Communication & Sensory Experiences

Communication looks different for each person

Social communication differences are a core feature of autism, but they vary enormously. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that some autistic children talk early while others are quiet and speak later; CDC says communication ability ranges from advanced conversation skills to not speaking at all. The AAP reports that, according to recent studies, about 30% of people on the autism spectrum do not gain verbal speech — and stresses that communication is far more than speech.

Patterns families may notice

NIDCD describes several common communication patterns in autistic children:

• Repetitive or rigid language — repeating words or questions (echolalia), using stock phrases, or speaking in a sing-song or flat voice; some repeat lines from TV.
• Narrow interests and detailed knowledge — giving long, detailed monologues on a favorite topic while finding two-way conversation hard.
• Uneven language development — for example reading words early without understanding them, or not responding to one’s name, which can be mistaken for a hearing problem.
• Nonverbal differences — not pointing, gesturing or making eye contact, which can cause frustration that shows up as outbursts.

The AAP adds that pragmatic skills — reading body language, understanding implied meaning, taking turns, staying on topic and noticing whether a listener is interested — are often areas to work on. NIMH notes that older children and teens may find tone of voice, humor and sarcasm hard to read.

Many ways to communicate

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network describes autistic people communicating through speech, echolalia, scripting, AAC devices and behavior — and states that everyone has important things to say, whether or not they talk. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes gestures, sign language, picture systems such as PECS, and electronic devices or apps that speak. The AAP notes that using AAC does not keep a child from learning to talk and may help some children develop speech. NIDCD explains that speech-language pathologists evaluate communication and design a plan, that therapy often starts with pre-language skills such as gestures and imitation, and that families are encouraged to take part so skills carry into daily life. The AAP says therapy is most effective when it involves everyone — teachers, family and peers.

Sensory differences

NIMH explains that autistic people often are more sensitive or less sensitive than other people to sensory input such as light, sound, clothing or temperature. CDC lists unusual reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, appearances or textures among the characteristics of autism. ASAN, writing from autistic experience, describes heightened sensitivity to light and sound, difficulty with some sensory input, and sometimes difficulty noticing pain or hunger. A noisy cafeteria, a clothing tag or a bright store can be genuinely overwhelming rather than a matter of preference.

Stimming and self-regulation

Repetitive movements such as hand flapping, body rocking or spinning are listed by CDC as characteristics of autism. ASAN explains these movements — often called stimming — from the inside: they help with sensory regulation. Understanding stimming as a coping tool rather than a problem to stop is a common theme in autistic-led writing. Families who have concerns about a specific behavior, such as one that causes injury, should talk with their child’s health care provider.

What families can do

• Ask your child’s doctor about a referral to a speech-language pathologist and, if advised, a hearing test (NIDCD).
• State your feelings directly rather than relying on hints or facial expressions — a request ASAN makes of non-autistic people.
• Notice which sounds, lights, textures or places are hardest, and plan around them where you can.
• Treat every form of communication — words, pictures, devices, gestures, behavior — as communication.

This page describes experiences; it does not diagnose. Signs and characteristics.