Without A Voice, But Shining Inside

As we end another April (another Autism Whatever month), I would just like to express my gratitude for everyone who contributed to this month’s In Their Own Words series. I wanted to share what nonverbal people with autism who use Spelling to Communicate (S2C) had to say. Using other modalities, like typing and letterboards, addresses motor issues and has enabled many nonspeakers and unreliable speakers to finally communicate their thoughts and express themselves beyond their very basic needs.

Speaking Up

Without a reliable way to communicate, nonverbal people with autism have been left without a voice. This is the group of people that has had many others – be it highly verbal, high functioning autistic individuals, agencies and government entities, or concerned parents – speaking for them about what they need. I think it is important for them to share their thoughts on the matter. So, I wanted to shine a light on that. All of this month’s guest bloggers shared their personal experiences and gave us insight into their feelings. They also were able to show what kind, compassionate, thoughtful individuals they truly are. And I am so thankful to them and their families for taking the time to do this.

As I previously shared, we too have been doing S2C for a few years. My son Christopher is not yet open, but I appreciate learning what others like him have felt and experienced. It has enhanced my relationship with Christopher, and enabled me to understand a lot about his behaviors and actions. 

Showing What’s Inside

We have always believed that Christopher had a lot more going on inside that we were able to see, and certainly more than people gave him credit for. And I know that as we continue, he will show us more of who he is. He has already been able to tell us that he can read and spell, that he knows all of our birthdays and  middle names, and that I’m his favorite (okay, I may have over-prompted that last one). We can’t wait to find out more about him!

I hope that reading these stories has inspired you as well – whether it be to give S2C a try, or just to view nonverbal individuals in a new way. If nothing else, I hope this series really showed that our kids with autism are “in there.” Their minds are working and their hearts are open regardless of what their bodies are doing. I really think this month’s writers did a great job of demonstrating that … in their own words.