My son, had started to say words, then regressed at 2 years, losing his speech. He was nonverbal until 5 years old. I wasn’t sure if he would ever speak again. I remember how hurt I was but realized that hearing my son’s voice wasn’t the only way for him to communicate. I had looked into sign language, or possibly using a machine with keyboard for him to express himself.

It is a bonus if your child can speak, but not the end of the world if they don’t. As much as it hurts, flip that negative energy to helping your child.
I worked hard with my son, we used PECS, he had speech at school and after school therapy. I also worked on oral motor exercises sometimes, two or three times a day. I felt bad for my son looking back, now that I think about it, he had so much therapy; speech, OT, and ABA (behavior therapy). I guess I look at the end results, he has done well for himself, but isn’t perfect, still needs work, we all do.

My son was completely non verbal. He did learn words and has many words now although he is still considered non verbal because he is not conversational. However he can say yes and no and answer questions that way. Not always sure he understands the questions though. Sometimes he speaks through his eyes. You will learn to understand your child however he or she communicates. At least much of the time. My son is a grown adult and there was not much help when he was young. If he was young today I am sure he would have progressed much more with all the help today. Stay strong! Always believe in your child and never give up fighting for him or her. Your child has the chance to grow and progress a long way.

Yes
Yes
And yes

My son non verbal also and it is painful to see but i havent given up hope so please dont you i have just learned to find other methods just in case pecs, sign language
It is a long journey

The furthest thing from my mind, best of luck to you, hang in there.