For the first time, an entire population once presumed incapable is being heard—and is leading the way forward.
“I have a deep yearning for meaningful connections, and often, because I can’t move my body and facial muscles responsively, my inaction is perceived as disinterest. That couldn’t be further from my truth. It crushes me people assume this about me and my peers.”
“Letter to ASHA: Spelled communication is my why and how. Because of your stance on it millions live in silence. Open your eyes and your teachers options.”
“Whenever an institutions core standards are challenged there is resistance. When there are enough of us spelling there will be no denying our basic human rights.”
“To the beautiful families who are pondering spelled communication for their nonspeaking loved one: Love would never open a door unless you were meant to go through it. Lead with love.”
Instagram: @LoraSaysWithLove
Facebook: LoraSays
“Presenting at Motomorphosis is the single greatest moment of my life, finally being able to reach hundreds of people and explain how my mouth spews nonsense, knowing all the while my mind is brilliant but I could not show it. I spent 25 years in a body that would not cooperate but with spelling I am finally free. Quiet is something I will no longer be. Look out world Michael McIntyre breaks his silence.”
“I constructed bold statements of self-advocacy long before I could type. I thoughtfully curated lines of beautiful prose. This, while people didn’t believe I recognized my own name in print because I couldn’t control my arm to point. Old memories of mouthing off to adults in my mind make me laugh or cry, depending on my mood. I always was a wiseass.”
The Silent Quest
We used our words
When they were not heard
We sang our songs
When there was barely a nod
We sank and swam
When currents ripped around
We cried out of anguish
When the silence was deafening
We looked for answers
When there were only more questions
“I am an autistic with no speech. I’ve learned to communicate using a letter board which has transformed my life. I was denied access to education but now am able to attend college. I never imagined my life would change so drastically. Having a reliable means of communication is the only way to have sovereignty and advocate for myself.”
Lost In My Autistic Brain
Inside my brain are the most beautiful thoughts, swirling like glorious visions.
Poetry of golden sunsets and emerald green forests.
Stories of love and inspiration to bring joy to others.
Magical tales to tell children.
They grow larger and more vibrant inside my autistic brain and long for release, like a river that reaches a dam.
Read More by clicking the link.
We need love
We need kindness
We need people to believe in us
We need connection
We need a sense of belonging
We need others to see who we are
We need
God gave us needs
He made us human
Love
One travels, escaping the tyranny of habit,
Wandering through spaces in sky,
Some may point out – ‘Sky is placid.’
An evolutionary arc emerges in the transit
As if there is a voluminous outcry
To travel far, pulverize a habit.
Whatever one may find – it seems objective,
People may question, one needn’t reply.
Let them find it ‘pointless and placid’!
Read More by clicking the link.
Watch Nonspeakers Jacob & Andrew apraxia in Two Handsome Guys with Autism, Apraxia, & Autonomy
Shop Nonspeaking creator who makes vibrant, hand-drawn greeting cards and inspirational products.
“Believing in Nonspeakers and the Right to Communicate: An Interview with Dr. Vikram Jaswal” by Shannon Des Roches Rosa
– A researcher’s conversation with nonspeakers and groundbreaking study redefining how we understand communication.
Vikram K. Jaswal, Andrew J. Lampi & Kayden M. Stockwell (2024)
This study investigated 31 autistic teens and adults who are minimally or nonspeaking—using a timed iPad letter-tapping task—to examine whether they understood spelling patterns and word boundaries. Remarkably, over half responded just like literate individuals, indicating foundational literacy skills that had previously been underestimated.
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Read the abstract and full text on Sage Journals
An occupational therapist and researcher redefining autism by spotlighting whole-body apraxia and neuromotor differences. Her new YouTube channel shares expert insights to support nonspeaking and minimally speaking individuals.
Read Tiffany Hammond, Fidgets and Fries – Autistic writer, advocate, and parent of two autistic sons, Tiffany Hammond shares a powerful dual perspective and insights through her platform Fidgets and Fries and her #1 New York Times bestselling children’s book, A Day With No Words.
Listen The Lighter Side of the Spectrum – Dad to nonspeaking son Stone, David Kaufer is helping drive a growing movement for communication access and empowerment—featuring powerful stories and voices from across the community.
Created by autism inclusion advocate and author Meghan Ashburn (Not An Autism Mom), this online community explores powerful reads on autism, neurodiversity, and inclusive education—including her co-authored book, I Will Die On This Hill, which bridges the gap between autistic self-advocates and parents to foster mutual understanding and collaboration. Join here
Organizations working to protect communication rights, expand access, and elevate nonspeaking voices within a growing global movement. Nonspeaker-Led and Nonspeaker-Founded Initiatives
Adults with Autism Living with Independence, Value, and Esteem. https://www.aalive.org/
A neurodiverse community amplifying advocacy and support. https://www.crimsonrise.org/
No-cost resources and a international voice for communication rights. https://communication4all.org/
Legal and policy advocacy for AAC users nationwide. https://communicationfirst.org/
Advances Soma®RPM through training, family support, and advocacy for nonspeaking communication rights. https://www.halo-soma.org
Advocacy, practitioner training, research, and support for spellers and families. https://i-asc.org/
Youth-led advocacy by spellers and their allies. https://i-asc.org/advocacy/
Fighting for legal recognition and autonomy.
Spellers Empowering Education for Nonspeakers (Facebook)
Defending the civil rights of spellers. https://www.spellersfreedomfoundation.org/
Relief and resources for autistic individuals. https://www.thepeytonproject.com/
Advocating for access to all communication methods. https://unitedforcommunicationchoice.org/
