Hi Gregory, Thanks for posting your story. We just discovered Spelling 2 Communicate last year when my husband heard J. B. Handley interviewed in a podcast. Our son is almost 20 and is doing wonderfully so far with spelling. It is hard for him, but he smiles with pride that he is able to communicate with us now, and he adores his S2C practitioner. I loved hearing your story. All the best to you!
Your story reminds me so much of ours. We are 100pct believers in the letter boards. My son is communicating after 14 years of silence. Hope to share with you someday!. BTW when we asked if he wanted to go to space, his answer was similar to yours. He said " No, there are too many things to do here on earth". You are both so totally awesome!!!!
Thank you for the nice message. It is encouraging to hear from people that believe in autistics and our abilities. Tell your son that we are kindred spirits and need to meet someday.
Gregory, I just finished your book, “The Autistic Mind Finally Speaks.” It was so insightful. I recently left nursing because I wanted to work with persons with developmental needs. I started working a fantastic job at a farm and am working with a gentleman who is autistic and non-verbal. This book has been a wealth of information. THANK YOU!!!!!!
Thank you for sharing. We are starting spelling to communicate with my little brother anime it gives me hope that my 19 year old brother one day can one day ( soon) use his voice !!
Gregory, thank you so much for sharing your journey. I've watched and shared this video along with others so many times. I cry every single time I hear your mother's reaction to your first time using the spelling board. We have a trial appointment with our 19 year old son in a few days and I am ready to give him this opportunity and new outlook on life.
Well done Gregory, you have worked so hard to make yourself understood…the world needs more people like you! We all take our ability to talk for granted! Your perseverance is something to be admired 😊
This so beautifully captures our world and the power of unlocking exceptional voices that have been silenced by circumstances. You have inspired and empowered me to work harder to get my voice out more and inspire others. - Lily Sherwood, 19, Nonspeaker
Thank you, Gregory! Your story made me cry tears of joy because I've always believed my non verbal daughter will someday break free from the prison of silence. You've filled me with so much hope for her. Thank you!! ❤️
Learned about Spelling to Communicate from JB Handley and his son, Jamie, when they were featured on The Highwire with Del Bigtree. It has changed how I view people with autism. Your mother's reaction when you were spelling was so beautiful. So happy for you and your family.
I'm SO in awe of your strength and willingness to share your story. I'm so excited about this, I wNt to get trained to help others unlock their voices. Being in the room when a nonverbal autistic person finds their voice would be so rewarding. I'm grateful to have found your channel. Thank you for sharing.
Brilliant. This is joyous. It makes me so happy that you have your voice and we can know your thoughts. I can only imagine the frustration. I've read "Underestimated" as well, and you are all so valued.
Gregory I love your good work, there are very few roles so important! Stay strong, and pray often. My 22yo types too, and now has good quality of life. He learnt to type via FCT and now types with no physical contact Xx
I've been sharing this video and following your blog. Word of mouth is the most powerful way to effect change in societies and human perception. This kind of video is one of the best word of mouth vehicles there is in an internet connected world. Godspeed to the spellerverse and to all non-speakers. And blessings and goodness to you and yours Gregory, you're a shining light.
In school I was held back because of my language disability, processing disability, self care disability, incontinence, behavior, social interaction, repeatitive behaviors, math skills, reading and writing and attention. I have a mild intellectual disability doctors say because of my IQ 88 and adaptive skills. I feel i dont have that diagnosis and my issues are from my adhd and autism and processing, coordination tourettes and communication disability with my autism. My teachers was shocked i was able to pass state tests that they never taught me. I was put in classes way over my head the last 2 years of school. I couldn't learn that high level stuff. You see my splinter abilities with regents classes even though I didn't pass anything. Because i passed some state regents tests like math by luck. They didn't know i needed more help and couldn't handle this. My grade level test shows 6 math, 5 writing, 4 reading level. So my scripting and long term memeory is very good. I just don't know how to use that information or when to use it. I can tell you i take Tylenol every 8 hours. I just cant use that information and read time is not something i can do or respond to alarms.
