08/08/2026
We saw the magic that Spellers can produce this summer…this is worth a read!
For years, we could not hear what our daughter knew.
Gabbi was diagnosed with autism at four. Later we learned she also has Apraxia, a condition where the brain struggles to plan and send the correct instructions to the body. Her mind was full. Her mouth could not say it. About 30% of those with
Autism are also diagnosed with Apraxia.
The world often assumes that not speaking means not thinking. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Seven years ago, Gabbi began using Spell to Communicate (S2C), spelling on a letter board, one letter at a time. Twenty six letters gave us our daughter’s voice. We finally knew what she knows, what she wants, and how she feels. And the brilliance inside her took our breath away. 💚
Here is what she and her Speller friends have taught me: we judge competence by how people look or what they do not say. And because of that, many children and adults never get the chance to learn, to grow, or to live life on purpose.
Gabbi’s answer is simple: presume competence.
When we presume someone can learn and grow, we take the time to teach them.
When we presume competence, we believe in a path for their future, and they get the chance to create the life they desire.
Who might you be underestimating today?
PresumeCompetence
