Chapter 7 - Communication
What is the difference between speaking versus non-speaking communication?
Speaking (verbal) communication is defined as the use of spoken or written words to express an individuals’s thoughts, ideas, and or feelings.
Non-speaking communication is defined as the use of body language, facial expressions, gestures, and cues to express thoughts, ideas, and or feelings.
What is the difference between receptive versus expressive language?
Receptive language is the ability to understand what other individuals say, write, or communicate.
Expressive language is the ability to express thoughts, ideas, and feelings with spoken or written words, as well as other forms of communication to others.
Autistic Individuals have a Wide Range of Communication Abilities
Every Autistic individual is on the spectrum and has unique communication abilities from one another. One Autistic individual may find receptive language challenging, but another might instead find expressive language challenging. Another Autistic individual may be non-speaking, but is able to communicate through American Sign Language (ASL) or through their Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device (low and or high tech).
Autistic individuals commonly find pragmatic language skills (use of verbal and nonverbal language in social contexts appropriately challenging (Reindal et al., 2022). Understanding social cues and social contexts can make social communication challenging for Autistic individuals. However, through support, Autistic individuals can improve their social communication skills.
