Why Spelling to Communicate (S2C)?

Many nonspeaking and unreliably speaking individuals experience apraxia, a motor planning difference that can make it difficult to reliably initiate, control, and coordinate purposeful movements for speech and other motor tasks. As a result, a person's ability to speak may not accurately reflect their understanding or what they want to communicate.

S2C is designed to teach the purposeful motor skills needed for reliable communication through spelling. During instruction, practitioners provide structured, individualized support while balancing both motor and cognitive demands.

The motor component begins with larger letterboards that require broader, more accessible movements. As motor control, accuracy, and confidence improve, spellers gradually progress to boards requiring increasingly refined motor skills.

At the same time, the cognitive demands of each session grow alongside the speller's progress. Lessons begin with age-respectful educational content and structured questions, then gradually advance to more complex responses, including open-ended questions, personal opinions, and creative expression.

By systematically developing motor skills while engaging the speller in meaningful, age-appropriate learning, S2C aims to support increasingly accurate, independent, and self-directed communication over time.

Does my loved one need to demonstrate specific skills before starting S2C?

No. S2C is based on the principle of presuming competence, which means approaching every individual with the belief that they are capable of learning, thinking, understanding, and communicating, even when they may not yet have a reliable way to show what they know.

There are no prerequisite communication or academic skills required to begin S2C. Many nonspeaking and unreliably speaking individuals experience challenges with motor planning, which can make it difficult for their bodies to consistently carry out the movements needed to communicate. Because of this, a person’s current ability to speak, point, type, or respond does not always reflect their true understanding, thoughts, or abilities.

What age can my loved one begin S2C?

S2C is available for nonspeaking, minimally speaking, and unreliably speaking individuals ages 5 and older. Every session is tailored to the individual's unique strengths and supports their needs to foster meaningful communication.

What does a typical S2C session look like?

Each S2C session is individualized to meet the unique needs of the speller. Using age-appropriate lessons and guided practice, sessions focus on developing purposeful motor skills, strengthening communication accuracy, and building confidence through spelling. As motor skills improve, instruction is adjusted to support increasingly independent communication.

Where are services offered?

Speak Unique currently offers in-home S2C services throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Contact me to learn more about availability in your area.