Thank you for sharing your story, Greg. My one criticism is that you called yourself a boy throughout. I was waiting for the moment you called yourself a man, because all the work you have done, and what I saw in this video of self respect and respect for your family.... you are a man. I am happy to meet you through this video. I hope to become trained in spelling to communicate, either for a profession or just to share it with others who may not be aware of the adaption option for non speakers. I also thought it may be a good tool for people who have had strokes and were unable to get their words back. I would love to see spelling boards in public places on walls to make it easy for spellers to communicate with any one. Perhaps multiple versions for the different stages. (spelling board up to iPads) I have thought of an invention for a spelling board that has sensors. It would sense the pencil tip and write out the letter automatically. The only thing is if a wrong letter is selected, how to catch it and reverse it without creating too much of a pause while in the middle of a conversation. Anyway, thank you for sharing your story. I will share it with others. 5,000 "likes" will change the RUclips algorithm to share your video with more people. I first learned about spelling to communicate through The Highwire with Del Bigtree. I had worked with an autistic student who was only 11 at the time. Had I known about spelling to communicate, I would have pushed the school to find a way to train their staff to use the program. Of coarse, that was 22 years ago. I remember people telling me my student was only 3 months old mentally. I never agreed, but have nothing to confront the idea with, because he wasn't able to physically display what he knew. I miss him so much. He is a man now, and I don't know where he is. I wish I could have known this information when I had the ability to work with him. It breaks my heart to think of him unable to communicate and experience the world without having a chance to give his own perspective. There were a few people, I'm sure, he could have spoken against and moved them to a new career path. I guess that is why I want to learn it and make sure that spelling to communicate is considered just as important as braille, especially with an estimated 1 out of every 30 boys being diagnosed with Autism now. (I home educate right now...so I will have to wait until my children are done with school. and will have to be content with learning small snippets at a time for now.) I do recommend a heavy metal test for aluminum and a focus on anti inflammatory diet. But I'm sure you already know that already through your travels of discovery.
Oh my gosh, this is incredible. I cried when the mom cried, bc I know how she feels, just not to the same extent bc my son is just 4.5 yrs old so far. He’s been labeled as “level 3”, non-verbal & was also diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay. (I’m sorry if saying “level 3” is not how autistics would prefer to be labeled or whatever. Please let me know how I can explain it in a better way if it’s not preferred.) Although, I’m not sure if it’s still considered non-verbal if he babbles to himself a good portion of the day? He can and does say words repeatedly that he likes/has learned, due to being a GLP. As well as words that I can’t understand but are clearly something he’s wanting… and then of course sounds in general like train horns. Is that then considered non-speaking, non-verbal or something else? He did lose his first 6 words right before his autism seemed to start being more pronounced at about 18 months. Will learn and lose many words he repeats. Anyway… I am so so very happy that Gregory was able to finally find his voice and be able to communicate!!! How amazing that must have felt for him, and his parents too after so many years of struggles with it. Someone sent me a link to this video bc I had said something in a comment on Facebook about how I didn’t think my son really understood his/or anyone’s birthdays, bc he never seemed to acknowledge it in any kind of way or show any sort of excitement or anything. She told me to always presume competence (which I normally do!) But then said this video helped change how he thought of her own son who is the same age as mine and also “level 3.” She wasn’t sure if he was understanding much or was “in there” (his brain.) Didn’t help that Drs. told her he basically wasn’t… But she said after watching this it made her realize how much more he understands and gave her so much more hope and encouragement for his future. This was so touching and I’m so happy for you Mr. Gregory for also achieving all those amazing accomplishments you have, and for wanting to be a voice for others. This really was so helpful (& touching!) 🫶🏼
It's probably better to put the letterboard in a solid frame instead of in the hand of someone else. Then there's no influence of another person in his communication. Just give the man a iPad and let him talk independently?
