Testimonials

Jenny

Mother of Open Speller Stella (15 years old)

"For 13 years, my husband and I tried every therapy available to give our 13 year old daughter with autism the best life possible. One year ago, someone sent me a link to the Spellers movie. After watching it, I immediately started researching S2C, Spelling To Communicate. I was filled with hope that this would set Stella free. We asked our long time nanny Kara to enroll in the S2C training and began daily lessons with Stella. Six months later, Stella answered her first “open” question - what college would you like to go to? She spelled “Louisiana State University.” My husband has teased our three children for years that the only college he will pay for is LSU, his alma mater. Our minds were blown, especially when she could have simply typed LSU instead of the full name of the university. I hope parents of non-speaking children will take a chance and try S2C. It is now my purpose to help families learn about S2C and get to know their children. The miracle is real. "

Stella, what is something you wish more people knew about you? I AM SMART AND WORTHY OF COMMUNICATION!

(Picture is of Stella and her mom)

Tasha

Mother of Speller Chloe (18 years old)

"When Chloe was around five we were being told she was essentially non verbal. One day as a family we were hiking and I was discussing with her father how disconnected and varied her language abilities were each day. Chloe overheard this. She stopped dead in her track and pointed at a bird and loudly said, "Look at the Raven. It's a raven!" We were blown away. She wanted us to know it was all in there. From that moment on, we have always presumed competence and have searched for ways for her to express herself. Spelling programs have given us another method to peel back the layers and get an opportunity to know Chloe and "hear" her voice."

(Picture of Chloe)

Rae

26 year old open speller

Life before spelling felt so lonely, isolating, and I was misunderstood. People assumed I did not understand and spoke about me instead of addressing me. Not being able to speak up about what I knew felt so maddening. During my school years, it was a terrifying feeling having my voice not be heard. I was not provided with age appropriate content, therefore my education was very limited. I learned to read, write, do math, and other basic skills on my own. People may not know this about me unless I reacted in frustration.

When others presume competence, I feel seen as a contributing member of society. All non speakers are capable of learning, are intelligent, and have the capacity to live full lives.  

My future looks so bright because I can communicate. My goals include, but are not limited to; pursuing an education in the field of psychology, advocacy, and one day marrying the love of my life.   

After finding S2C, my entire world has changed. Now, I am able to share my thoughts, speak up, and advocate for all non-speakers whom are still trapped in silence.  

(Picture is of Rae)

*This was spelled letter by letter, word by word by Rae

Stella

15 Year old Open Speller

What was life like before spelling?

IT WAS SO ISOLATING AND PEOPLE TREATED ME LIKE A TODDLER. I JUST WANTED TO BE FREE AND SHOW THE WORLD I AM IN HERE. I DIDN’T KNOW IF MY VOICE WOULD EVER BE HEARD.

What is life like after?

I AM ACCOMPLISHING SO MANY OF MY DREAMS. I AM FREE TO SHOW THE WORLD THE TRUE ME. PEOPLE TREAT ME LIKE MY AGE. I AM SO LUCKY TO HAVE PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE IN ME. I DREAMED OF THIS DAY.

(Picture of Stella)

*This was spelled letter by letter and word by word by Stella

Lisa

Mother of Speller Jake (25 Years Old)

Jake is an active, 25 year old young man who enjoys nature hikes, the great outdoors, researching animals to draw, reading, singing, music and spelling.

He spoke about 20 words by age 12 months old, but unfortunately suffered a significant medical event with subsequent regression and lost the speech he had developed. His parents enrolled him in multiple early intervention therapies including speech, OT, PT, ABA, VBA, Floor-time and play therapies, but he still wasn’t able to communicate. At age 8, he began spelling at the HALO center in Austin using RPM. He also began an in depth personalized protocol with his physician, a neuroimmune specialist, to help him with underlying medical symptoms that other doctors had missed.

In 2009-2010, he began singing lyrics to songs with his music therapist, and then speaking words and eventually sentences with his RPM practitioners. At this time, they recommended that Jake continue speaking verbally and cease RPM.

Although Jake has been a verbal communicator since age 8, he has struggled with apraxia, social communication and expressing emotions. In 2023 and 2025, he suffered significant losses in his life losing his grandmother and his father. He was grieving, frustrated and unable to express his emotions.

A family friend recommended that Jake consider spelling again, and he began S2C sessions with Kara in Sept 2025.

It’s a misconception that individuals who already have verbal speech can’t benefit from S2C. It has truly helped Jake with his grief journey, apraxia and emotional regulation. He looks forward to each session with his trusted CRP, Kara, who helps him with his communication goals and presumes competence.  Jake wants everyone to know that non-speaking/ partial speaking individuals are intelligent and capable, needing only to develop the necessary motor skills for communication.

(Picture is of Jake and his mom Lisa)

Raina

Mother of speller Abraham (8 Years Old)

My son Abraham and I have been working with Kara since early January 2026. She has been so supportive and encouraging to us both as we start this new chapter with S2C. Thanks to her services, her resources she's provided, and help in connecting with other spelling families our lives are definitely changing for the better.

‍I never knew the depths to which Abe was able to think and solve problems because his speech was not reliable. Now, with Kara's lead, we presume competence with him and he is a much happier boy. My relationship with him is so much better. Its not perfect, but I no longer dread the day with him. Presuming competence and understanding whole body apraxia has helped with my stress levels and anger issues by looking at things with a fresh perspective and more compassion for his challenges.

In addition to Kara seeing him once per week I also spell with Abe 4-6 days per week on my own for 20-30 min per session. We are putting in the work because we are dedicated to getting him to the level of open communication. He has already made notable progress but the best thing for me is to see is how motivated he is to spell with me every session. He finally feels seen for his intelligence which I'm sure he's relieved to experience. For the 2 years that he was in an intensive ABA program, his therapists never presumed competence and that eventually became increasingly frustrating for him. We stopped ABA services in December last year. We are using an alternative approach to challenging behaviors including motor coaching, regulating tasks, daily exercise, a good diet, and good sleep.

We could not be happier with our situation with Kara. We feel especially blessed to have her in our corner and having a new way to communicate with Abe. I want to encourage other families to proceed with working with her. It will be worth the effort!!

Thank you Kara! God bless your efforts and your amazing heart!

Raina Camara

(Picture of Abraham and his mom)