Spelling to Communicate: When Speech Isn't the Measure | Non-Speaking Autistic Perspectives

Non-speaking autistic spellers share their lived experience of communication, autonomy, and intelligence—challenging assumptions and redefining what access, education, and inclusion should look like. Guests Anna Lechleiter — Spell to Communicate practitioner; communication regulation partner supporting non-speaking spellers in Ireland Adrienne Murphy — Advocate and parent; early adopter of spelling-based communication in Ireland Max Whelan (24) — Non-speaking speller; writer and creative Sam Saibu (19) — Non-speaking speller; advocate for access and education Fallon Loftus (15) — Non-speaking speller; student advocating for educational inclusion Host: Michele Van Valey • Producer: Ian Lawton What we cover What Spelling to Communicate (S2C) is: A motor-based approach that teaches pointing accuracy to access language via letterboards Motor vs. cognition: Why many non-speakers are misdiagnosed as intellectually disabled due to motor challenges, not lack of understanding Lived experience: Direct communication from spellers on identity, frustration, autonomy, and being misunderstood Education barriers: Denial of appropriate learning opportunities despite demonstrated intelligence Human rights: Communication as a legal and moral right under disability frameworks Controversy and resistance: Ongoing debate around evidence, gatekeeping, and institutional reluctance Regulation and support: The role of the communication regulation partner (CRP) and sensory needs in enabling communication Practical takeaways Presume competence: Lack of speech is not lack of intelligence Allow processing time: Silence often reflects thinking, not inability Prioritise access to communication: It is foundational, not optional Understand motor differences: Communication may require physical support and positioning Listen directly to non-speakers: Their perspectives challenge dominant assumptions Support autonomy: Choice, education, and self-direction must be enabled Suggested chapters 00:00 Introduction to Spelling to Communicate 06:30 Keev's story and early breakthroughs 14:00 Communication as a human right 20:00 Barriers, skepticism, and systemic resistance 27:30 Meeting the spellers 30:00 Max: Being perceived as intellectually disabled 40:30 Fallon: Education and unseen intelligence 52:30 Sam: A message to the world 01:04:00 Independence, support, and inclusion 01:08:00 Advice for non-speaking individuals 01:13:00 Closing reflections Key quotes "The worst thing was being perceived as being intellectually disabled." — Max "I am smart. It's not observable, but that is the same with everyone." — Fallon "The world needs to catch up." — Sam "We need access to the same things as our peers." — Sam "We have their backs and we are going to change the world." — Max Resources mentioned (for show page) Spelling to Communicate (S2C) methodology International Association for Spelling as Communication UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act (Ireland) The Reason I Jump — Naoki Higashida Credits Recording: Neuroconvergence Podcast Guests: Anna Lechleiter, Adrienne Murphy, Max Whelan, Sam Saibu, Fallon Loftus • Host: Michele Van Valey • Production: Ian Lawton Content warnings References to systemic exclusion, misdiagnosis, and barriers to communication and education Producers NoteA video version of this podcast will be made available in due course. Meanwhile, pay attention to what is being said by our guests in this episode, not on how it is being said. Thank you for actually listening.