I am Gregory's mom and communication partner. There is a progression of skills with this method. This video was done years ago when he was in a different part of his journey with learning to communicate. He is now able to type on a keyboard that is placed on a stand. It has taken him years to get to that point and it is continuing to get better and he is able to type for longer periods of time. It is HIS communication whether it is on the letterboard or on a keyboard...either on a stand or held perfectly still by the communication partner.
@@lindatino4288 I'm sincerely glad with that progress of your son! My reply was based on a lot of cases where facilitated communication went wrong, with false expectations and allegations as a result. In your case you've been giving him type-lessons, and it's great that it worked out well and he can communicate independently now!
The story of Gregory was touching. I watched with tears of joy in my eyes. May I suggest looking into Ky Dickens recent podcast and research into Non Speaking Spellers. It is truely world changing.
@@biodivers5294 Independent typing on a keyboard is the hoped for end goal of anyone learning this method. But there are many spellers with very severe apraxia that may never be able to accomplish that. There are so many skeptics out there who are now not willing to believe any speller unless they are typing totally independently with the keyboard on a stand and that is very unfortunate. There are so many voices out there to be heard. Please keep your mind open to those who spell on a letterboard with a trained practitioner or parent who holds the board perfectly still and who is trained to follow the important steps to avoid influencing the speller at all. Those spellers have worked harder than you will ever know to be able to express themselves.
Hi Gregory, Thanks for posting your story. We just discovered Spelling 2 Communicate last year when my husband heard J. B. Handley interviewed in a podcast. Our son is almost 20 and is doing wonderfully so far with spelling. It is hard for him, but he smiles with pride that he is able to communicate with us now, and he adores his S2C practitioner. I loved hearing your story. All the best to you!
Your story reminds me so much of ours. We are 100pct believers in the letter boards. My son is communicating after 14 years of silence. Hope to share with you someday!. BTW when we asked if he wanted to go to space, his answer was similar to yours. He said " No, there are too many things to do here on earth". You are both so totally awesome!!!!
Thank you for the nice message. It is encouraging to hear from people that believe in autistics and our abilities. Tell your son that we are kindred spirits and need to meet someday.
Gregory, I just finished your book, “The Autistic Mind Finally Speaks.” It was so insightful. I recently left nursing because I wanted to work with persons with developmental needs. I started working a fantastic job at a farm and am working with a gentleman who is autistic and non-verbal. This book has been a wealth of information. THANK YOU!!!!!!
Thank you for sharing. We are starting spelling to communicate with my little brother anime it gives me hope that my 19 year old brother one day can one day ( soon) use his voice !!
Thank you, Gregory. Your story gives me so much hope that I will one day hear my son’s voice in this way.
I think you have plenty of reason to have hope! Always believe in your son's abilities and give him an opportunity
Gregory, thank you so much for sharing your journey. I've watched and shared this video along with others so many times. I cry every single time I hear your mother's reaction to your first time using the spelling board. We have a trial appointment with our 19 year old son in a few days and I am ready to give him this opportunity and new outlook on life.
Thank you Gregory for your voice. While it may not be a traditional voice, it is STILL A VOICE. You are being listened to!
Well done Gregory, you have worked so hard to make yourself understood…the world needs more people like you!
We all take our ability to talk for granted!
Your perseverance is something to be admired 😊
This so beautifully captures our world and the power of unlocking exceptional voices that have been silenced by circumstances. You have inspired and empowered me to work harder to get my voice out more and inspire others. - Lily Sherwood, 19, Nonspeaker
Thank you, Gregory! Your story made me cry tears of joy because I've always believed my non verbal daughter will someday break free from the prison of silence. You've filled me with so much hope for her. Thank you!! ❤️
This is so beautiful! I wish more Autistic people were given a way to communicate earlier in life!!!
Learned about Spelling to Communicate from JB Handley and his son, Jamie, when they were featured on The Highwire with Del Bigtree. It has changed how I view people with autism. Your mother's reaction when you were spelling was so beautiful. So happy for you and your family.
