It is estimated that up to 40 percent of children with ASD are nonverbal. There are also many children who just have speech and language delays which are not on the spectrum. The goal of speech and language therapy is to procure speech, but speech and language therapy offers so much more than that to a child with ASD or speech delay. It is our goal to help each child communicate effectively. Speech and language therapy concentrates on the spoken word and articulation, which is known as expressive language, but also on receptive language. Receptive language refers to the ability to understand and process language. Many children who are nonverbal have excellent receptive language skills, but poor expressive skills. Here at the center, we work on both to help foster effective communication. We may use the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technology and applications to help children communicate without the spoken word. Early intervention speech and language may work on gestures to communicate, such as pointing or nodding "yes" or "no." Early intervention speech and language therapy is vitally important to help a child learn how to communicate better from an early age.