What is the IQ of a Nonverbal Autistic Person?

August 13, 2025

Emily Rodriguez

(MA, BCBA)

Emily was working as a nanny for a family with a son on the spectrum when she...

The IQ of a nonverbal autistic person can vary greatly, just like in the general population. Autism is a spectrum, and individuals with nonverbal autism may have intellectual abilities ranging from intellectual disability to average or above-average intelligence.

Being nonverbal doesn’t necessarily reflect a person’s cognitive abilities. Many nonverbal individuals with autism have strong skills in areas like visual processing, mathematics, or memory, even if they struggle with speech. In fact, some may use alternative communication methods, such as AAC devices or sign language, to express themselves.


It’s essential to understand that IQ tests may not fully capture a nonverbal individual’s abilities, as traditional assessments often rely on verbal communication. With ABA therapy, nonverbal individuals can develop communication skills, improving their ability to express themselves and engage in everyday activities.


Looking for support with communication skills?


At Achieve Behavioral Therapy, we specialize in individualized   ABA therapy in New Jersey and North Carolina that helps nonverbal individuals with autism develop their communication skills and reach their full potential.


Contact us today to learn how our ABA therapy programs can support your child’s growth and development!


FAQs

  • Can a nonverbal autistic person have a high IQ?

    Yes — being nonverbal doesn’t automatically mean low intelligence. Many nonverbal autistic individuals score average or above average on nonverbal intelligence tests, and their strengths may not be captured by traditional IQ assessments that rely on speech. 


  • Why might standard IQ tests underestimate intelligence in nonverbal autistic people?

    Traditional IQ tests often require verbal responses or language-based instructions. Because nonverbal autistic individuals communicate differently, these tests can underestimate their cognitive abilities, leading to scores that don’t reflect true potential. 


  • What kinds of IQ tests work better for nonverbal individuals?

    Nonverbal IQ tests such as the Leiter International Performance Scale or the Raven’s Progressive Matrices allow individuals to show reasoning and problem-solving skills without speaking, giving a clearer picture of their intelligence.


SOURCES:


https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4876598/


https://www.reddit.com/r/AutismTranslated/comments/1h2z2uv/what_level_of_iq_do_autistic_people_usually_have/


https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8407906/


https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.856084/full


https://autism.org/average-or-high-iq-in-individuals-with-asd-may-be-higher-than-previously-estimated/

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