6 Common IEP Assessments for Non‑Verbal Students

If you’re parenting a non-verbal student, IEP season can feel like trying to decode a language no one taught you. You’re not alone, and you’re not wrong to question whether the right assessments are even being used. Because the fact is, most standard IEP evaluations rely heavily on verbal communication.

So what do you do when your child can’t answer verbally? You ask for assessments that don’t require speech, and there are plenty. IEP assessments for non-verbal students do exist, it may just take a little extra work. Here’s a straightforward list broken down into cognitive, reasoning, and communication assessments that actually work for non-verbal kids.

Non Verbal vs Non Speaking

My own child is non-verbal. Yep, I said it. Non-verbal. And every time I do, without fail, someone slides into my inbox to tell me that I should be saying “non-speaking.” Look, I get it…language matters. But here’s the thing: I’m not trying to define anyone’s identity. I’m a parent trying to navigate a broken system that barely supports verbal students, let alone kids like mine. I use the term non-verbal because it’s still the language that appears in most IEPs, evaluations, and legal documents. So that’s the language I use when I’m helping families advocate. It’s not meant to erase anyone’s experience, it’s meant to get results.

If you prefer “non-speaking” or another term, that’s totally fine. Use what feels right for your family. But please don’t let a vocabulary debate distract from the real issue: Our kids deserve communication support that actually works, no matter what we call it.

Cognitive Assessments for Non-Verbal Students

Leiter International Performance Scale–Third Edition (Leiter‑3)

• What it is: A completely non-verbal test of intelligence and cognitive ability for ages 3–75+. Uses visual tasks and manipulatives instead of language.
• Who uses it: Licensed psychologist or qualified professional with training in cognitive assessments.
• What it assesses: Fluid reasoning, visualization, memory, attention, and general intellectual functioning.

Comprehensive Test of Nonverbal Intelligence – Second Edition (CTONI‑2)

• What it is: Designed for ages 6–89, this test uses images and pointing to assess intelligence without requiring speech.
• Who uses it: Licensed psychologist or qualified evaluator trained in standardized testing.
• What it assesses: Non-verbal analogical reasoning, classification, and sequential reasoning.

Non-Verbal Reasoning Assessments

Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT)

• What it is: A K–12 test that evaluates general ability and problem-solving using minimal language.
• Who uses it: School psychologist or professional trained in intelligence testing.
• What it assesses: Abstract reasoning, pattern recognition, problem-solving without cultural or language bias.

Raven’s Progressive Matrices

• What it is: A well-known non-verbal test that measures abstract thinking and pattern recognition using matrix puzzles.
• Who uses it: Psychologists or trained assessment professionals.
• What it assesses: Fluid intelligence and abstract reasoning ability.

Communication / Functional (Non‑verbal) Assessments

Communication Matrix

• What it is: A tool that evaluates communication for individuals not using functional speech. Includes gestures, facial expressions, and use of AAC.
• Who uses it: Speech-language pathologist (SLP) or AAC specialist.
• What it assesses: How the child communicates needs, feelings, and responses across different contexts.

Functional Communication Profile – Revised (FCP‑R)

• What it is: A thorough look at how a non-verbal or minimally verbal student communicates across different settings and routines.
• Who uses it: SLP or experienced communication specialist.
• What it assesses: Functional communication skills like requesting, responding, and interacting using non-verbal means.

Need-to-Know Tips for IEP Meetings

• Ask if your child’s testing includes non-verbal assessments like Leiter-3 or CTONI-2 to get an accurate view of their abilities.
• Push for functional communication assessments that go beyond “doesn’t talk”—get detailed info on how your child does communicate.
• Verify that the evaluator is qualified to administer these assessments- certification matters!
• Make sure the results are clearly written into the IEP Present Levels and used to build goals that are appropriate for a non-verbal learner.

Because here’s the deal, your child’s communication differences shouldn’t keep them from getting a meaningful education plan. These assessments help your team see the whole picture, so your kid isn’t underestimated, overlooked, or written off.

Use this list to bring specific asks to your IEP team. Print it. Highlight it. Tape it to your fridge. You got this.