Nonverbal autism describes autistic individuals who use few or no spoken words. Research has shown that 25–30% of autistic children are minimally verbal, even after years of intervention (Tager-Flusberg & Kasari, 2013). These children often understand far more than they can express, yet the gap between their thoughts and their speech leads to frustration, behavioral challenges, and delays in social interaction.
Early studies once assumed that if a child did not speak by age five, they would remain nonverbal. However, more recent research has overturned this belief. A landmark study from Boston University found that autistic children can continue developing new words well into adolescence when given the right communication supports (Brady et al., 2016). This highlights the importance of providing consistent access to communication tools rather than waiting for speech to “catch up.”
The Link Between Nonverbal Autism and Communication Development
Many nonverbal autistic children show strong visual learning abilities. Studies from the University of North Carolina’s TEACCH program demonstrate that visual supports significantly improve engagement, comprehension, and independence in autistic individuals (Hume et al., 2014). Because of this, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) has become a recommended early intervention pathway—not a “last resort.”
AAC systems, including symbol-based apps, picture boards, and speech-generating AAC devices, give nonverbal individuals a clear, reliable way to express needs, feelings, and thoughts. Research confirms that AAC does not prevent speech from developing; in fact, it often increases spoken language, reduces anxiety, and improves social participation (Millar, Light & Schlosser, 2006).
Why Early AAC Matters
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), children who receive AAC early develop:
• Stronger vocabulary
• Improved joint attention
• More meaningful social interaction
• Better long-term communication outcomes
Importantly, AAC grows with the child. Vocabulary can expand, symbols can become more complex, and sentence-building improves over time—supporting lifelong communication.
How TalkingTiles Helps Nonverbal Autistic Individuals
TalkingTiles is an AAC tablet designed specifically for nonverbal or minimally verbal communicators. Instead of a generic app, it offers a structured visual system that grows with the user.
With TalkingTiles, your loved one can:
• Tap symbols to speak with clear, natural-sounding voice output
• Build meaningful vocabulary using autism-friendly visual categories
• Move from single-word expression to full sentence building
• Personalize folders and tiles to match daily routines, feelings, and needs
• Develop independence through consistent access to a communication system
TalkingTiles is built for long-term growth. As vocabulary expands, the layout adapts. As communication skills improve, families can introduce new tiles, create custom folders, and support more complex language. For many nonverbal autistic individuals, a communication tablet for autism becomes more than a tool—it becomes a reliable voice that grows with them throughout life.
References
Brady, N. C., et al. (2016). Communication in minimally verbal children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research.
Hume, K., et al. (2014). Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
Millar, D., Light, J., & Schlosser, R. (2006). The impact of AAC intervention on speech production. AAC Journal.
Tager-Flusberg, H., & Kasari, C. (2013). Minimally verbal school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research.