1. a person who does not talk or speak much; a quiet or silent person
Usage: informal; often used in educational or developmental contexts to describe children with speech delays or selective mutism
2. in special education, a child or individual with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental conditions who does not use spoken language to communicate
Usage: educational/clinical; used by educators and speech-language pathologists

Examples

• My cousin is a nontalker by nature; she prefers to listen rather than speak.
• The teacher worked with the nontalker in the class to help build his confidence in group discussions.
• Some nontalkers communicate effectively through writing, sign language, or augmentative and alternative communication devices.
• He was labeled a nontalker in kindergarten but became more verbal as he grew older.
• The speech therapist specializes in working with nontalkers and non-verbal children.
• Not all nontalkers lack intelligence or understanding; many simply prefer not to speak.
• The school developed an individualized plan for the nontalker to support his communication development.