Supporting Nonverbal and Minimally Verbal Children Through ABA

One of the hardest parts of parenting a child who isn't speaking much is the waiting. You wait for a first word, a request, a "mama" or "I love you." And while you wait, you may feel a lot of worry, and a lot of love. If that's where you are, please know this: your child is communicating already, and there are many ways to help them build more. ABA therapy can be a big part of that journey. Let's walk through how.

First, What Do "Nonverbal" and "Minimally Verbal" Mean?

These terms describe children who use few or no spoken words to communicate:

• Nonverbal usually means a child doesn't use spoken words yet.
• Minimally verbal usually means a child uses a small number of words or sounds, or repeats words without always using them to communicate.

It's important to remember that not speaking is not the same as having nothing to say. Children communicate in many ways: pulling you toward something, pointing, crying, smiling, or handing you an object. ABA helps turn these early signals into clearer, more reliable communication.

Communication Is Bigger Than Talking

The goal of ABA isn't only to get a child to speak. It's to help them communicate in whatever way works best for them, so they can share their needs, feelings, and ideas. That might include:

• Gestures and signs: pointing, waving, or using simple signs like "more" or "all done."
• Picture systems: exchanging picture cards to ask for items or activities.
• Communication devices: tablets or devices that speak when a child touches a symbol or word.
• Spoken words: sounds, word approximations, and eventually words and phrases.

These tools are often called AAC, which stands for augmentative and alternative communication. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) explains that speech-language pathologists are trained to help children with speech and language challenges, including those who need AAC. Using AAC doesn't stop children from talking. For many, it supports speech by lowering frustration and showing them that communication works.

How ABA Builds Communication

ABA breaks communication into small, teachable steps and uses positive reinforcement to help new skills stick. Here are some of the most common approaches.

Functional Communication Training

Children often act out because they don't have another way to say what they need. Functional communication training (FCT) teaches a simple, effective replacement. If a child screams when they want a break, the team might teach them to hand over a "break" card instead. The child learns that communicating works better than yelling, and challenging behavior often decreases.

Teaching Requests First

Asking for things you want, like a snack, a toy, or help, is usually one of the first skills taught. It's powerful because the child gets a quick, meaningful result right away. That helps them see why communication matters.

Imitation and Play

Copying actions, sounds, and words is a building block for talking. Therapists often start with fun activities like clapping, banging blocks, or making silly sounds, and then work up to words. Play is the best classroom for young children.

Using Motivation

Children are far more likely to try a new word when it gets them something they love. A BCBA will set up everyday situations where your child has a reason to communicate, like putting favorite bubbles just out of reach so your child needs to ask.

Natural, Everyday Teaching

Teaching in natural moments, like snack time, bath time, and playtime, helps skills carry over to real life. We explain more about this approach in our post on naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions.

What a Session Might Look Like

Imagine a three-year-old who loves bubbles and uses very few words. During a session, the behavior technician blows a few bubbles, then pauses. The child looks at the bubbles and reaches. The technician models the word "bubbles" or the sign for "more," waits, and then rewards any attempt with more bubbles and enthusiastic praise. Over many sessions, the technician expects a little more: first a sound, then a sign, then a word.

The pace is gentle and fun, and it follows your child's lead. Nothing about it should feel forced or stressful.

ABA and Speech Therapy Work Great Together

Many children benefit from both ABA and speech therapy. The speech-language pathologist focuses on language and speech sounds, while the ABA team focuses on using communication consistently across settings and reducing frustration. Our post on ABA vs. speech therapy breaks down how the two fit together.

How You Can Help at Home

• Narrate your day. Describe what you're doing in short, simple phrases: "Open the door." "Time to eat."
• Pause and wait. Give your child several seconds to respond before jumping in.
• Honor every attempt. Celebrate sounds, gestures, and pointing, not just words.
• Respond right away. When your child communicates, respond quickly so they learn it works.
• Use the same tools everyone else does. If your child's team uses a picture system, keep it handy at home.
• Offer choices. Hold up two items and let your child point to or reach for the one they want.

For more ideas, see our post on reinforcing ABA skills at home.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Every child's path is different. Some children begin using words after a few months of support, others build communication gradually through gestures, pictures, or devices first, and some rely on AAC for the long term. All of these are valid, and all of them are progress. Your child's team will celebrate small steps with you and adjust the plan as they grow.

Support from a Team That Listens

At Mercy Plus, our BCBAs build individualized communication goals for each child and coordinate with speech therapists, schools, and families so everyone is working in the same direction. Explore our ABA services or reach out to our team for a free consultation. We'd love to help your child find their voice, in whatever form that takes.