I'm SO in awe of your strength and willingness to share your story. I'm so excited about this, I wNt to get trained to help others unlock their voices. Being in the room when a nonverbal autistic person finds their voice would be so rewarding. I'm grateful to have found your channel. Thank you for sharing.
What an incredible story, Gregory! Thank you for sharing!! Your story made me cry tears of joy! 😊
I am so glad you liked it Anita! Autism and I are so lucky I have such a wonderful and loving family.
Brilliant. This is joyous. It makes me so happy that you have your voice and we can know your thoughts. I can only imagine the frustration. I've read "Underestimated" as well, and you are all so valued.
Thank you for sharing this video. My 16 year old son Aidan recently started spelling. I can't wait to hear his own thoughts soon! God bless you.
You are amazing Gregory!!! Thank you so much for sharing your story for others to hear!
Thanks for the kind words.
Gregory I love your good work, there are very few roles so important! Stay strong, and pray often. My 22yo types too, and now has good quality of life. He learnt to type via FCT and now types with no physical contact Xx
I've been sharing this video and following your blog. Word of mouth is the most powerful way to effect change in societies and human perception. This kind of video is one of the best word of mouth vehicles there is in an internet connected world. Godspeed to the spellerverse and to all non-speakers. And blessings and goodness to you and yours Gregory, you're a shining light.
Thank you for your video Gregory! I love it so much.
Tyna I am so glad you liked it!
In school I was held back because of my language disability, processing disability, self care disability, incontinence, behavior, social interaction, repeatitive behaviors, math skills, reading and writing and attention.
I have a mild intellectual disability doctors say because of my IQ 88 and adaptive skills.
I feel i dont have that diagnosis and my issues are from my adhd and autism and processing, coordination tourettes and communication disability with my autism.
My teachers was shocked i was able to pass state tests that they never taught me. I was put in classes way over my head the last 2 years of school. I couldn't learn that high level stuff. You see my splinter abilities with regents classes even though I didn't pass anything. Because i passed some state regents tests like math by luck. They didn't know i needed more help and couldn't handle this. My grade level test shows 6 math, 5 writing, 4 reading level. So my scripting and long term memeory is very good. I just don't know how to use that information or when to use it. I can tell you i take Tylenol every 8 hours. I just cant use that information and read time is not something i can do or respond to alarms.
Thanks for this " so needed " video. ❤
Love you bro, courageous young man!
Great video. I also use a letter board, I do RPM. Your story is inspiring.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Blessings to this family 🙏
Thank you for sharing your story, Greg. My one criticism is that you called yourself a boy throughout. I was waiting for the moment you called yourself a man, because all the work you have done, and what I saw in this video of self respect and respect for your family.... you are a man. I am happy to meet you through this video. I hope to become trained in spelling to communicate, either for a profession or just to share it with others who may not be aware of the adaption option for non speakers. I also thought it may be a good tool for people who have had strokes and were unable to get their words back. I would love to see spelling boards in public places on walls to make it easy for spellers to communicate with any one. Perhaps multiple versions for the different stages. (spelling board up to iPads) I have thought of an invention for a spelling board that has sensors. It would sense the pencil tip and write out the letter automatically. The only thing is if a wrong letter is selected, how to catch it and reverse it without creating too much of a pause while in the middle of a conversation.
Anyway, thank you for sharing your story. I will share it with others.
5,000 "likes" will change the RUclips algorithm to share your video with more people.
I first learned about spelling to communicate through The Highwire with Del Bigtree.
I had worked with an autistic student who was only 11 at the time. Had I known about spelling to communicate, I would have pushed the school to find a way to train their staff to use the program. Of coarse, that was 22 years ago. I remember people telling me my student was only 3 months old mentally. I never agreed, but have nothing to confront the idea with, because he wasn't able to physically display what he knew. I miss him so much. He is a man now, and I don't know where he is. I wish I could have known this information when I had the ability to work with him. It breaks my heart to think of him unable to communicate and experience the world without having a chance to give his own perspective. There were a few people, I'm sure, he could have spoken against and moved them to a new career path. I guess that is why I want to learn it and make sure that spelling to communicate is considered just as important as braille, especially with an estimated 1 out of every 30 boys being diagnosed with Autism now. (I home educate right now...so I will have to wait until my children are done with school. and will have to be content with learning small snippets at a time for now.)
