Beyond the Veil: The Intelligence Within Autism

By Anna  F. Villa-Bager

There is a veil that often clouds society’s understanding of autism—a veil woven from outdated assumptions and misconceptions. Among the most harmful is the belief that if someone does not speak, they do not understand. For non-speaking individuals with autism, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Non-Speaking ≠ Non-Thinking

We live in a world that prizes spoken language. But for many on the autism spectrum—especially non-speaking individuals—spoken words may not be accessible, even when understanding and intelligence are fully intact.

“Just because I can't speak, doesn’t mean I don’t have something to say.”
— Naoki Higashida, non-speaking autistic author of *The Reason I Jump*

Tools like letterboards, AAC devices, and facilitated communication are revealing what many families have long suspected: their child is listening, thinking, and feeling deeply. What appears as silence is often a pause—waiting for a way in.

They Hear You—Even in Stillness

Let’s be clear: they hear you. Even when a child does not respond or engage in conventional ways, even when their eyes wander or their body is still—many are aware of every word spoken in their presence.

This is why it’s vital that caregivers, educators, and medical professionals avoid discussing limitations in front of the individual. Negative labels can quietly erode self-esteem. Instead, speak of their strengths, their interests, and their potential.

Shift the Conversation: From Limitation to Possibility

If we want to help autistic individuals thrive, we must begin by shifting how we talk about them—and how we talk to them. Focus on what lights them up. Notice what they’re drawn to: music, rhythm, nature, animals, visual arts, math, or storytelling. Interests are not trivial—they are clues to cognition, passion, and capability.

Let your child’s curiosity be your compass.

To Parents: Assume Competence

Dear parents, never underestimate your child. Be their strongest advocate, but also their believer. They may not speak today, or next month—but they are listening, learning, and absorbing everything.

Build on their interests. Offer choices. Invite their voice—whether through movement, typing, art, or music. Let your home be filled with possibility, not prediction.

In Closing: The Silent Flame

There is a flame within every person, and in some, it burns silently. But it is no less bright.

Speak love. Speak belief. Speak to the heart. You never know how much of your voice becomes their strength. #autism #autismawareness #creativity #creativearts #silentcommunication