161 Empowering Connections: Navigating Letter Boards, Presence, and Co-Regulation with Changemaker Dawnmarie Gaivin

In this episode, I talk to Dawnmarie Gaivin, a powerhouse in the world of spelled communication, about her journey raising two remarkable sons with autism and their path to becoming skilled communicators. Dawnmarie, or DM as many know her, opens up about her journey in parenting—and ultimately advocating for—her sons. DM talks about presuming competence, we dive into her work with Spellers, and she reflects on the importance of recalibrating ourselves in the face of setbacks, trusting your instincts, and keeping the bigger vision in mind. She reminds us that no matter how challenging the journey may feel, staying grounded can make all the difference.  Spelled Communication, she tells us, is much more than a method; it's a path to connection for individuals who've faced incredible communication barriers. We talk about how co-regulation, staying attuned to our kids' sensory needs, and creating an environment of trust can help unlock their potential.    Key Takeaways: How to recalibrate your expectations as a parent What mindfulness and being present brings us The critical importance of patience in letterboarding techniques. What it means to presume competence Get In Touch: 👉Learn more about the Speller Center: https://spellers.com/ 👉Watch the Spellers Documentary: www.spellersthemovie.com 👉Explore more ways for your child to thrive: https://www.drvaishsarathy.com/nonlineareducation