12 Effective Autism Communication Strategies For Everyday Life

An autistic adult shares her first-hand tips for achieving successful communication with people on the spectrum.

There is a perception that some people with autism have trouble communicating, but many of us just have different ways of communicating. I will outline some of the methods used by those on the spectrum in this article. It is important to remember that some individuals can’t (or don’t) speak at all, but they still comprehend what you say and respond the way they can.

Friends and family need to be more understanding, while parents and their newly diagnosed children figure out how to communicate with each other and the world. The following tips show how people on the spectrum might communicate, especially if they are nonspeaking. I have seen many of these methods used over the years and found others through research.

Tip 1: Gestures

I use gestures when I am talking about anything, because I find it easier to communicate that way. My gestures are purposeful and are useful to me.

People who are not on the spectrum might think that I am making gestures for no reason. That’s not true; my gestures are purposeful. Gestures are a way for me to communicate and make communication easier.

Some individuals on the spectrum use other gestures or movements, like rocking back and forth and making hand movements. Some individuals develop their own hand signals.

Tip 2: Sign language

Sign language is composed of controlled gestures. This provides an individual with a less stressful way to communicate than throwing a temper tantrum. This is really effective.

I have always wanted to learn sign language because I would love to communicate with others on the spectrum who are nonverbal. Those who use sign language can communicate just fine.

If those on the spectrum come across people who don’t know sign language, they can teach what they know to others. If other people don’t want to communicate or learn sign language, then that is their loss! They’ll miss out on knowing someone who has a lot to say and may be a very unique person.

Tip 3: Sounds

Making sounds rather than using words is another way to communicate. Some individuals may moan, howl, eek, or ah, which is how they communicate to the outside world.

Tip 4: Drawing

Drawing is another way for those on the spectrum to communicate. Most children begin drawing early, and some never get past drawing. For them, drawing is their only link to the outside world.

For example, they may say what they are feeling by painting or coloring. Some can turn out to be great painters or picture sketchers. They may even become artists.

Tip 5: Picture flashcards or notecards

Just like those on the spectrum who use drawings to communicate, some use pictures on cards to communicate. You can ask a question, and those who communicate with picture cards will answer by picking up a card.

You can ask a question, and they will tell you how they answer by picking up a card. For example, they may share about the weather, what they would like to do that day, or just joke around.

Tip 6: Colors

People with autism can communicate using colors. Those who pay attention will learn that colors represent certain things.

Pink may mean “happy”. Black may mean night. Blue could mean sad.

Tip 7: Math

There are those on the spectrum who communicate through math rather than words. Sometimes I can solve puzzles using math.

Tip 8: Writing and typing

There are those who can write or type, and that is how they communicate. They may not be able to talk, but they can communicate clearly in this way.

Tip 9: Electronic devices

I have seen individuals who use iPads, phones, computers, or watches to talk for them. I have seen iPads being used for this purpose. If you are asking an individual on the spectrum what they like to eat, they can just press on their screen and tell you.

They can say what they want to do today and where they want to go. If you ask them for help with cooking or yard work, they can answer.

Tip 10: Temper tantrums

Those who can’t communicate in other ways may only have their temper tantrums to rely on. It may be uncomfortable for people watching, but this is how some individuals communicate. If people stop gawking and see what is going on, they can pinpoint the problem. 

Tip 11: Service and therapy animals

There are those who communicate through their service animals. If an individual with autism needs something, they can have their service animal get it.

Service and therapy animals can help calm someone down. Well-trained animals can be there for temper tantrums, making it safe to express what needs to be expressed, and preventing accidents from happening.

Service and therapy animals can give confidence to their owners to communicate with digital communication devices, writing, typing, notecards, colors, picture cards, drawings, sign language, gestures, or sounds. Service and therapy animals encourage growth in communication skills.

Tip 12: Talking

There are those who communicate and talk just fine. Listen to them and communicate with them. Don’t treat them like a toddler unless they are two years old.

Summing up

These are my 12 tips for successful communication for those with autism. I hope this helps my friends and others know that autistic individuals communicate in different ways. This is also for parents and their newly diagnosed children.

You can explore communication skills with your child. Newly diagnosed adults may also benefit from a choice of communication skills.