There is a gap between how autistic teens experience the world and its response — and communication sits at the center of that gap. Not just given words, but mainly the way their mind flows and expresses itself. This disconnect can often come off as “different”, “difficult”, or “awkward” when in reality they’re constantly decoding a world not built with their voice in mind.
According to a recent 2024 report published by VeryWell Mind (Verywellmind.com), Dr. Amy Marschall stated that youth who struggle with autism tend to have a period of time where they’re burnt out — Meaning it’s harder to communicate and speak due to early frustration. The NIH (National Institute of Health) gives an estimate that 25%-35% of autistic people are nonspeaking and/or minimally verbal. Meaning they don’t rely on speech to communicate
To put it in a real-life situation, such as a common school setting… Imagine a kid who is 14-years-old and autistic who loves to draw, but is minimally verbal, ignoring or pausing whenever given a chance to talk. To some, it can come off as “disengaged,” or maybe even helpless. What no one sees is the effort it takes to exist in that moment. Usually it’s not easy, filtering out noises, filtering faces, and trying to make their mouth say what their brain already knows. Group projects often come off as difficult for everyone, but everyone ignores the fact how easy it is to be burnt out, overwhelmed, and overstimulated.
To tie in with their love for drawing, speech pathologists can help with alternatives ways to express their feelings — such as AAC use, which can help a student connect by pictures, typing, and noises. Which can be easier.
For some autistic teens, a speech pathologist is just the first person who doesn’t try to “fix” their challenges — but a person who listens, connects, and helps the world hear them better. Let’s zoom in on what this can look like in the real world…
One professor I interviewed at University of Nevada, Dr. Bayley, believes identity struggles should be met with empowerment and encouragement, not corrections.
“When someone on the autism spectrum is struggling with their identity, I help them see their own strengths… I try to connect them to autistic peers and mentors and lean into what they are passionate about,” Dr. Bayley explained in our interview.
Patience is key when it comes to working with a student — and she gracefully shows it with her answers. This philosophy isn’t just theoretical; it’s personal.
During the interview, I stated “Are there any inspirations that inspired you or helped you learn?” Dr. Bayley has brought up her autistic nephew, Lex, whose insights have shaped much of her passion for her career. Diagnosed in second grade, and now working as a parking manager. He remains a powerful voice in her teaching, often co-presenting with her in talks that highlight both strengths and challenges of autistic individuals.
For certain, there’s no “cure” for the way autistic minds function — and we can’t expect them to work the same way “normal” people do. Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects basic communication skills. (National Institute of Mental Health) Autism isn’t a problem to fix, nor is it a single experience — it’s a spectrum of different voices, thoughts, and the way of being.
Author’s Note:
Hi! My name is Veronica (Roni) Palapar. I’m an aspiring SLP and/or Ultrasound Tech based in Las Vegas and i’m currently an upcoming sophomore in high school. I have 2 autistic cousins and they really inspire me, growing up with them taught me patience in autistic kids and gave me the passion to help others build their communication skills and confidence.
Veronica Marie Palapar | 14 | Las Vegas, NV | @ronivvz on Instagram
