# My child was just diagnosed as non-verbal / minimally verbal — what should I do first?

Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-was-just-diagnosed-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-what-should-i-do-first
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited

After a non-verbal or minimally verbal diagnosis, the first step is to begin communication support straightaway alongside a structured developmental profile, using a total-communication approach — speech, gestures, pictures and AAC. Offering AAC does not delay speech and often encourages it. AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

*A diagnosis is not a verdict on what your child will say one day — it is the moment real support begins, and your child has so much to tell you.*

## In short
First, take a breath — being non-verbal or minimally verbal means your child has *not yet* found the words, not that they have nothing to say or no path forward. The single most important first step is to begin **communication support straightaway** alongside a structured developmental profile, so therapy is built around exactly how your child connects right now. Crucially, giving your child other ways to communicate — pictures, gestures, devices — does **not** stop speech from developing; the evidence shows it often *helps* it along. Many minimally verbal children grow in spoken language well beyond the early years, and every form of communication counts.

## What to do first
- **Start communication support now, not later.** Speech and language therapy that uses a *total communication* approach — speech attempts, gestures, sign, picture systems and, where helpful, AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) devices — gives your child a voice today while building toward speech.
- **Let go of the myth that AAC delays talking.** Research is clear: offering pictures or a device alongside speech does not hold language back and frequently encourages more vocalisation, not less. Communication of any kind reduces frustration and opens the door to words.
- **Honour every communication attempt.** A point, a reach, a sound, a glance — respond to all of it as meaningful. This teaches your child that communicating *works*, which is the foundation of language.
- **Build language into daily life.** Narrate routines, pause to give your child a turn, and follow their lead in play. Therapy works best when it lives at home, not only in a session.
- **Check hearing.** A hearing assessment rules out an undetected hearing issue affecting speech — a sensible early step.
- **Map the whole picture.** A structured developmental profile shows the strengths and needs across communication, play, sensory and daily-living skills, so the plan fits your individual child.

There is no fixed deadline by which a child must speak. Progress is real even when it is gradual, and your warmth and responsiveness are part of the therapy.

## The Pinnacle way
This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical **AbilityScore®** and any diagnosis are formed **only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care**, never from an app or online form. From a clinician-administered [structured developmental profile](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated), your child receives a communication plan shaped by therapists experienced in total-communication and AAC approaches through our [speech and language therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate). Begin wherever you are — [explore how support starts](/).

## Trusted sources
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association guidance on augmentative and alternative communication and minimally verbal children; American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) guidance on communication and early developmental support; WHO guidance on early childhood development and nurturing care.

**Next step —** Ready to give your child a voice today? [Book a communication assessment with a Pinnacle clinician](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate).

## Sources
- ASHA — Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/
- AAP HealthyChildren.org — language and communication: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Language-Delay.aspx
- WHO/UNICEF Nurturing Care Framework: https://nurturing-care.org/

## Connected topics and perspectives
- Conditions: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/conditions
- Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent
- Adaptive: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/adaptive
- Support: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/support
- Plan: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/plan
- Special Education: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/special-education
- Family Empowerment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/family_empowerment

## Related question paths

### Understand the subject
- How Being Non-Verbal or Minimally Verbal Affects Daily Life: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-affect-a-child-s-daily-life
- Is Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation a Disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-considered-a-disability
- Is Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation genetic or hereditary?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-genetic-or-hereditary
- Common myths about non-verbal / minimally verbal presentation: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-common-myths-about-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- Types and Levels of Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-types-or-levels-of-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- What Causes a Non-Verbal or Minimally Verbal Presentation?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-causes-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-in-children
- What is Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- What is Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-and-what-does-it-look-like-in-early-childhood
- What other conditions often occur alongside Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-other-conditions-often-occur-alongside-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- Early intervention outcomes for minimally verbal children under 7: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-current-research-show-about-early-intervention-outcomes-for-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-in-children-under-7
- Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-and-what-are-its-icd-11-features-in-early-childhood
- ICD-11 Classification for Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation

