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Tommy, a 23 year old, began attending SPARC two years ago. He presented with behaviors and was completely non-verbal, but could communicate using American sign language (asl). We accepted him on a trial basis.

To date, there is no shared definition of minimally verbal children with autism spectrum disorder. The heterogeneity in intellectual functioning and in linguistic abilities among these individuals suggests there is no single mechanism underlying their difficulties in learning to speak. The reasons why these children do not speak and the biological markers that can identify them are still unknown. Language impairment in these children can lead to several unfavorable consequences, including behavior problems (such as self-aggression, hetero-aggression, and property destruction), poorer daily living and social skills. Psychiatric comorbidities (including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, specific phobias, and compulsions) consist in a serious problem related to the lack of verbal language in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. An underlying contributing factor to the lack of verbal language can be social isolation.

For the first year, Tommy often left the club and would walk around the center with his PSA. At SPARC we are patient and understand that engagement in activities can take a great deal of time. The staff at SPARC  started communicating with him using asl used speech therapy exercises. This year he spoke his first word… “Hi!” As 2023 progressed, he has added the words “eat”, “chip”, “si” and “shoe”. He waits at the door and has taken on the role of official greeter as SPARC friends arrive.

To some, the word “Hi!” might not be a big deal. But for someone who has been verbally silent for over twenty years, it is miraculous.

One can be socially isolated even when amid lots of people. Although Tommy attended school, nothing in his environment prompted speech before this year.

At SPARC we celebrate Tommy’s progress!

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