Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
If your child isn’t babbling, pointing, or using words yet, you may be noticing early non verbal autism signs. And wondering what they mean.
It’s heartbreaking when your child can’t express their needs or feelings. You might find yourself thinking, “Why isn’t my child talking? Should I be worried?” Those questions are normal—and you’re not alone.
Many children who show non verbal autism signs are still trying to communicate in their own way. They may use gestures, eye contact, or behavior long before words appear. Understanding these early clues helps you respond with calm, not panic.
In this guide, we’ll cover what non verbal autism signs look like by age. What else could be going on, and how autism is diagnosed. And—most importantly—how to help your child feel safe, regulated, and connected as language develops.
Because when we calm the brain first, everything else follows.
What Does “Non-Verbal” Mean—And What Doesn’t It Mean?
“Non-verbal” describes children who use very few or no spoken words. It doesn’t mean they can’t communicate.
Many kids use gestures, eye gaze, pictures, AAC apps, and behavior to express needs. Behavior is communication.
Our sequence—Regulate → Connect → Correct™—keeps things simple. We calm the nervous system first, connect through play and presence, then teach tiny skills once the brain is ready. That is how language grows.
Key takeaways
- Non-verbal ≠ non-communicative.
- Safety and co-regulation unlock learning.
- Short words, visuals, and routines beat lectures every time.
When Do Non Verbal Autism Signs First Appear?
Subtle differences often show before age two. You might notice less babbling, fewer gestures, or a limited response to name.
Early recognition opens doors to help sooner and supports better outcomes (Zwaigenbaum et al., 2015; Hyman et al., 2020).
Early Communication Milestones and When to Take Action
|
Age Range |
What to Watch For |
When to Act |
|
9–12 months |
No babbling or limited response to name |
Mention at next well visit |
|
12–16 months |
Few gestures (pointing/waving), limited eye contact |
Request a hearing check + developmental screening |
|
16–24 months |
No single words or no meaningful two-word phrases |
Ask for autism screening (e.g., M-CHAT-R/F) |
|
Any age |
Loss of previously learned skills (regression) |
Call your pediatrician immediately |
Which Early Red Flags Should Parents Watch at Home?
Keep it practical. You’re looking for patterns, not perfection.
- No babbling or gestures by ~12 months
- No single words by 16 months; no two-word phrases by 24 months
- Limited response to name by 9–12 months
- Less pointing/showing to share interest (joint attention)
- Prefers repetitive play, routines, or has strong sensory reactions
- Repetitive movements (hand-flapping, rocking), especially when stressed
These align with pediatric screening at 18 and 24 months (Hyman et al., 2020). Notice + note what you see; you don’t need to diagnose—that’s your clinician’s job.
Parent snapshot — “Marla, 14 months”
Marla rarely turned to her name and didn’t point. A hearing test was clear. After screening, her family started play-based therapy and daily co-regulation breaks. Within months, she used signs like “more” and “help,” and shared more smiles.
Takeaway:
Calm rhythms + early support create momentum.
Could It Be Something Else Besides Autism?
Sometimes. That’s why you start with a hearing test and developmental screening.
Some late talkers catch up. Others need targeted speech, OT, or sensory supports. Motor planning or oral-motor issues can also make speech coordination difficult.
Quick Differential Checklist
- Hearing: fluid or missed sounds
- Language delay: fewer social-communication differences
- Motor planning/oral-motor: trouble coordinating speech muscles
- Sensory processing: overwhelmed by noise, lights, textures
“Early, accurate assessment opens doors to services and helps families understand their child’s needs.” — Catherine Lord, PhD, autism diagnostic researcher
The goal isn’t a label. It’s a map.
How Is Autism Evaluated and Diagnosed Today?
Ask for an evaluation if you see multiple red flags. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism screening at 18 and 24 months. Plus ongoing surveillance at all visits (Hyman et al., 2020). A diagnosis is made by trained specialists using standardized tools and DSM-5 criteria.
Newer measures, like eye-tracking for social attention, may help alongside clinical assessment but don’t replace it (Jones & Klin, 2023).
What to expect
- Developmental history and observation
- Speech-language and occupational therapy evaluations
- Hearing assessment, if not yet completed
- Cognitive/adaptive testing if needed
- A clear plan for support you can start now
Parent snapshot — “Andre, 2 years”
Andre used two sounds for everything and pulled Mom to the fridge. With an AAC app and daily co-regulation routines, frustration fell and shared attention improved. Soon, he added consistent sounds and a few words.
Takeaway:
AAC doesn’t block speech—it often unlocks it.
