Enhancing Communication in Children with Autism: The Role of Non-Verbal Language and Visual Communication Strategies

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1 in 100 Australians has autism, which makes it a significant public health concern. Communication difficulties are one of the hallmark symptoms of autism, and non-verbal language and visual communication strategies effectively enhance communication in children with autism. This article will discuss the role of non-verbal language and visual communication strategies in communication for children with autism.

Why Is Nonverbal And Visual Communication Necessary For Autistic Children?

Nonverbal and visual communication are essential for autistic children because they often struggle with verbal communication and may find it challenging to interpret the social cues of others.

Autistic children may struggle with verbal communication, making it difficult to express their needs, wants, and emotions. In some cases, they may be nonverbal and rely on other forms of communication to express themselves. Nonverbal communication, such as gestures, body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, can help autistic children to understand and express emotions. Albert Mehrabian conducted a study called the 7-38-55% communication rule, which showed that up to 90% of communication is non-verbal, that is, body language or tone of voice.

Visual communication is also critical for autistic children. Visual aids can help autistic children to understand concepts and situations that may be difficult to communicate verbally. For example, the child can use a picture of a toilet to indicate he needs to use the bathroom, making it easier for them to understand than to communicate the same message verbally.

Nonverbal and visual communication can also help autistic children to understand social situations better. Autistic children often struggle with social cues and may find it challenging to interpret body language and facial expressions. Using visual aids such as social stories, autistic children can learn how to respond appropriately to social situations.

Therefore, nonverbal and visual communication are necessary for autistic children because they can help with verbal communication, understanding and expressing emotions, and interpreting social cues. It is essential to use these forms of communication in an empathetic and patient manner to create an environment where autistic children feel safe and supported.

Non-Verbal Communication Strategies for Children with Autism

Body Language

Body language is a necessary non-verbal communication that can significantly enhance communication in children with autism. Autism spectrum disorder affects the ability to interpret social cues, leading to communication difficulties and making it challenging to understand or express emotions. Body language is a way to communicate emotions and feelings without using words, making it an effective tool for children with autism.

Body language involves gestures, facial expressions, and posture to communicate information. Autistic children can benefit from learning about body language, as it can help them to interpret the emotions and intentions of others. For example, a frown on someone’s face might indicate that they are unhappy, and a smile might suggest that they are happy.

Body language can also help autistic children communicate their emotions and needs. For example, a child might use a particular gesture or facial expression to indicate that they are frustrated or need help. By understanding these nonverbal cues, caregivers and teachers can better support autistic children and provide the help they need.

It is crucial to note that not all autistic children will understand or use body language similarly. Some children may struggle to interpret facial expressions or with fine motor skills required for certain gestures. Therefore, it is essential to be patient and to work with each child to find the communication strategies that work best for them.

Facial Expressions

Facial expressions are an essential form of non-verbal communication that can significantly improve communication in children with autism. For children with autism, understanding facial expressions can be particularly challenging. Children with autism may have difficulty recognising and interpreting facial expressions, leading to miscommunication and social isolation. Facial expressions provide a visual cue for understanding emotions and feelings, making them an effective communication tool for children with autism.

Facial expressions can convey a range of emotions and help children with autism understand the feelings of others. These include smiling, raising eyebrows or frowning. Teaching children to recognise these facial expressions and understand what they mean can improve their social skills and enhance their ability to communicate effectively.

In addition, facial expressions can help to teach children with autism how to express their emotions. Children with autism may struggle to express their feelings verbally. Still, they can learn to use facial expressions to convey their feelings. For example, a smile can indicate happiness, while a frown can indicate sadness.

Hence, educators and parents can help children better understand emotions and communicate more effectively with others by teaching them to recognise and use facial expressions.

Tone Of Voice

The tone of voice is a critical nonverbal communication strategy for children with autism. Autistic children may struggle with verbal communication, but they can still benefit from tone of voice as a way to interpret the emotions and intentions of others.

The tone of voice refers to the voice’s pitch, volume, and inflection. It can convey many emotions, such as happiness, anger, frustration, and excitement. Understanding and using tone of voice can help autistic children to better interpret the emotions of others, as well as express their feelings.

