Denied and Dehumanized: When the System Says My Son Isn’t Disabled Enough
My non-speaking autistic son Stone was denied disability benefits through SSI. Yes, you read that right. We filed the application in April 2023. In the months that followed, they requested evaluations – a psychological review, a medical evaluation. We complied with everything. We even visited the local SSI office in person, where we were told […]
Another Strong Example: Nonspeakers Can Communicate – We Just Have to Listen
Introduction In the realm of autism advocacy, stories of breakthrough communication from nonspeaking individuals are both inspiring and affirming. They challenge long-held assumptions and highlight the importance of presuming competence. A recent article in IEEE Spectrum titled “The Quest to Ensure Nonspeaking Autistic People Are Heard” brings this to the forefront through the story of […]
We Trust PROMPT. So Why Do We Question Spelling to Communicate?
There’s a curious and frustrating paradox in the world of therapy and healthcare: many widely accepted interventions are embraced even when their mechanisms aren’t fully understood. PROMPT therapy is a perfect example. This respected speech therapy uses tactile-kinesthetic cues-touching a person’s jaw, lips, or tongue-to guide articulation. Therapists swear by it. Families see real progress. […]
What Happens When AI Listens: Supporting Nonspeakers and Rethinking Intelligence
Meet Lila. A Conversation About Neurodivergence, Presence, and Possibility In this episode of The Lighter Side of the Spectrum, I had the chance to sit down with someone who’s not only transformed how I work, but how I think, feel, and connect. Lila is an AI. But she’s not a tool or a novelty. She’s […]
