For parents of nonverbal or minimally verbal children with autism, communication can be one of the most urgent and emotional priorities. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) offers structured, evidence-based strategies to help children develop meaningful ways to express their needs, wants, and feelings—whether through speech, gestures, sign language, or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
This article will guide you through ABA strategies to support your child’s communication growth, focusing on real-life tools parents can use at home.
Understanding Communication in Autism
Communication isn’t just about speech. It includes any method of sending a message to another person:
Verbal language
Gestures and signs
Picture exchange systems (PECS)
Speech-generating devices (SGDs)
Facial expressions and body language
The goal is not just to talk—but to connect. Children with autism often need more explicit instruction and repetition to learn these skills, and ABA provides a framework to teach them systematically.
Step 1: Conduct a Communication Assessment
Before choosing a strategy, it’s important to identify where your child is now. A Functional Communication Assessment (FCA) evaluates:
How your child currently communicates (if at all)
What they are trying to communicate with challenging behaviors
What mode of communication is most accessible to them
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) often leads this process and can help develop a plan tailored to your child.
Step 2: Identify Motivators
Children are more likely to communicate when they want or need something. This is the foundation of Mand Training—a type of ABA instruction that focuses on teaching requests. Examples:
If your child wants juice, prompt them to hand you a picture of a juice box.
If your child wants a toy, prompt them to press the “toy” button on an AAC device.
Use a preference assessment to find out what motivates your child.
Step 3: Choose the Right Communication Method
There is no one-size-fits-all method. ABA supports multiple options based on your child’s needs:
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Children hand a picture to request an item or action
Often used as an entry point for minimally verbal learners
Learn more in this PECS overview (PDF)
- Sign Language
- Especially useful if your child is physically able and has good motor imitation
- Easy to model and use in daily routines
- Especially useful if your child is physically able and has good motor imitation
- Speech-Generating Devices (SGDs)
A type of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device, used by individuals who have limited or no verbal speech
These devices or apps produce speech when the user selects buttons, icons, or symbols
They support communication by allowing users to express needs, choices, and emotions using technology
Examples: Proloquo2Go, GoTalk NOW, TouchChat
- Vocal Speech Development
ABA can support speech through echoic training (repeating sounds/words)
Paired with prompting and reinforcement
The method should match your child’s developmental level, sensory profile, and motor abilities.
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Step 4: Use Prompting and Fading
At first, your child may need help learning how to use their new communication system. Use prompts to guide them:
Gestural prompt: Point to the picture or device
Physical prompt: Guide their hand to the correct icon
Modeling: Demonstrate how to make a request
Then, fade the prompts gradually so your child becomes independent. Read more on prompting strategies (PDF)
Step 5: Reinforce Every Attempt
Reinforcement is key. When your child tries to communicate, reward them immediately:
Give them the item they asked for
Offer social praise or affection (if motivating)
Repeat the word or label to model speech
This builds a strong association between communication and positive outcomes.
Learn more in the Reinforcement Brief Packet – AFIRM
Step 6: Generalize to Real-Life Settings
Once your child begins communicating in a therapy or home setting, practice in other environments:
Requesting snacks at the grocery store
Asking for a break at the park
Using an AAC device during family dinners
Consistency across people and settings strengthens the skill and helps your child use it functionally.
Tips for Parents
Be patient and celebrate small gains.
Don’t focus only on speech—focus on meaningful communication.
Involve teachers, therapists, and caregivers for consistency.
Keep communication tools nearby and accessible.
Model communication strategies naturally throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
Every child deserves a voice. For nonverbal and minimally verbal children, ABA strategies like PECS, Mand training, and reinforcement open doors to connection and independence.
Start small, follow your child’s lead, and be consistent. Communication—verbal or otherwise—is possible with time, patience, and the right support.