Angelo’s Angels for Communication

03/14/2026

09/09/2025

Angelo:
“Communication has to be a learned skill. I couldn’t speak my intentional open thoughts. I was able to speak scripts in context. I still do. The way to communicate intentionally is through building praxis with new neural pathways in creating connections between and the brain and body’s connectivity. Letterboards used teach the brain to outlet communication through the body. Speech is fine motor. spelling to communicate requires gross motor control. Through spelling pathways to communicate are being myelinated. Once the brain is trained to control the body whole body autonomy will be possible. I was never taught how to communicate I was only shown how speaking to communicate was the only way I could show my intelligence. I know now I am able to use letters to spell my thoughts out and prove I am intelligent. Speaking is still an obstacle for me.”

08/28/2025

This is a very real issue within the autistic population. Autistic Catatonia is becoming more common and the more we know about it the more we can learn, understanding, and take appropriate action.

While shutdowns are temporary responses to overload, autism-related catatonia may involve symptoms like motor immobility, mutism, posturing, or inability to eat or move -- signs that can become life-threatening without medical intervention.

08/28/2025

Don’t hesitate! Sign up now!

08/28/2025

Angelo has been communicating through the use of alphabet letterboards for 4 years. He was consider “nonverbal” and cognitively impaired. At age 15 3/4 he was given access to open communication. Angelo spells his thoughts on a letterboard because his brain doesn’t communicate the action of speech to his body effectively. This doesn’t mean Angelo isn’t intelligent, it doesn’t mean Angelo doesn’t have a lot to communicate. What it does mean is by finding open communication for Angelo we are able to expand past just the use of letterboards and focus on building whole body autonomy through innovative approaches, ideas, and practices.

FOLLOW US ON OUR JOURNEY:
Meraki Collective Spellers

08/15/2025

Brain Balance Centers is a huge part of Angelo’s Story and we also found Brain Balance in 2010

Visiting some old friends.

Jakob started going to Brain Balance when they opened their doors in 2010. He’s been back multiple times because it’s just been that good.

Autism, ADD, ADHD and all the other diagnosis’ that affect a child’s ability to learn, or cause them to have issues with social interactions, or “behaviors”.

Most treatments for all of those diagnosis’ and challenges involve medications.

They put a bandaid on it.

The Brain Balance Program addresses the root of the issues. They figure out what’s going on in the brain, then they create a specialized program that addresses each person’s specific imbalances.

It’s so cool.

And it’s made a huge difference for Jakob and his best friend, Andrew too. No doubt about it.

With so many options for interventions, it’s hard to choose which ones to invest in. Whenever I’m asked what I believe has helped Jakob the most, Brain Balance is always on the shortlist.

We stopped in the other day for his one-year post-graduation evaluation. We’ve missed our friend, Sherry (the owner pictured here), and the rest of their cast and crew.

The results were encouraging. Jakob’s brain has continued to grow and change in remarkable ways, which is what happens even after finishing the program.

We have so much to be excited about and grateful for these days. And so many people to thank for getting us here.

That includes our dear friends at the Brain Balance Center of Cincinnati.

We love you!!💙

08/15/2025

Your nonspeaking child doesn’t need you to entertain them all day long. They are able to stimulate their own minds on their own.

08/05/2025

Absolutely A Great Way to make Connections with friends and families

🎉 Planning is underway for the 3rd Annual Spellers Camp — and we want YOU to be part of the magic!

Spellers Camp is a joyful, inclusive weekend for spellers, families, and allies to connect, grow, and celebrate. We're looking for passionate, kind-hearted folks to help us shape another unforgettable experience!

💬 Want to learn more?
Join our Info Session on Zoom
🗓️ Thursday, August 7
🕕 6–7 PM ET
📧 RSVP to [email protected] for the Zoom link

This is a no-pressure session—just come to explore, ask questions, and see if something sparks your interest!

💛 We welcome:
✔️ Adult spellers who want to lead in any way
✔️ Family members and professionals
✔️ Anyone with a heart for inclusion

No experience needed—just bring your passion and collaborative spirit. Let’s make Camp 2025 unforgettable! 🌲✨

07/14/2025

Blazing the Trails 🔥

Hari Srinivasan ’22 is quietly reshaping the way we understand autism, communication, and the brain.

At Berkeley, Hari became one of the first undergraduates with limited spoken language to teach a course on autism. He led student advocacy, wrote for The Daily Cal, and carried out research on awe and empathy as a Haas Scholar. His journey was never about being “inspirational.” It was about being seen as whole.

Now pursuing a PhD in neuroscience at Vanderbilt, Hari studies how autistic brains interact with the world. His research focuses on the invisible “bubble” of space around the body that helps us navigate movement and social cues. He is uncovering how that space works differently in autism, and how that knowledge can drive real-world solutions.

“I’m part of a community that is often left out of the conversation. We need both support for our challenges and opportunities to share our perspectives. Disability Pride is about making room for both.”

This month, Hari is co-leading the UNESCO-funded Amplifying Autistic Wellbeing event in London, bringing together high-support needs autistics from across the globe.
Every action, he says, is a pebble in the pond of change.

🌍 Learn more: amplifyingautisticwellbeing.com

06/29/2025

🕵️‍♂️✨ It’s Time for More Myth Busting! ✨🕵️‍♀️

We’re back with another round of Neurodiversity Myth Busters! We’ll share a few common myths—and now it’s your turn! What’s a myth about neurodiversity you wish more people understood? Drop yours in the comments! Hey, it’s only fair 😄👇

❌ Myth: Neurodiversity only refers to autism.
✅ Fact: Neurodiversity includes a wide range of brain differences, such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette’s, and more—not just autism. 🧠🌈

❌ Myth: Neurodiverse people lack empathy or social skills.
✅ Fact: Neurodiverse individuals may communicate or express emotions differently, but they are just as capable of empathy and connection as anyone else. 💬💖

Let’s keep the conversation going and help spread understanding! What myths do YOU want to bust? 🚀