What Bella Was Trying To Tell Me 💜
For years, I thought communication meant words.
Because Bella is mostly nonverbal, I spent so much time trying to teach communication that I almost missed the ways she was already communicating.
This little ice cream trip reminded me of that again.
She knew exactly where she wanted to go.
She knew exactly what she wanted to order.
She knew exactly when she thought we forgot her cookie. 😂
She pointed.
She guided our hands.
She led us where she wanted us to go.
No words needed.
One of the biggest lessons autism has taught me is that communication doesn’t always sound the way we expect it to.
Sometimes it looks like routines.
Sometimes it looks like comfort items.
Sometimes it looks like choices.
The more I slow down and pay attention, the more I realize Bella has been communicating all along.
I’m just learning how to listen. 💜✨
#AutismMom #NonverbalAutism #AutismAcceptance #SpecialNeedsParenting #WatchBellaBloom
In my personal experience caring for a nonverbal loved one, I've found that communication takes many forms beyond spoken language. Like Bella’s ice cream outing, simple gestures, pointing, or guiding hands can express clear desires and needs. Over time, it becomes clear that behaviors we might initially see as challenging are often efforts to communicate. Being attentive means slowing down and observing patterns—such as routines that bring comfort, or specific choices that convey preferences. These nonverbal signals require us as caregivers to become fluent in a different language, one that blends observation with empathy. For example, my child uses a specific object to signal distress or happiness, much like Bella’s comfort items. Recognizing these signs helps reduce frustration and builds trust. It's important also to acknowledge that the absence of words doesn't mean an absence of thoughts or feelings. Respecting and responding to nonverbal communication enriches relationships and promotes inclusion. Parents and caregivers navigating nonverbal autism can benefit from resources such as speech therapists specialized in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools, which support expressive communication. Learning to listen without words has deeply transformed my perspective, teaching me patience, understanding, and the importance of authentic connection. Bella’s experience beautifully illustrates that the heart of communication is connection—not just words.