17 | Non-Speaking Autism & Communication Support | Crestina Yaiva
When a child is non-speaking, parents often find themselves searching for ways to better understand their child’s needs, emotions, and experiences. Communication may not always happen through spoken words, but that does not mean communication is absent.
In this episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with Crestina Yaiva, a mother of twin boys, including one child who is non-speaking and autistic. Crestina shares her family’s journey from noticing developmental differences to learning how to better connect with and support her son.
This conversation explores communication beyond spoken language and highlights the importance of patience, observation, understanding, and connection.
Listen to the Full Episode
Families listening to this episode will hear honest reflections about parenting, navigating diagnosis, supporting communication, and finding meaningful ways to connect with non-speaking children.
Memorable Quote
“Being patient and knowing that they’re not going to communicate the way we expect them to.”
In This Episode We Discuss
• Recognizing early signs of autism and speech delays
• The emotional impact of receiving a diagnosis
• Understanding non-speaking communication
• How books and lived experiences changed one parent’s perspective
• Communication devices and communication supports
• Creating opportunities for children to communicate
• Learning to recognize subtle communication cues
• Why patience and validation matter
Key Themes From the Conversation
Communication Looks Different for Every Child
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that communication does not always happen through spoken words. Children may communicate through gestures, eye contact, body movements, grabbing a parent’s hand, pointing, or using communication devices.
Crestina explains how learning to recognize those subtle forms of communication helped her better understand her son.
Understanding Perspective Can Change Everything
Books like The Reason I Jump helped Crestina gain insight into how some non-speaking autistic individuals experience the world. Understanding sensory experiences, emotional processing, and communication challenges helped her feel more connected to her child’s perspective.
Creating Opportunities for Communication Matters
Crestina shares how her family intentionally created opportunities for communication instead of automatically anticipating every need. Placing favorite items within sight but out of reach encouraged interaction, gestures, pointing, and communication attempts.
Common Questions Parents Ask
Can non-speaking children still understand language?
Yes. Many non-speaking autistic children understand far more than they are able to express verbally.
How can I encourage communication without pressuring my child?
Creating natural opportunities during play, preferred activities, and routines can help children communicate in ways that feel safer and more meaningful.
What if my child communicates differently than other children?
Communication is not one-size-fits-all. Gestures, AAC devices, body language, facial expressions, and subtle cues can all be meaningful forms of communication.
Why This Conversation Matters for Families
Families with non-speaking children are often navigating uncertainty while trying to better understand how their child experiences the world. This episode reminds parents that communication can still happen in many different forms.
It also highlights the importance of patience, emotional connection, and believing that all children deserve opportunities to communicate and be understood.
Resources Mentioned
The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida
Not My Boy by Rodney Peete
About the Guest
Crestina Yaiva is a mother living in Phoenix, Arizona, who shares her family’s lived experiences parenting a non-speaking autistic child. She is passionate about helping other families feel less alone and encouraging parents to better understand their child’s unique communication style.
Related Resources for Parents
If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy these resources:
• Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy: Supporting Your Child’s Unique Strengths
• Positive Behavior Strategies for Neurodivergent Children at Home and School
• Understanding Autism Meltdowns: What They Are and How to Support Your Child
• Just Diagnosed? A Guide for Arizona Parents Starting the Autism Journey
Explore more parent resources at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com/blog
