nonspeaking, nonverbal

Terms used to describe a person who does not use oral speech to communicate. Such terms have a connotation that verbal speech is the correct, best, superior, or right form of communication. Use nonverbal and nonspeaking sparingly. It is better to describe the manner in which a source communicated their responses or communicates.

Example: Jean Jones is mostly nonspeaking.
Better: Jean Jones communicates most often using gestures and movements.

Example: Shea Shawn is nonverbal; they used a communication board for the interview.
Better: Shea Shawn uses a communication board, as they did during this interview.

Example: Jo Johnson, who is nonverbal, signed their answers in ASL.
Better: Jo Johnson signed their answers in ASL.

See augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

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