I do recommend a heavy metal test for aluminum and a focus on anti inflammatory diet. But I'm sure you already know that already through your travels of discovery.
This may have just saved my life from my own hand. I have not felt hope in so many years.
Oh my gosh, this is incredible. I cried when the mom cried, bc I know how she feels, just not to the same extent bc my son is just 4.5 yrs old so far. He’s been labeled as “level 3”, non-verbal & was also diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay.
(I’m sorry if saying “level 3” is not how autistics would prefer to be labeled or whatever. Please let me know how I can explain it in a better way if it’s not preferred.) Although, I’m not sure if it’s still considered non-verbal if he babbles to himself a good portion of the day? He can and does say words repeatedly that he likes/has learned, due to being a GLP. As well as words that I can’t understand but are clearly something he’s wanting… and then of course sounds in general like train horns. Is that then considered non-speaking, non-verbal or something else? He did lose his first 6 words right before his autism seemed to start being more pronounced at about 18 months. Will learn and lose many words he repeats. Anyway… I am so so very happy that Gregory was able to finally find his voice and be able to communicate!!! How amazing that must have felt for him, and his parents too after so many years of struggles with it. Someone sent me a link to this video bc I had said something in a comment on Facebook about how I didn’t think my son really understood his/or anyone’s birthdays, bc he never seemed to acknowledge it in any kind of way or show any sort of excitement or anything. She told me to always presume competence (which I normally do!) But then said this video helped change how he thought of her own son who is the same age as mine and also “level 3.” She wasn’t sure if he was understanding much or was “in there” (his brain.) Didn’t help that Drs. told her he basically wasn’t… But she said after watching this it made her realize how much more he understands and gave her so much more hope and encouragement for his future. This was so touching and I’m so happy for you Mr. Gregory for also achieving all those amazing accomplishments you have, and for wanting to be a voice for others. This really was so helpful (& touching!) 🫶🏼
Thanks Gregory. We are on this journey too. Luke and Mum, Susan
Thank you so much
♥️ 🎉
Nice
❤❤❤❤🤧🤧🤧🤧
Autism is so unfair in the World
It's probably better to put the letterboard in a solid frame instead of in the hand of someone else. Then there's no influence of another person in his communication.
Just give the man a iPad and let him talk independently?
I am Gregory's mom and communication partner. There is a progression of skills with this method. This video was done years ago when he was in a different part of his journey with learning to communicate. He is now able to type on a keyboard that is placed on a stand. It has taken him years to get to that point and it is continuing to get better and he is able to type for longer periods of time. It is HIS communication whether it is on the letterboard or on a keyboard...either on a stand or held perfectly still by the communication partner.
@@lindatino4288 I'm sincerely glad with that progress of your son! My reply was based on a lot of cases where facilitated communication went wrong, with false expectations and allegations as a result.
In your case you've been giving him type-lessons, and it's great that it worked out well and he can communicate independently now!
The story of Gregory was touching. I watched with tears of joy in my eyes. May I suggest looking into Ky Dickens recent podcast and research into Non Speaking Spellers. It is truely world changing.
@@biodivers5294 Independent typing on a keyboard is the hoped for end goal of anyone learning this method. But there are many spellers with very severe apraxia that may never be able to accomplish that. There are so many skeptics out there who are now not willing to believe any speller unless they are typing totally independently with the keyboard on a stand and that is very unfortunate. There are so many voices out there to be heard. Please keep your mind open to those who spell on a letterboard with a trained practitioner or parent who holds the board perfectly still and who is trained to follow the important steps to avoid influencing the speller at all. Those spellers have worked harder than you will ever know to be able to express themselves.
Gregory Cre tino