The Gift of Reconnecting: What Nonspeaking Students Teach Us About Communication and Inclusion

A Classroom Memory that Changed Everything: A Journey of Understanding and Growth

About thirty years ago, I stood in front of my first 6th-grade class. I was filled with nerves, excitement, and hope. Among my students was a quiet boy named Jeremy, who had autism. Back then, our understanding of autism was limited— to put it kindly. To be blunt, it was just plain wrong.

Like many teachers, I was doing my best. I used the tools and strategies we had for supporting neurodivergent students. I felt a deep desire to reach Jeremy and all of my students. Yet, I had lingering uncertainty: Was I doing enough? Did my students feel seen? How could I provide an inclusive and rigorous education for all these 6th graders?

A New Way of Seeing Communication: Embracing Change

Fast forward to today. Luckily, communication instruction looks completely different, especially at Reach Every Voice.

Thanks to our nonspeaking students, we now understand apraxia, the brain-body disconnect, and, perhaps most importantly, we presume complete competence in all our students. We no longer assume that silence means a lack of understanding. We also don’t assume that all speech is reliable. The way the body appears to move is not necessarily meaningful or purposeful.

Instead, we look for alternative—and intentional—ways to connect. We use AAC devices and letterboards, and we practice more patience, understanding, and compassionate listening.

It’s humbling to think about how much Jeremy had inside him back then that we, his teachers, certainly missed. It’s emotional to consider how the world limited him before it learned how to listen.

Anne and Jeremy working together in their weekly 1:1 session. They are sitting together at a desk with their backs to us.

A Full Circle Moment with a Nonspeaking Student: Reconnecting with Jeremy

When I looked at our waitlist last summer, I saw Jeremy’s name. My heart skipped a beat. Jeremy—now nearly 40 years old—wanted to build skills with AAC at REV!

He remembered me after all these years. The compassion and understanding he now offers me, as his teacher, is something from which we could all learn. I can hardly believe it’s the same boy from my classroom all those years ago.

Jeremy and Anne communicating together using a letterboard.

The Power of Being Understood: A Journey of Growth

Jeremy is now learning to communicate using letterboards. His presence, his words, and his recognition of our history—they overwhelm me in the most beautiful way.

I realize now the depth of his frustrations as a child. He was often misunderstood. Much has changed as the world begins to see autistic people for who they are—not broken, not deficient, but different and fully capable.

And here he is: Jeremy, the octopus-loving 12-year-old, now a bright, compassionate, marine-life-loving adult.

Jeremy and Anne face us with big smiles on their faces.

Lessons from Jeremy: Listening, Believing, Growing

To me, this was more than a reunion between teacher and student. It was a reminder of the power of connection and the resilience of the human spirit.

It reminded me why I became a teacher in the first place. Jeremy’s journey shows what is possible when we listen better, presume competence, and keep learning ourselves.

I think of all the students like him who were once misunderstood. We owe them not just better education, but deeper respect and belief in their potential from the very beginning.

Reconnecting with Jeremy has been a gift I never expected. It has changed me again as a teacher and a person. It’s a full-circle moment—one that shows how far we’ve come, how far we still have to go, and how powerful it is when someone finally gets the chance to be heard.

The Importance of Advocacy: Speaking Up for Change

Advocacy is crucial. We must speak up for those who cannot voice their needs. Every individual deserves to be heard and understood. By sharing stories like Jeremy's, we shine a light on the importance of inclusive practices in education.

When we advocate for better communication tools and methods, we empower nonspeaking and minimally speaking autistic individuals. They deserve the chance to express themselves fully.

Let’s remember that communication is not just about words. It’s about connection, understanding, and respect. We must continue to learn and grow, just as Jeremy has.

Moving Forward Together: Building a Supportive Community

As we move forward, let’s build a supportive community. We can create spaces where everyone feels valued and heard. This means listening to the voices of nonspeaking individuals and their families.

We can also collaborate with educators to develop better strategies. Sharing resources and experiences can lead to more inclusive classrooms. Together, we can foster an environment where every student thrives.

In conclusion, let’s embrace the journey of understanding. Let’s celebrate the unique voices of every individual. By doing so, we pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

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Anne Butler is a Communication Teacher at Reach Every Voice. She provides one-on-one communication instruction for students in our Gaithersburg and Severna Park locations.

Want to work with Anne or another of our gifted teachers? Learn more about working with us in person or book a consultation online.