### Recognise signs & concerns
- Can Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation Be Cured?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-be-cured
- Can Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation Be Prevented?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-be-prevented
- Do boys show Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-boys-show-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-differently
- Do girls show a minimally verbal presentation differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-girls-show-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-differently
- Should I worry my child may be non-verbal or minimally verbal?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/should-i-be-worried-my-child-might-have-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- Early Signs of a Non-Verbal or Minimally Verbal Presentation: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- Early signs for talking development in a 1-year-old boy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-in-a-1-year-old-boy
- Early Signs of Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation in a 1-Year-Old Girl: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-in-a-1-year-old-girl
- Early Signs of a Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation at 12–18 Months: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-in-a-12-to-18-month-old
- Early Signs of Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation at 18–24 Months: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-in-a-18-to-24-month-old
- Early Signs of a Minimally Verbal 2-Year-Old: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-in-a-2-year-old
- Early Signs of a Non-Verbal or Minimally Verbal 2-Year-Old: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-in-a-2-year-old-boy

### Explore causes & influences
- Are boys more likely to have a non-verbal / minimally verbal presentation?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-boys-more-likely-to-have-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- Are girls more likely to have a non-verbal or minimally verbal presentation?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-girls-more-likely-to-have-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- What causes non-verbal / minimally verbal presentation?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-causes-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-in-young-children
- Early Intervention for Non-Verbal Children: UNCRPD & SDGs: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-early-intervention-for-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-advance-un-child-rights-uncrpd-and-the-sdgs
- Contributing factors for non-verbal / minimally verbal presentation: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-known-contributing-factors-for-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-in-early-childhood
- Cost-effectiveness of early therapy for non-verbal children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-cost-effectiveness-of-early-therapy-for-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-in-young-children
- Prevalence and public-health burden of non-verbal / minimally verbal presentation in India: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-prevalence-and-public-health-burden-of-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-among-young-children-in-india

### Understand assessment
- How AbilityScore tracks progress in a non-verbal or minimally verbal child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-abilityscore-track-progress-in-a-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- How a Non-Verbal or Minimally Verbal Young Child Is Assessed: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-assessed-in-a-young-child
- How Is Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation Assessed in Children Under 7?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-assessed-in-children-under-7
- What an AbilityScore® Means for a Non-Verbal Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-0-100-mean-for-a-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- What an AbilityScore of 100–200 Means for a Non-Verbal Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-100-200-mean-for-a-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- What does an AbilityScore of 200–300 mean for a child with Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-200-300-mean-for-a-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- AbilityScore 300–400 for a Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-300-400-mean-for-a-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- What an AbilityScore® of 400–500 Means for a Non-Verbal Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-400-500-mean-for-a-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- AbilityScore 500–600 for a Minimally Verbal Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-500-600-mean-for-a-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- AbilityScore® 600–700 for a Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-600-700-mean-for-a-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- What an AbilityScore of 700–800 Means for a Minimally Verbal Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-700-800-mean-for-a-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- What an AbilityScore 800-900 Means for a Non-Verbal Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-800-900-mean-for-a-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation

### Explore therapy & support
- What therapy helps a child with Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-therapy-helps-a-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- Where should I start to get help for a non-verbal or minimally verbal child?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/where-should-i-start-to-get-help-for-a-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- How can speech and language therapy help a non-verbal or minimally verbal child?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-speech-and-language-therapy-help-a-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- What is the best way to parent and guide a child with Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-best-way-to-parent-and-guide-a-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- What therapies help a young child with Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-therapies-help-a-young-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- Will a child with non-verbal or minimally verbal presentation learn to talk?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/will-a-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-learn-to-talk
- Are there successful adults who grew up non-verbal or minimally verbal?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-there-successful-adults-who-grew-up-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- Does Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation Get Better As a Child Grows?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/does-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-get-better-or-worse-as-a-child-grows
- How can a non-verbal child communicate?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-non-verbal-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-communicate
- How to Support Adaptive Development in a Non-Verbal or Minimally Verbal Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-we-support-adaptive-development-in-a-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation
- How Common Is Non-Verbal or Minimally Verbal Presentation in Children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-common-is-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-in-children
- How do I choose the right therapy for a non-verbal or minimally verbal child?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-do-i-choose-the-right-therapy-for-a-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation

### At home & in everyday life
- How can I support my child with Non-Verbal / Minimally Verbal Presentation at home?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-support-my-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation-at-home