Non-verbal creative communication
Written by Alisyn Van Note, 2026
There are MANY ways to engage the Autistic and Neurodiverse in communication.
Rules of Engagement:
1. You must take time to build trust (this can take years sometimes, so settle in!)
2. The Autistic or Neurodiverse person is the expert on their current experiences and preferences. Do not speak for them; provide safe opportunities to let them share communication preferences.
3. Ask one question at a time; we don’t want a snowplow effect as they think about an answer to the first question and get stuck or overwhelmed with too many thoughts or questions.
4. Give time to answer, and don’t fill space with talking (this can take minutes to days or weeks). Sometimes processing takes time and effort; we don’t need immediate answers or communication.
Creative communication:
Use an assistive devises (text, tablet, typing, etc.)
Use non-language based communication (e.g. drawing tablet, Zoom with white board options, AI, pad and pencils/colors, etc.)
Use song options (e.g. instead of asking “what are you feeling?” ask for them to pick out a song and play it or sing it, that identifies the emotions)
Use music-based options (e.g. have a small keyboard on hand, guitar, small drums, singing bowl, chimes, or other musical instruments)
Use physical movement (e.g. mirroring, physical play, sensory options, walking, hiking, interpretive dance, dance, silly wiggles, comforting movements, yoga or meditation-based muscle relaxation, etc.)
Use play (e.g. a child’s language is play; even adults like to play games; play together and observe what play is communicating)
Use art (e.g. art, clay, drawing, painting, finger paints, splatter paint, sculpture, stick drawings, etc.)
Use emotions wheel (e.g. have an emotions wheel available online, on a pillow, on paper, etc. and color over or point to emotions being experienced)
Use memes or gifs (e.g. let them pick out some memes, gifs, and other online resources to express)
Use sound volume (e.g. learn if certain volume has meaning. Does a loud slamming of a door = angry? Get curious.)
Use physical touch preferences (e.g. if touch avoidant, respect that; if touching an arm or pressure on their arms or shoulders is helpful, let them share what their touch needs and preferences are; this is their unique sensory experience right now, it changes often)
Use pets (e.g. pets are the best therapists, I’m convinced. Maybe having a pet in therapy or while talking can help with their sensory experience)
Use sensory supports (e.g. blankets, weights, head scratchers, fidgets, pencils, squishies, stuffies, slime, calming sounds, calming lights, etc.; allow choice and assume nothing)
