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Non-verbal (not able to use words)

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Non-verbal (not able to use words) is a common topic in parents’ descriptions of two conditions: Autism and Speech delays.

For kids diagnosed with Autism, Non-verbal (not able to use words) is one of three symptoms related to Speech, Motor, and Milestones according to Sleuth parents. All of the symptoms of Speech, Motor, and Milestones among kids with Autism are:

  1. Delayed speech or language development
  2. Developmental delays (behind on expected milestones)
  3. Walking on toes (toe walking)

For kids diagnosed with Speech delays, Non-verbal (not able to use words) is one of four symptoms related to Alternate Communication according to Sleuth parents. All of the symptoms of Alternate Communication among kids with Speech delays are:

  1. Making noises rather than using words
  2. Not mimicking or imitating sounds
  3. Pointing instead of talking
  4. Prefers hand gestures instead of talking

Other symptoms or behaviors to look for with Non-verbal (not able to use words)

When parents mention Non-verbal (not able to use words) they also mention these other symptoms:

SymptomFrequencyNumber of mentions
Not making eye contactOften11 mentions
Developmental delays (behind on expected milestones)Often9 mentions
Sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis)Often4 mentions
Walking on toes (toe walking)Often4 mentions
Not socializingOften3 mentions
Repetitive movement or behaviorOften3 mentions
Difficulty learningSometimes2 mentions
AnxietySometimes1 mention
Being irritableSometimes1 mention
CryingSometimes1 mention

Characteristics of Non-verbal (not able to use words)

Non-verbal (not able to use words) starts at the following ages...

How to read this chart

How common is Non-verbal (not able to use words)?

Across kids of all ages represented on Sleuth, 14.68% of parents surveyed by Sleuth say their kids have Non-verbal (not able to use words).

Percentage of kids with Non-verbal (not able to use words) by year of age

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This is based on a survey of 1628 children on Sleuth. The plot shows the percentage of parents who rated their child’s Non-verbal (not able to use words) “Moderate”, “Severe”, or “Very Severe” among kids in different age groups.

Frequency

OutcomePercent of ChildrenTotal Mentions
Continuously

3%

32 mentions
Hourly

0%

0 mentions
Daily

4%

41 mentions
Weekly

5%

52 mentions
Monthly

4%

38 mentions
Annually

2%

24 mentions
A Few / Several Times

6%

59 mentions
Once

2%

20 mentions
Never

75%

780 mentions

Severity

SeverityPercent of ChildrenTotal Mentions
Very Severe

5%

76 mentions
Severe

4%

63 mentions
Moderate

6%

100 mentions
Mild

9%

147 mentions
Not at All

76%

1241 mentions

Care of Non-verbal (not able to use words)

Parents mention the following approaches to caring for Non-verbal (not able to use words)

TreatmentRatingDiscussion
1Occupational Therapy
Positive
4.3 of 5
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2Speech Therapy
Positive
4.1 of 5
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Less common approaches...

TreatmentRatingDiscussion
1Applied behavior analysis (ABA)
Very Positive
4.5 of 5
Read 0 comments
2Physical Therapy
Positive
4.2 of 5
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3Developmental therapy
Positive
4 of 5
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4Medication (general)
Very Negative
1 of 5
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Discussion of Non-verbal (not able to use words)

What was your approach to Non-verbal (not able to use words)? What were the results?

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