Keys 2 Communicate

Their brains are hungry. Feed them!

For non-speakers and minimally speaking individuals, cognitive stimulation isn’t overwhelming—it’s regulating.

But so many are drastically underestimated. Which means school often doesn’t give them the kind of input their minds are craving.

Here are 3 simple ways to feed the brain:

A. Listen
Play age-respectful audiobooks and podcasts in the background.
It doesn’t need to be a “thing.” Just let it play quietly like white noise for the brain.
Listening doesn’t have a look, so even if it looks like they’re not paying attention or listening - they are! It can be so regulating to have that continuous cognitive input flowing.

B. Read
Books written by non-speaking authors are powerful and often deeply moving. Some of our favorites:

1. Lights in the Darkness (Anthology)
https://a.co/d/iI2YvR8

2. The Autistic Mind Finally Speaks by Gregory C. Tino
https://a.co/d/bcJBvlO

3. Leaders Around Me (by a group of spellers/typers)
https://a.co/d/9DyMtw3

4. Underestimated by J.B. Handley & Jamie Handley
https://a.co/d/eGfGK7D

C. Speak Respectfully
Talk to them like you would anyone else their age.
If you wouldn’t say it to a neurotypical 15-year-old, don’t say it to a 15-year-old speller. That goes for any age.

They’re listening. They’re thinking. Let’s give them more.

October is AAC Awareness Month!

At I-ASC, we celebrate the power of communication for EVERYONE. Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) is more than just a tool – it’s a lifeline for nonspeaking individuals to share their thoughts, ideas, and dreams with the world.

Every voice matters, and we’re committed to breaking down barriers, spreading awareness, and empowering the AAC community to express themselves without limits. Whether it's through spelling, typing, or using a device, communication is a fundamental human right that everyone deserves!

Image description: Text reads "communication is a fundamental right". Surrounding the text is a stencil board, laminate letter board, pencil, facial expressions, an eye gaze device, tablet, phone, keyboard and a button.