This is a spellchat conversation I had with my Dad while travelling North America recently. I hope you like it.
Dad: "Do you prefer using a letterboard or picture-based communication system? "
Spelled by Patrick on his letterboard: "A letterboard allows me to communicate all of my thoughts, needs and wants. A picture based communication system is frustrating as not all of my thoughts are present in pictures causing more behaviour. I need all letters of the alphabet to feel loved, connected, embraced and empowered. When I use a letterboard my life has meaning, and I have hope for my future. An alphabet gives me a voice with spelled words, and I can participate and live a meaningful life where I have agency, autonomy and people in my life that care about me. A picture based communication system only gives me a few options and I may not need or want any of them. This can cause me huge distress and create problems for me and you. A letterboard helps overcome problems before they arise and helps me feel listened to, safe and presumed competent".Â
Dad: "That’s a brilliant piece of spelling [writing] Patrick".
Spelled by Patrick on his letterboard: "Yes I know because I have had a long time to think about this in silence and prepare my thoughts".
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