Non‑speaking describes people, often autistic, who do not use spoken words as their primary or reliable form of communication. It recognises that someone may communicate through typing, AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), writing, gestures, movement, expression, art, or other methods.
It does not assume why someone doesn’t speak, nor does it imply anything about their ability to think, understand, or communicate in other ways.
A brief history
The term “non-speaking” grew as an intentional alternative to “non-verbal,” led by autistic advocates, AAC users, and disability scholars who challenged the idea that spoken words are the only valid or “real” form of communication. From the late 20th century onwards—particularly as AAC technologies became more accessible—the language began shifting away from clinical labels that framed speech as a benchmark for competence.
“Non-speaking” was adopted to separate speech from communication, acknowledging that a person may not use spoken language but can still express complex thoughts, preferences, emotions, and ideas. The framing also aligns with a broader move away from deficit-based terminology and towards language that recognises agency and honours the person’s actual communication methods.