Communication versus speech – Is there a difference?

In individuals with autism, somewhere between 25-33% are considered non-verbal. This means that for a variety of reasons these individuals are not producing verbal words to communicate. In these instances it is critical for the individual to learn to communicate and not just talk.

Many parents ask me, “When will he talk?” My response always includes the need for their child to communicate. Susan Stokes has a great definition: “Communication is a range of purposeful behavior which is used with intent within the structure of social exchanges, to transmit information, observations, or internal states, or to bring about changes in the immediate environment.” This communication can occur through the use of verbal (words) and non-verbal actions (pointing, facial expressions, body posture, gestures, etc.).

Speech, on the other hand, is the production of words for the purpose of communicating information, observations, or internal states. In order to be a successful speaker one must be a successful communicator. This means all the prerequisite skills for speaking are found in communicating.

So, when a speech pathologist suggests that alternate forms of communication are necessary – picture exchange, speech generating device, sign language – remember, we need a form of communication to hopefully get to speaking. We know that as communication increases, unwanted behavior and frustration decreases.
Communication and speech – there is a difference – but that is ok!