One effective way to teach autistic children about the tone of voice is through role-playing or social stories. These techniques can help children to learn about different tones of voice and associate them with specific emotions. For example, a happy tone of voice might be high-pitched and enthusiastic, while an angry tone of voice might be low-pitched and harsh.

It is essential to note that not all autistic children will understand or use their tone of voice in the same way. Some children may struggle to differentiate between different tones of voice. In contrast, others may have difficulty using their voices to express different emotions. Therefore, it is crucial to work with each child to find the communication strategies that work best for them.

Visual Communication Strategies for Children with Autism

Visual communication strategies are helpful for children with autism because they are visual learners. According to the National Autism Association, children with autism process visual information faster than auditory information. Therefore, visual communication strategies can enhance their communication skills. However, visual communication strategies can help children with autism better understand and communicate with the world around them.

Visual Schedules and Timers

Visual schedules and timers are essential visual communication strategies for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who often experience difficulty with transitions and time management. These strategies help provide a predictable and structured routine, reducing anxiety and improving the child’s ability to understand and engage in daily activities.

A visual schedule is a sequence of pictures, symbols, or words representing a specific activity or task. It helps the child understand what to expect throughout the day, reducing anxiety and increasing engagement. On the other hand, timers help children understand the concept of time and manage their time more effectively.

Using visual schedules and timers is backed by research and is an effective tool for children with ASD. Visual schedules and timers are essential for improving communication and reducing stress for children with ASD.

Visual Supports for Communication

Visual supports are a valuable communication strategy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who experience difficulty with social communication, language development, and social interaction. They help to enhance the child’s understanding of social cues and make communication more accessible and understandable.

Visual supports can include picture symbols, photos, written or typed words representing an idea or message or an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device that speaks for the child. These can help in teaching new vocabulary, concepts, or social skills. They can also prompt or remind the child of appropriate social behaviour in different situations.

According to a study by Teresa Lacono, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices improved communication skills in children with autism. The study found that children with autism who received visual communication training were able to improve their communication skills. 

The use of visual supports can enhance the child’s understanding of communication. It can facilitate the development of expressive and receptive language skills. Furthermore, you can tailor visual support to the child’s communication needs. Thus, they are a flexible and effective tool for supporting communication and social interaction for children with ASD.

Visual Aids for Learning

Visual aids are an effective visual communication strategy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who often experience difficulty with learning and processing information. These aids can include graphs, diagrams, and other visual representations that help the child understand concepts and information more easily.

Visual aids help children with ASD by providing a visual representation of the information they need to learn. It can help to reduce confusion and improve their ability to understand and remember new information. Additionally, visual aids can be customised to the child’s specific needs, making learning more accessible and engaging.

The use of visual aids is a common and effective strategy in many educational settings. Teachers and therapists use them to help children with ASD learn new skills and understand concepts. As such, visual aids are an essential strategy for improving communication and reducing stress for children with ASD, making learning more accessible and enjoyable.

The Role of Sensory Integration in Communication for Children with Autism

Sensory integration is receiving, organising and interpreting sensory information from the environment. Children with autism often have sensory processing issues affecting their communication and social interaction. The Tomatis® method is a sensory integration therapy that has shown promising results in improving communication and social interaction in children with autism. The Tomatis® method uses sound stimulation to enhance sensory integration in children with autism. 

According to a study, children with autism who received the Tomatis® method significantly improved their communication and social interaction skills. The study found that children with autism who received the Tomatis® method therapy had better eye contact, facial expressions, and overall communication skills.

Conclusion→

In conclusion, non-verbal language and visual communication strategies enhance communication in children with autism. Visual communication strategies such as picture cards, social stories, and visual schedules improve communication skills in children with autism. 

The Tomatis® method is a promising sensory integration therapy that has significantly improved communication and social interaction in children with autism. It is essential to identify effective strategies that can enhance communication in children with autism to improve their social, emotional, and cognitive development and emotional regulation.

Visit the Tomatis® website to contact our experts for further information. Call us at 1300 233 572 if you want more information about the program’s specifics in Sydney, Australia. Call the above number to book for a free 20 minutes consultation with Francoise Nicoloff, our expert.