Non-speaking
A non-speaking person does not use spoken words, or only uses a few. It says nothing about how much they understand.
Applies across the UK
Some autistic children do not develop speech, use only a small number of words, or can speak on some days and not others. Speech can also come and go with stress: a child who talks at home may not manage it at school.
Non-speaking is not the same as not understanding. Many non-speaking children understand far more than they can show, and they may communicate through pictures, signing, devices, writing or behaviour. Start from the assumption that your child takes in more than they can say.
If your child's speech worries you, ask your GP GP Your family doctor. For many families the GP is the first person to talk to, and the person who refers your child on to a specialist. Read the full definition of GP or health visitor Health visitor A health visitor is a nurse or midwife with extra training who works with families from pregnancy until a child turns five. They do the development reviews and you can contact them directly. Read the full definition of Health visitor about a referral to a speech and language therapist. You do not need a diagnosis first.
Other words for this
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You might hear non-verbal
Non-verbal is the older word and you will still hear professionals use it. Many autistic people prefer non-speaking, because verbal means words, and plenty of non-speaking people use words in other ways: typing, signing or pointing to symbols.
Related words
Where this comes from
- Autism and communication , National Autistic Society. Checked 2026-08-15.
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