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Is Supported Communication Real?
If I asked, you would probably agree that it is possible to be very intelligent without being good at controlling one’s behaviors. Countless experiences trying to control our impulses with eating, impatience, anger, or spending, tell us that this is so. It is possible to be unable to stop or start purposeful movement, and still be a very bright human being. Yet people who cannot speak or indicate (point or sign) are constantly evaluated as mentally deficient. The experts, along with the rest of us, make the assumption *if you wanted to grab something, you would grab it, *if you knew someone, you would show it, *if you hated the taste of something you wouldn’t cram it into your mouth.
But what if what we call “autism” is a movement disorder, the inability of the upper brain to control the lower, fight or flight brain? If so how can we use movement as a measure of mental ability?
At 24 years old, my non-speaking son Owen became able to communicate through a supported spelling method. It was a miracle. We knew nothing of the controversy on this topic. Thank goodness we persisted, feeling over and over again in the midst of Owen’s chaotic movements that he was the one directing the spelling and typing, regardless how it looked to an outsider. His father, his sister, and I could feel him pushing forward through the physical resistance we provided, to spell. Slowly he has acquired more autonomy. He has written poems, essays, and stories. He has been able to say what he wants to eat, why he is angry, what he is afraid of, what he longs to do with his life. In spite of the negativity from the experts, right now individuals across the world, with a host of movement disorders, are using methods of supported spelling to express themselves.
Is this possible for your child or young adult? Absolutely. I only wish we had found it sooner. Owen has been part of founding the organization RealVoices of Philadelphia, which he named, to help more silent people to speak, to build friendships, and get educational opportunities. Please reach out – we want to hear your voice!
Wystan Simons – RealVoices of Philadelphia – Bryn Athyn, PA - 301-237-1283 realvoicesphilly.com
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