Non- verbal autism - prognosis?

[Namestheyareachangin]

Hello, I am looking for information but it seems so hard to find. I'm hoping some of you may be able to help?

A family member has diagnosed autism and no speech at the age of 4. At this point, what is the likelihood of them gaining speech and being able to have any kind of independent life as an adult? When I search for evidence it's either very damning 'no chance' or 'miracle stories' usually attached to some sort of sales pitch for a method or treatment. I just want to know what it is their mum and dad are facing (mum and I are close but she is not the sort to talk about things that may be upsetting her), so I have a better idea of how to be supportive and not say stupid hurtful things meaning to be encouraging. Their elder child also has an autism diagnosis, but DC1 speaks well and is a very engaged and engaging little person in their own way. They began speaking around 3.

@Mumanddadtoone lovely to hear your son is doing so well. Can I ask how and when his eating changed? I have a ds(5) with ASD who has had a very restricted diet since he was two. He eats less than 10 different foods, fewer now than when it first started.

Openupmyeagereyes
Tbh, his eating at my home hasn’t improved that much, he will now eat crisps, pizza, bread and chicken, but, I find he’s much more willing to eat different foods in different environments, I take him out for lunch or dinner 2-3 times a week and he will eat other foods there, he’s eating better at school, mashed potato, pasta, biscuits, ice cream, crackers, yoghurt etc. I also find he will eat takeaways better as well (I’m not a bad cook honestly! ), I got him to eat pizza by putting it in a takeaway box and now he will eat it happily at home. I find rewards help a lot, I tell him he has to try at least one bite of something and I’ll put a dvd on (they are his favourite thing in the world), he sometimes shouts (screams) at me but I persevere, mostly he will just have the one bite and refuse any more but the older he gets, the more willing he is try. His school have said they feel as though his tastebuds have ‘woken up’. He can still be very rigid on what he will eat where (e.g, he will only eat quavers at my mums house).
He is also more willing to try other foods when there are other children around, my niece had some chicken and he just picked up a piece from her plate and ate it. I’d say try not to stress too much about it, if you can get vitamins down him then do (we can only have the liquid ones I can disguise in his juice).

Anyone there?

Hi, I’m here

Just realised this is a zombie thread so if you want to talk @FloricaStone it might be best to start your own thread

We seem to be a zombie thread but me FLorica stone I am here. Real. Wanting to help, but technology outwits me.

May I assist in any motherly way?