties with:
- Expressing needs: During non-verbal episodes, individuals may struggle to express their needs, desires, and discomforts, leading to frustration and potential misunderstandings.
- Social interaction: Difficulty in engaging in typical verbal exchanges can hinder social interactions and the development of relationships with peers, family members, and others.
- Frustration and anxiety: The inability to communicate effectively can lead to increased frustration and anxiety, exacerbating the non-verbal episode.
- Isolation: Non-verbal episodes may result in social withdrawal, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially if others do not understand or accommodate their communication needs.
- Behavioral outbursts: Frustration from being unable to communicate can sometimes result in behavioral outbursts or meltdowns.
- Misunderstandings: Non-verbal episodes may be misinterpreted as defiance or disinterest, leading to inappropriate responses from others.
- Self-perception: Repeated non-verbal episodes can affect an individual’s self-esteem, making them feel different or inadequate compared to their peers.
- Confidence in communication: Individuals may become hesitant or fearful of engaging in social interactions, fearing another non-verbal episode.
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Strategies to support individuals during non-verbal episodes
Supporting individuals with autism during non-verbal episodes involves creating a responsive and understanding environment, utilizing alternative communication methods, and implementing strategies to reduce stress and sensory overload. Here are some effective strategies.
1. Create a supportive environment
Consider creating sensory-friendly spaces in your home. You can designate quiet areas where the individual can retreat when feeling overwhelmed.
Use soft, adjustable lighting to avoid bright or harsh lights that can contribute to sensory overload. Reducing background noise by using noise-canceling headphones or soundproofing measures may also be helpful.
Consistent routines are especially important for individuals on the autism spectrum. Maintaining a consistent daily routine provides a sense of security and predictability.
Use visual schedules to help the individual understand and anticipate daily activities and transitions.
2. Use alternative communication methods
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can be an effective tool when managing non-verbal episodes in autism.
Consider utilizing PECS to enable the individual to communicate their needs and desires through pictures. You may also implement apps on tablets or smartphones that allow the individual to type or select symbols to communicate.
Consider teaching your child basic sign language as an alternative way to express needs and emotions. You may also use cards with different facial expressions to help the individual identify and communicate their emotions.
3. Develop coping and self-regulation strategies
Practicing relaxation techniques may help your child stay calm during stressful situations. Teaching deep breathing exercises and introducing mindfulness practices can help the individual focus and reduce anxiety.
You can also provide fidget toys to help manage sensory input and maintain focus. Weighted blankets may provide a sense of security and calm, too.
4. Provide emotional and behavioral support
Therapeutic interventions may be especially helpful when managing non-verbal episodes.
For example, speech therapy can help you develop communication skills and strategies, while occupational therapy will address sensory processing issues and develop coping mechanisms.
Positive reinforcement is another powerful tool when addressing non-verbal communication. Use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors and communication efforts.
Providing verbal praise and encouragement can boost the individual’s confidence.
5. Educate adults and peers
Advocating for your child and speaking about autism is the first step in creating a more inclusive world for individuals on the spectrum. Offer information to help caregivers and educators understand autism and the nature of non-verbal episodes.
You can also teach caregivers and educators how to use AAC and other communication methods effectively.
Many awareness programs can help educate peers about autism and promote empathy and inclusion. Also, consider establishing buddy systems where peers can support the individual during non-verbal episodes.
Making a positive difference
Understanding and accepting non-verbal episodes in individuals with autism requires a commitment to education, empathy, and inclusive practices.
By fostering a supportive environment at home, in educational settings, and in the workplace, we can help individuals with autism feel respected, understood, and empowered to communicate in their own ways.
FAQs
Q: What is an autistic non-verbal episode?
A: An autistic non-verbal episode, often referred to as a “shutdown,” is a temporary state where an individual with autism loses the ability to communicate verbally. During these episodes, the person may be unable to speak, respond to verbal cues, or engage in typical social interactions.
Q: Can you be non-verbal without autism?
A: Yes, being non-verbal is not exclusive to autism. Non-verbal communication can occur in individuals with various conditions or circumstances. They include individuals with speech and language disorders, intellectual disabilities, neurological disorders, hearing impairment, medical conditions such as laryngectomy, and more.
Q: Why do I go non-verbal when anxious?
A: Going non-verbal when anxious is a response that some people experience due to the way anxiety affects the brain and body. Anxiety triggers the fight-or-flight response and overwhelms our thinking brain, which can make it difficult to concentrate on speaking as your body is focused on dealing with the perceived threat.
Q: Can depression make you non-verbal?
A: Yes, depression can make you non-verbal. Depression often leads to significant mental fatigue, emotional numbness, inability to feel pleasure in social interactions, and difficulties with concentration. All this can severely reduce motivation, including the motivation to speak or interact with others.
References:
Keep the Ball Rolling: Sustained Multiturn Conversational Episodes Are Associated With Child Language Ability, Molly Beiting, Rebecca M. Alper, Rufan Luo and Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, 2022, https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2022_AJSLP-21-00333
Koegel, L.K., Bryan, K.M., Su, P.L. et al. Definitions of Nonverbal and Minimally Verbal in Research for Autism: A Systematic Review of the Literature. J Autism Dev Disord 50, 2957–2972 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04402-w
Kern, Koegel & M, Bryan & Su, Pumpki Lei & Mohini, Vaidya & Camarata, Stephen. (2019). Intervention for Non-verbal and Minimally-Verbal Individuals with Autism: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Pediatric Research. 5. 10.23937/2469-5769/1510056. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336789586_Intervention_for_Non-verbal_and_Minimally-Verbal_Individuals_with_Autism_A_Systematic_Review
Minimally Verbal/Non-Speaking Individuals With Autism: Research Directions for Interventions to Promote Language and Communication https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/workshops/2023/summary
