Can non-speaking people develop literacy skills?

Key points

• Researchers of a new study highlight that non-speaking people with autism spectrum disorder demonstrate a higher understanding of literacy than previously estimated
• While other forms of augmentative and alternative communication are available, researchers suggest that teaching writing skills to non-speaking people with autism spectrum disorder could provide them with greater opportunities in life
• An eye reflex test is also being developed to assist in the diagnosis of non-speaking children with autism spectrum disorder

Many non-speaking people with autism spectrum disorder may have much higher literacy levels than previously estimated, according to researchers of a recently released study. 

Over 205,000 Australian adults and children were reported to have autism spectrum disorder in 2018, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Results of another study suggest that even with speech and language therapy intervention, up to 30 percent of children with autism spectrum disorder remain non-verbal or minimally so.

Many people are aware of autism spectrum disorder, but understanding how it may affect an individual can help society become more inclusive and accessible. 

Researchers in the study utilised iPads for teenagers and adults with ASD to see how quickly they could identify letters in cohesive sentences versus jumbled letters.

In the study regarding literacy, the lead author and researcher, Professor Jaswal highlights the importance of their work for non-speaking people with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

“Our study shows that non-speaking autistic people’s capacity for language, for learning, and for literacy has been seriously underestimated,” said Jaswal.

The study, which was undertaken in the psychology department at the University of Virginia, may help society understand that lack of verbal communication is not connected to intelligence, according to Professor Jaswal.

“If we assume that someone who can’t speak doesn’t understand, it limits the doors we open for them — we may not even try to figure out what they understand,” said Jaswal.

Professor Jaswal further elaborates on this point as he highlights society’s misconceptions about people who do not speak.

“Society has traditionally assumed that people who can’t speak are unable to understand language or to learn to read or write,” continued Jaswal.

While this new research suggests that non-speaking people could learn skills associated with written communication, people with autism spectrum disorder may also have other abilities because of their neurodivergence. 

Two of the main difficulties that people with ASD may be related to

• social and communication skills;
• restrictive interests and change.

However, people with ASD may also have strengths as a result, including

• attention to detail;
• intense interest regarding specific topics or subjects;
• identifying patterns with ease.

Learning more about ASD and the associated traits could be helpful to better understand what it’s like to live with ASD for adults and children.

Although this new research suggests that non-speaking people with ASD have higher literacy levels than previously estimated, different methods may need to be used to help them develop written communication skills, according to Professor Jaswal.

“[…] With appropriate instruction and support, it might be possible to harness these skills to provide access to written forms of communication as an alternative to speech,” said Jaswal.

Current methods of communication, known as augmentative and alternative communication, are available to people who cannot communicate verbally, including

• body movements or gestures;
• sign language;
• communication books and printed materials;
• computers or other devices with loaded programs.

However, Professor Jaswal believes that helping more non-speaking people with autism spectrum disorder learn to write, which is a more common method of communication in society, could help them participate more in a number of environments.

“[…] Learning to express themselves through writing would open up educational, employment and social opportunities that non-speaking autistic people have historically not been given access to,” said Jaswal.

While the researchers identified limitations in the study and therefore further research is required, the results highlight positive progress in understanding how the literacy in non-speaking people with autism spectrum disorder is much higher than previously estimated.

As there are developments in the sphere of written communication, new progress regarding diagnosing autism spectrum disorder in non-speaking people is also prevalent.

One newly developed eye reflex test does not require a verbal response from the child, meaning that many children could be assessed for ASD using this method, regardless of their ability to communicate. 

To read more about the eye test that could be used to test autism spectrum disorder in non-speaking children, have a look at this new article: Autism spectrum disorder: diagnosing with an eye test.

While new processes and assessments are being developed for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder, learning more about this condition can increase awareness and inclusion in the community. 

To find out more about common terms used when referring to autism spectrum disorder, check out The Disability Support Guide to discussing autism spectrum disorder behaviour.

Do you know someone who is non-speaking and also lives with autism spectrum disorder? What are your thoughts on these results?

Let the team at Talking Disability know on social media. 

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