Why ‘Non-Verbal’ Isn’t Quite Right—And How We Found Ash’s Voice Anyway

Hey there! 🙂

Welcome Back AuBrighters!

Let’s talk about something important: labeling kids as “non-verbal.” It just doesn’t sit right with me. Why? Because our kids are communicating—they just do it differently. Did you know that 25-30% of autistic children are minimally verbal or “non-verbal”? But that doesn’t mean they aren’t talking; we just need to learn their language.

Take my journey with Ash, for example. Like many kids, he has his struggles with speech. So, what did we do? We kept the amazing tools like AAC devices and speech therapy, but we also went back to basics—whiteboard, markers, and Ash’s beloved little blue chair (yes, I know his favorite color 😊). We made it fun, exploring how things like his name and family connect to his world. And guess what? It worked!

We used a mix of words, gestures, and pictures—sometimes even acting things out like we were in a play. It wasn’t long before Ash started to connect the dots. He didn’t just say things; he got them. When speaking was tough, he’d write it down—like our home address, which became his little masterpiece.                                                       

This whole experience inspired a book that’s like a toolkit for other kids like Ash. It’s all about helping them become more social, expressive, and in tune with their world, at their own pace, in their own way.

Remember, every child learns differently, and that’s okay. The trick is to start simple, build from there, and let them grow in their own time—whether that’s through high-tech devices or old-school basics.

Our book isn’t just another resource—it’s a reflection of our journey, and it’s here to help you and your child find your path to meaningful communication. Let’s celebrate their unique ways of speaking to the world, whatever that looks like.

Bright wishes,

Frances (from the AuBright Team).