Speller Connection

09/04/2026

08/19/2026

Sharing some really exciting news and a link for the application! 📢

For those of you who have been interested in checking out Spelling to Communicate (S2C) for your child (or teen or adult), The National Autism Association has just released a statement that they are now including scholarship money through their Give a Voice program to families that want to access this communication method.

I am a certified S2C practitioner located in Wilmington, NC. Check it out!

ALSO, for those of you who have the ESA+ grant, I am now a vendor. You can have sessions paid for through this option as well.

Feel free to reach out here, by phone, website, or email!

https://nationalautismassociation.org/family-support/programs/naas-give-a-voice-program/

https://nationalautismassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GiveAVoiceApplication0124-S2C-1.pdf

This program provides communication devices to individuals with autism whose communication challenges put them at increased risk of injury or harm.

08/07/2026

Exciting preliminary research regarding nonspeakers was shared this past weekend at the 2026 I-ASC Motormorphosis Conference! I was not able to attend but had to share what I've been hearing.

Exciting emerging science to help give physical proof to those who still struggle to believe that nonspeakers are processing and understanding language regardless of their ability to speak or demonstrate it on the outside.

The researcher states that using functional MRI, she is examining language processing in individuals with non-speaking autism.

"These findings provide some of the first neural evidence that language-selective processing can be detected in this population".

Check out the researcher's full post:

academic portfolio

06/15/2026

After an amendment was made to New York's Communication Bill of Rights, the nonspeaking community raised questions about donations made to Sen. Patricia Fahy’s campaign. NBC News' Vicky Nguyen investigates.

06/15/2026

📣

Not every action reflects a person's thoughts, intentions, or desires.

For many Apraxic and nonspeaking individuals, many behaviors are driven by motor, sensory, emotional, or regulatory challenges rather than purposeful communication.

When a person becomes overwhelmed by sensory input, motor demands, emotions, or cognitive load, the nervous system can become dysregulated.

In these moments, the body may react in ways that appear sudden, impulsive, intense, or confusing. These reactions are often not intentional messages. Instead, they are signs that the nervous system is overwhelmed and struggling to regain regulation.

Understanding this distinction can help us respond with greater empathy, support, and respect.

06/02/2026

WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN?!

Our 2nd Annual Spelling Communication Community Forum was an incredible success!

Our panel of Spellers absolutely knocked it out of the park. A huge shout-out to Adam, Ellsworth, Dylan’s Spelling Journey, , The Peyton Project, and Shane for sharing their experiences and perspectives. Their commitment to advocating for themselves and other nonspeakers is truly inspiring.

We filled the room, sparked meaningful conversations, and connected with several local families who are beginning or continuing their communication journeys.

I am especially grateful to my co-presenter, Olivia Price of Brain2Body Therapy. Her expertise, insight, and partnership were invaluable. Deep thanks as well to ThePeytonProject and Dr. Harum and her team at the Clinic for Special Children for their generous support and sponsorship. Thank you Church of the Servant for providing us with the perfect space to hold our event.
*A special shout out to my mom, Lorraine VanDyne O'Sullivan and friend Tracy who I could not have managed the evening without.

Every nonspeaker deserves access to the communication method that works for them.

If someone you love is nonspeaking—including those who are minimally speaking or unreliably speaking—please reach out. We'd love to connect and help you learn more.

06/01/2026

📣

04/27/2026

CURIOUS ABOUT SPELLING/LETTERBOARD/TYPING COMMUNICATION for your nonspeaker (including minimally and unreliably speaking, nonverbal, preverbal, echolalia, scripting)???

FREE event!

We will have snacks for all and dinner for those who choose to stay for the documentary screening.

Reach out if you have questions or if you'd like to RSVP
419-541-0055
[email protected]