By Syeda Rizvi
“Not all communication is spoken.
Not all connection is loud.”
Silence is frequently misinterpreted in the field of pediatric therapy. Many people assume nothing is going on when a child doesn't talk, respond, or look at us.
As an occupational therapist, however,
I am aware that an incredibly significant happening is taking place.
🧠 Silence Is Full, Not Empty
Even if a neurodivergent child flaps, looks away, or sits silently, they are still communicating—just not in the way that the rest of the world is accustomed to hearing it.
They are speaking with:
➤ A quick look.
➤ A motion.
➤ A pause.
➤ A change in breathing.
This is a rich, multi-layered language that is beyond words to the trained eye and open heart.
🧩 Why Children Who Are Neurodivergent May opt for Silence
Speaking is not always the simplest form of communication for kids with autism spectrum disorders or sensory processing issues.
It might be:
🌀 Indescribable
🌀 A lot of effort
🌀 Physically demanding
Processing noises, lights, textures, space, emotion, and your energy already requires a lot of mental effort.
Sometimes the safest, most controlled environment for children to be in is silence.
I've observed the following when I sit quietly with a child:
✨ After being still for days, a nervous hand reaches for a toy.
✨ A soft hum gives way to tapping that is rhythmic.
✨ A head softly leaning on my shoulder.
✨ A gaze, a single point, a glimmer of trust.
✨ Sometimes, a hug! OR
✨ Sometimes, a silent whisper of the repetition of the word I say!
These are not insignificant moments.
They are revered.
"I trust you," they say. I feel secure. I'm here."
👂 Therapy: Listening Beyond Words
We must listen differently in order to understand the unspoken language of neurodivergent children:
🌿Slow down, please.
Take your time filling the space. Let the kid take the lead.
🌿Pay attention.
Your words are not as loud as your energy.
🌿 Don't presume; just observe.
Is it joy or self-soothing to rock? Is that profound processing or disengagement in silence?
🌿 Honor independence.
We can encourage to speak though Not all kids need to or desire to talk.
📌 OT Tip: Using Silence as a Therapeutic Instrument
Something lovely occurs when we stop attempting to draw kids into our world and instead embrace them in theirs.
Real connection starts at that point.
💖 Concluding Remark: Being Noticed Without Speaking:
Many of the children I work with have lived misunderstood lives. Evaluated based on their silence. Based on how they ought to react.
However, in therapy, when we set aside our assumptions, listen intently, and respect their silence...
✨They start to take shape.
✨ They reveal themselves to us.
✨ They have faith in us to tell the truth.
Because sometimes the quietest moment is when the loudest connection occurs.
✔️I acknowledge it is crucial to talk, but at the same time, we all need to understand the child's struggle.
✔️Give him some time.
✔️Carry on your continuous practice with him for communication.
✔️Celebrate every little success of expressing out!
🔁 Share This With Someone Who Needs to Hear It
If you're a parent, teacher, or therapist: trust the quiet. There will be something precious on the way ✨
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