It is the time of year when people often give thanks. To some people, being nonspeaking autistic can make it seem like there is not much to be thankful for. But one thing that all Spellers & Allies Advocacy Network (S&A) members have in common is allies in their lives that have helped lead them to Spelling to Communicate (S2C). There is much to be thankful for with the gift of communication. Here are 10 quotes of what S&A members are thankful for.
- “Since I have learned to communicate, I am thankful to be able to write songs.” S&A member.
And we are thankful to listen to them! - “Since I have learned to communicate, I am thankful for a group of other spellers to pave the way ahead of me.” Elias Having advocates to lead the way means everything.
- “Since I have learned to communicate, I am thankful I can communicate with my dad and tell him how much I love him.” Cian
I am sure your dad is thankful for that too, Cian. - Since I have learned to communicate, I am thankful for what I am able to say to people.” Jacob
It is a gift to be able to converse with people. - “Since I have learned to communicate, I am grateful for all my friends in the speller community”. Ben
The group of S&A members are quite a friendly bunch! - “Since I have learned to communicate, I am grateful for learning to manage my anxiety with help from my therapist.” Ben
To be able to care for yourself can make your life so much less stressful. - “Since I have learned to communicate, I am thankful for everyone who does the hard work of learning to be an CRP.” James
CRPs are how we are able to communicate. Thank goodness for them! - “Since I have learned to communicate, I am thankful for being understood.” Sarah
Everyone wants to be heard and understood. - “Since I have learned to communicate, I am thankful thousands of people have seen the play I was able to write.” Sofi
Sofi, you are an amazing playwright! - “Since I have learned to communicate, I am thankful to be able to tease my brother, mercilessly.” Gregory
This one speaks for itself!
Having autism and apraxia can be challenging, but there is always something to be thankful for, especially if you are given the gift of S2C. Let these autistic adults’ 10 reasons to be thankful help you reflect on what you can be grateful for this year.
Happy Holidays, Everyone!
About the Author
Gregory Tino is a nonspeaking autistic who has been spelling on a letterboard to communicate since 2017. He is an advocate for other nonspeakers, presents at conferences, and his goal is to educate people on the incredible capabilities of people with autism. He has written five books, all available on Amazon at Gregory C Tino. He also has written the narrative for multiple videos on his YouTube channel, which is entitled Gregory C Tino. He is a proud member of the Spellers & Allies advocacy group and SEEN (Spellers Empowering Education for Nonspeakers). In his free time, he enjoys writing for his blog The Autistic Mind Finally Speaks on WordPress and spending time with family and his Inside Voice friends.
