How Autism Affects Communication Skills and Behavior

Key Points:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects communication in varying degrees, from delayed speech to difficulty understanding social cues.
• Behavioral differences in children with autism often stem from sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, and difficulties with emotional regulation.
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy can help improve social communication and reduce challenging behaviors through structured interventions.

Talking is only one part of communication. Many children with autism struggle with social cues, nonverbal signals, or conversational flow. It’s not that they don’t want to communicate—it’s that they do so differently. Learning how autism affects communication can help you support your child in expressing themselves more effectively.

Does Autism Affect Communication Skills?

Yes, autism significantly affects communication skills, but the extent varies among individuals. Some children with autism may be nonverbal, while others develop speech but struggle with social communication. Common challenges include difficulty understanding body language, using repetitive speech patterns, or struggling with conversational turn-taking.

How Does Autism Affect Verbal and Nonverbal Communication?

Communication difficulties in children with autism go beyond delayed speech. Both verbal and nonverbal communication can be affected in different ways.

Verbal Communication Challenges

Some children with autism develop strong language skills, while others struggle with speech or remain nonverbal. Common verbal communication difficulties include:

• Delayed speech development – Some children take longer to begin talking.
• Echolalia – Repeating words or phrases without understanding their meaning.
• Difficulty with conversation skills – Struggling to initiate or maintain conversations.
• Literal interpretation – Taking phrases literally and missing implied meanings (e.g., “raining cats and dogs” being misunderstood).

Nonverbal Communication Challenges

Many children with ASD struggle with nonverbal cues, which are essential for social interaction. These challenges may include:

• Limited eye contact – Avoiding or not sustaining eye contact during conversations.
• Difficulty interpreting facial expressions – Struggling to recognize emotions in others.
• Unconventional body language – Using gestures that are unclear or different from typical social norms.
• Minimal use of gestures – Rarely pointing, waving, or using hand movements to communicate.

Since communication is a foundation for social connection, these challenges can lead to frustration and misunderstandings.

What Behavioral Differences are Common in Children With Autism?

Children with autism often display behaviors that differ from neurotypical children due to differences in how they process the world. These behaviors are not "bad" but rather reflect their unique way of experiencing their environment.

1. Repetitive Behaviors

Many children with autism engage in repetitive movements or actions, often called stimming (self-stimulatory behaviors). These behaviors may include:

• Hand flapping
• Rocking back and forth
• Spinning in circles
• Repeating the same words or phrases (echolalia)

Stimming can help regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, or provide sensory comfort. However, in some cases, it can interfere with daily activities.

2. Difficulty with Transitions and Changes

Children with autism often thrive on routine and predictability. Sudden changes, such as switching activities or changes in schedule, can cause distress. Common responses to change include:

• Resistance to new environments or activities
• Emotional outbursts or meltdowns when routines are disrupted
• Strong attachment to specific objects or rituals

3. Sensory Sensitivities

Many children with ASD experience sensory processing differences, making them overly sensitive or under-responsive to sensory input. Sensory challenges may include:

• Being overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or crowded spaces.
• Avoiding certain textures, foods, or clothing materials.
• Seeking sensory stimulation, such as touching objects repeatedly or watching spinning wheels.

These sensory differences can significantly impact behavior, making it important for parents to identify triggers and provide a supportive environment.

4. Social Interaction Differences

Social difficulties in autism are linked to both communication and behavioral patterns. Some children may prefer solitary play, while others struggle to interpret social cues. Social challenges may include:

• Difficulty making or maintaining friendships.
• Limited interest in group activities or interactive play.
• Trouble understanding emotions or showing empathy in expected ways.

Recognizing these differences helps parents and caregivers support social skill development in ways that align with their child's needs.

How Can Parents Support Communication Development in Children With Autism?

Helping a child with autism improve communication requires patience, consistency, and the right strategies. Because communication challenges vary, different techniques work for different children.

1. Encourage Alternative Communication Methods

For children who struggle with verbal speech, alternative communication tools can be incredibly helpful, such as:

• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) – Using images to help children communicate needs.
• Sign language or gestures – Teaching simple signs to express basic needs.
• Speech-generating devices – Using technology to help with verbal expression.

2. Use Visual Supports

Since many children with autism process information visually, using visual aids can enhance understanding and reduce frustration. These can include:

• Visual schedules – Using pictures or symbols to outline daily routines.
• Social stories – Creating short, illustrated narratives that explain social situations.
• Emotion charts – Helping children recognize and express their feelings.

3. Practice Structured Conversations

Some children with autism benefit from scripted conversations or structured dialogues that help them learn conversation patterns. Strategies include:

• Role-playing common social scenarios (e.g., ordering food, greeting others).
• Using sentence starters (e.g., “I feel…” or “I need help with…”).
• Encouraging turn-taking games to build conversational skills.

4. Reinforce and Expand Communication Efforts

When a child attempts to communicate, reinforcing their efforts can encourage further development. Parents can:

• Acknowledge all communication attempts, even if they are nonverbal.
• Expand on what the child says to model correct sentence structure.
• Use positive reinforcement to encourage continued communication.

How Can ABA Therapy Improve Communication and Behavior?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps children with autism build communication skills and manage behavioral challenges. ABA focuses on breaking down skills into small, teachable steps and reinforcing positive behaviors.

Key ways ABA therapy supports children with ASD include:

• Improving verbal and nonverbal communication – Teaching language skills, gestures, and alternative communication methods.
• Enhancing social interactions – Helping children learn turn-taking, eye contact, and responding to others.
• Reducing challenging behaviors – Addressing behaviors such as aggression, self-injury, or difficulty with transitions.
• Building independence – Teaching daily living skills to improve self-sufficiency.

ABA therapy is customized to each child’s needs, ensuring they receive targeted support to improve their communication and behavior.

Help Your Child Build Stronger Communication Skills with ABA Therapy

If your child struggles with communication or behavior challenges, early intervention can make a significant difference. ABA therapy provides structured, evidence-based support to help children with autism develop meaningful communication and social skills. At Attentive Autism Care, we specialize in delivering personalized and compassionate ABA therapy tailored to your child’s unique needs. Our dedicated team works closely with families to create positive, lasting outcomes that support growth and independence.

Take the first step in helping your child improve their communication and behavior. Contact us today to learn more about our ABA therapy services in New Mexico, Utah, North Carolina, Maryland, Colorado, and Nebraska, and schedule a consultation. Together, we can help your child thrive.