The Method

S2C is a teaching method that helps nonspeaking, minimally speaking, and unreliably speaking individuals learn to point to letters on a letterboard to communicate. Developed through years of clinical practice, S2C recognizes that the mind and body don't always cooperate — and provides a bridge between intention and expression.

Pointing at letters is not an easy task for those whose bodies seldom obey instructions from the brain. S2C works by strengthening the neural pathways between intention and motor action via repetition and practice.

In S2C sessions, the practitioner teaches the speller to isolate a finger and point to letters on a letterboard. Sessions begin with lessons across academic subjects — science, history, literature, current events — because every speller deserves to be presumed competent and given age-appropriate content. Over time, spellers progress from stencil boards to laminated boards to open communication.

Fine vs Gross Motor

Conventional human communication methods - speech, writing, and typing - all rely heavily on fine motor skills that are typically impaired in nonspeaking people with motor and sensory challenges.

S2C teaches nonspeakers to communicate by pointing at letters on a board, which is a gross motor skill. We believe that all nonspeakers are able and want to learn, whilst the practitioner provides the motor coaching and regulation for learning to happen.

Who It Helps

Spelling to communicate serves non speaking individuals who cannot use speech as an effective and reliable way to communicate. Those individuals often have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, but also Down Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome and other genetic conditions that affect motor motor-sensory skills. We work with all ages above from 5 years old, children, teens, and adults. Many spellers who begin S2C have been underestimated their entire lives — and finally get a way to show the world what they've always known.