The Excitement of a Real Conversation
by Kellie Roberts
I want to share a conversation that my son, Chad, who is non verbal had. This is a miracle! Something I have waited for all of his life!
Chad is now 18 years old and has had all the therapy I could get for him. We have been blessed by kindness of others who have often offered their services at no cost or reduced cost. I have never given up on him and always believed that he could learn to communicate if it was meaningful for him. I have worked with the best therapist for many years. As a team, we have taught Chad the meaning of communication. He uses a DynaVox MT4 that has worked so well for him.
Recently since Chad turned 18 and we had to go to the Social Security office for paperwork. Chad went in without any issues. This is our first success! Once we signed in and were waiting Chad began to count. Counting helps my son reduce stress. We counted a few times. Then Chad used his device to request fast food. I told him he would have to wait. He told me "No." About that time we were called to the window for our interview.
We sat down and the lady began to ask questions. Using his speech device, Chad told her that "I get mad when I have to wait.” She very calmly told him she was typing as fast as she could. He waited about five seconds and then told her, "Sometimes I yell when I have to wait." Again in a calm voice told him she was trying to hurry. He waited a little bit longer, just seconds and then told her, "I need to count while waiting." She started to count too!!! The whole time telling him she was typing as fast as she could. He then requested fast food again. She started telling him how to get there. Chad waited for a second or two longer and then said, "Waiting stinks man." She responded it sure does. And then we were done. I walked out feeling like I was 10 feet tall. My son who can't speak had a conversation with a total stranger.
Editor’s note: Click here to learn more about Chad.