It is my greatest hope that Evie will find a way, with our help, to communicate. I often hear things like, “It is so sad that Autistic children can’t tell their parents that they love them.”
Actually, more often I hear parents say, “I want my child to be able to tell me that he loves me.”
When I think about Evie’s communication, that’s just about the furthest thing from my mind.
I want to hear that her tummy hurts.
I want to hear that she wants a glass of water.
I want to hear that she is hungry.
I want to hear the things that make her happy, scared, sad, angry, frustrated, tired.
I mean “hear” figuratively, not literally. I do not care if she speaks or points to a picture or clicks an icon on her ipad or types.
I want communication for Evie.
I want to stop guessing at what she needs and thinks so that I can answer her needs.
Communication will make Evie safer.
I want Evie to be safe.
I don’t want Evie to communicate to stroke my ego or to make me feel better.
I need Evie to feel better. To feel safe.
love explosions 
Well said. I don’t need to ‘hear’ my son say that he loves me. I know that he does!
Thank you Cathy!
It will happen, Beth. Some day the communication will come and you will hear her.
Thanks Amanda!
This is why you are the most awesome. Also, you will hear sooner because you can “hear” a far wider range of stuff being so open and having such a pure agenda. Love.
Thanks Ib! Love you 🙂
Yes! Beth I agree with you so much. This is what I want for my boys also. I’m planning a blog post (you know how long it takes me to write!) on AAC and I found this fantastic video which, in less than a minute, demonstrates why our kids’ right to communicate is so important. http://youtu.be/QqfVAPuGzpI
I can’t wait to read your post Deanne. Thank you for sharing this important link.
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