Freeing the Mind: A Nonspeaking Autistic’s Case for Presuming Competence

• By: Elsa Jean Pace Nonspeaking Autistic Self-Advocate
• July 9th, 2026
• aac communication, apraxia, autism education, autistic self-advocacy, letter board, motor planning, nonspeaking autistic, presuming competence, Summer 2026 Issue
• 169    0

Many nonspeakers are still locked in the prison of their own mind. Nonspeakers are underestimated because our bodies and brains are disconnected. Our minds work, but not with our body, so people conclude we are unintelligent. Apraxia is not well understood by parents, teachers, therapists, and the...

My Journey to Independent Typing: One Autistic Nonspeaker’s Story

• By: Gregory C. Tino Non-Speaking Autistic Self-Advocate
• July 9th, 2026
• apraxia, assistive communication, autistic self-advocacy, communication support, independent typing, letterboard communication, nonspeaking autism, spelling to communicate, Summer 2026 Issue
• 59    0

Each autistic nonspeaker I know is trying to become independent with their communication. Of course. Why wouldn't we? If you have something to say, you want to be able to do it without help. Typing seems to be the holy grail for most. Why? Because the sad but true fact is that the...

Breaking My 33-Year Silence: Living with Autism and Finding Acceptance

• By: Brendan Tighe Advocate for Neurodiversity and Self-Acceptance
• April 2nd, 2025
• autism acceptance, autistic self-advocacy, diagnosis, education, inclusion, mental health, neurodiversity, stigma
• 4386    0

As we celebrate World Autism Awareness/Acceptance Day, I feel compelled to share a story I have kept private for thirty-three years—not just to raise awareness but to advocate for a world that respects neurodiversity. For most of my life, I have witnessed others define autism from the outside...