Literacy is a human right

Most nonverbal students already know how to read several words, even if they lack the ability to show it academically.

Expressive language skills are severely compromised in students with nonverbal autism. Apraxia affects more than just spoken language; all forms of expressive communication can be difficult. It's a limiting disability, no doubt about it.

However, many nonverbal students also have age appropriate receptive language skills. And they have normal or above average intelligence. 

How do we know this? After all, it goes against what experts tell parents every day, that their child is intellectually disabled and there's little hope for improvement.

Well, for one thing, most families have a story that goes something like this: The student can't learn to communicate using AAC beyond simple one word requests, yet this same child regularly figures out the new iPad talker lock password and uses YouTube's search function to find the violent videos they're not allowed to watch.

Don't tell me they can't learn to read and communicate. They can. I see it every day. So do you.

Researchers at the University of Quebec tested 30 nonverbal children who attended school in isolated classrooms for the severely disabled. They had failed previous language-based intelligence tests. However, when given alternative testing, 87% of them scored in the normal to near normal range as compared to neurotypical peers. On some tests, like those requiring pattern recognition, they outscored their neurotypical peers across the board.

If you feel your child is being underestimated, I encourage you to learn more about Nonverbal Autism Homeschool. It's the only program of its kind that goes hard on foundational skills like reading and expressive communication while also respecting nonverbal students' age appropriate intellectual development. 

Whether you choose my program or something else, please be brave enough to try something. Act on that hunch that your child is capable of more. There's an 87% chance you're right and it's the right thing to do.