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Non-verbal Toddler Talking

A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Phoenix, AZ

We currently have 2 speech therapists, physical therapy, a developmental specialist and ABA every weekday. Our 2 year old doesn't talk really at all (the occasional 'Mom'). I guess I'm looking for stories to give me hope. Did your non-verbal toddler ever catch up to their peers as far as speech goes?

December 25, 2016
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A MyAutismTeam Member

Yes, our son did. We had all the therapists as you mentioned. Keep at it. We used horse therapy,
music therapy and then TaeKwonDo-- anything and everything to provide stimulation. Music therapy most helpful in getting him to sing and learn. Use all resources you can as what is going to help your 2 year old is going to fit only them. Do not give up hope, keep trying. We tried different types of music, we put close captioning on our TV, we tolerated complete therapy overload but now our son is in college. He performs solos, he drives a car, has a part time job and gets a's and b's with few supports. We are thankful-- hang in there and be encouraged!!

January 3, 2017
A MyAutismTeam Member

This phase shall pass too. My son at 18 months was non verbal & not meeting speech / behavior milestones. So we started early intervention. With ABA, speech, Infant educator he learnt the basics of imitating sounds, placing / requesting demands, attention to task. It took another 10 months for us to see the progress. So early intervention, consistency & high motivation is key to learning. all the best.

December 29, 2016
A MyAutismTeam Member

Mine is 11yo and speech is still not up to age appropriate levels. Started real speech at age 7. It can come, just give it time.

January 2, 2017
A MyAutismTeam Member

Our 3 year old just recently started using words. After a couple months of ABA he has learned at least 15 different words. He can't put two words together like 'go out' or 'want drink'. But he has improved since we started. I go to his ABA therapy two hours every day from Monday through Friday. At 2 he was only using mama. At 13 months he lost his baby words and 2.5 was diagnosed with autism. Every child is different and some do well with ABA. Others don't. We have a great bcba and therapist and my son started with one PEC and now he uses 6. He has learned through praise, playing, reinforcement and motivation that words give you what you want (and PECS of course but words are easier). I think that it's good to know what your kiddo wants as far as reinforcement. My son loves praise, playing and getting snacks as rewards. He has always used words when he sings to songs he knows or melodies off his tv shows. Working with his ABA therapist, we found what motivated him and reinforced him and that's when things fell into place better for us. I will always have hope that one day he will be able to talk and have conversations:) sometimes they surprise you and say something out of nowhere. Other times you wait years but I think it's good to have some hope. Best wishes!

December 28, 2016
A MyAutismTeam Member

My son is nonverbal but for the last year he has had speech and ot therepy he now copy's everything! He sings and has his own way of talking he will be three in a couple of weeks

December 27, 2016

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