“Objective measures of social attention can accelerate earlier access to care.” — Ami Klin, PhD, autism researcher
What You Can Do Right Now to Support Communication
Start with regulation. Teaching sticks when the brain is calm.
Regulate (Calm the Nervous System)
- Create a calm corner: soft lighting, deep pressure tools, rocking chair.
- Breathe together: smell the flower, blow the candle.
- Keep anchors: regular sleep, protein + fiber at meals, outdoor movement.
Connect (Safety Before Language)
- Follow your child’s lead in play; match their pace.
- Wait 5–10 seconds before prompting.
- Model one-word language during action: “Open.” “More.” “Help.”
Correct (Teach Once Calm)
- Offer two choices with pictures.
- Reinforce any attempt—gesture, picture, sound, or word.
- Keep prompts short. Celebrate attempts.
How to Use AAC Without Hurting Speech
Good news: AAC supports speech.
When frustration drops, the brain can learn.
Picture boards and speech-generating apps model how communication works and give your child a way to be heard while speech develops. The pediatric guidance encourages starting evidence-based intervention early (Hyman et al., 2020).
Practical AAC Starters
- Begin with core words: more, help, open, go, stop.
- Use First–Then visuals to reduce battles.
- Pair words with actions; honor the AAC “voice.”
- Involve caregivers and teachers so the tool travels with your child.
Parent snapshot — “Liam, 3 years”:
Transitions were meltdown city. A First–Then card plus three belly breaths turned battles into routine. He began tapping “go” and “help” on his app. Takeaway: You can’t teach during a storm. Calm first, then teach.
“Early intervention improves developmental and behavioral outcomes in toddlers.” — Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, MD
What to Track and Share With the Pediatrician
Bring short notes and a one-minute video.
Your mini-packet
- Ages for babbling, first gestures, first words
- Examples of joint attention (pointing/showing) or absence
- Any regression, and when it started
- Sensory patterns (sounds, textures, lights)
- Sleep, feeding, and GI issues that may amplify dysregulation
Pro tip:
Use the phrases you see here—like non verbal autism signs, joint attention, and regression. So your provider can quickly understand your concerns.
You’ve Got This—Hope and Help Start Here
Parenting a child who struggles to communicate can feel lonely, but it’s not hopeless. Every small step you take—listening, noticing, calming. These create a sense of safety in your child’s brain and open the door to connection.
You don’t need to fix everything overnight. You just need to start with calm. Because when the nervous system feels safe, language, learning, and confidence all begin to grow. That’s why we always begin with Regulate → Connect → Correct™.
If you’ve noticed early non verbal autism signs, take a deep breath. And start with the basics: a hearing check, developmental screening, and calm, predictable routines that help your child feel grounded. The brain learns best in safety—and you’re already creating that.
Start using the Free Solutions Matcher to find science-backed, calm-first strategies for your child. Discover personalized next steps based on your top concerns. And start your journey to calm today.
FAQs
How do I tell if it’s autism or late talking?
Look beyond words. If you also see fewer gestures, limited joint attention, or little response to name, request screening at your next visit (Hyman et al., 2020).
Can AAC stop my child from talking?
No. AAC reduces frustration and supports speech by modeling communication while language develops.
What if my child stopped talking after using words?
That’s regression. Call your pediatrician now. Earlier support matters (Zwaigenbaum et al., 2015).
Is eye-tracking a real autism test?
It’s a promising adjunct that may speed access to care but doesn’t replace a full clinical evaluation (Jones & Klin, 2023).
Terminology
- AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication): Tools (picture boards, speech apps) that help a child communicate.
- Joint attention: Sharing focus on something with another person by pointing or showing.
- Regression: Loss of previously used skills such as words or gestures.
- Co-regulation: Your calm body and voice help your child’s brain calm.
- Minimally verbal: Using a small set of consistent words; can vary day to day.
Citations
Hyman, S. L., Levy, S. E., Myers, S. M., et al. (2020). Identification, evaluation, and management of children with autism spectrum disorder. Pediatrics, 145(1), e20193447. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/145/1/e20193447/36917
Zwaigenbaum, L., Bauman, M. L., Choueiri, R., et al. (2015). Early identification and interventions for autism spectrum disorder. Pediatrics, 136(Suppl. 1), S10–S40. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26430169/
Jones, W., & Klin, A. (2023). Eye-tracking–based measurement of social visual engagement compared with expert clinical diagnosis of autism. JAMA, 330(9), 854–865. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.13295
Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice, and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regimen. The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment varies from patient to patient and condition to condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC, does not guarantee specific results.
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