Hi, my son is Autistic and 5 years old and nonverbal. Can he develop meaningful language after 5 years old?

Question

He currently has no words, although I have heard him say, "ma ma" once, but never heard any words including "ma ma" again.

Answer 1

I hope this can help you and your son,

http://www.kylestreehouse.org/index.cfm

I have seen the light of 1000 stars, but none so brigth as the
light within!

Sad World - Harsin!

Answer 2

So it's not selective mutism, but autism. Well, does he have a therapist? A good therapist could help, and maybe he will someday speak.

There are famous people who didn't speak for three to four of the first years of their lives, but I don't recall stories of five year olds. That doesn't mean it is not possible though. I believe with enough encouragement and positive work, any autistic child will speak some words. It's just a matter of finding the way he can communicate most easily first.

Good luck.

Answer 3

he sure will be able to form new words at that age. I use to be a therapist for children with autism. Something you can try and be real consistent with is if he wants a toy, MAKE him use his language. Sounds mean, but it really does work. Parents tend to get in the habit of knowing what their child wants and the child doesn't even have to say anything or he would just point. If he wants a ball. shrug your shoulders like you are confused and if he makes any sound give him the ball, and do that with everything it will encourage him to use language. Or sing a song and let him finish the sentence i.e. you sing twinkle twinkle little... and then he says star. And just wait for him to make a noise. IF you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me [e-mail]

Answer 4

You know. People are still learning about what autistic children are able to do. Anything is possible I'm sure. But you really should be directing your question to a child psychologist or another professional who is trained in his type of development.

Answer 5

The ability to develop cognizant abilities diminishes as age increases. However, it's probably not too late to get him enrolled in some type of program in which families and trained professionals can help develop his verbal skills. I would suggest going to a doctor, if you haven't already, to get a second opinion. Hopefully things will get better with you and your son. Best of luck to you.

Answer 6

He can pick them up...is he getting special schooling and regualr speach therapy...The autistic kids that I have worked with responded well to music...I have seen some of them learn to sing before they learned to speak...it is a stimulating form of language to them and I think that is also has a lot to do with the beat and the math behind a tune...

Good luck!

Answer 7

Im not a doctor or an expert by any means, but I think that your little boy has the capability to speak in his own way, to you or any other member of your family. You just have to find what that way is for him. Good Luck To You!

Answer 8

all I can say is that my heart goes out to you and your family........although I taught autistic children and young adults many years ago, I am sure there is new knowledge so I won't go there. I have seen bigger miracles before. Love to all of you.

Answer 9

Yes, absolutley. But don't use baby talk to him. Treat with mature respect, and he should be able to devlop some language skills(though I don't know the severity of his disorder).
You might try this:

http://www.poac.net/

Answer 10

Here is a site to look up reference material on any subject.
http://library.minlib.net/search
Here is a site that list books and movies about autism.
http://www.tillinc.org/autismbooklist.htm
I hope that you find this helpful.