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a year ago
Co Creator: lillysvoice
Photo by Lillybug & family on August 27, 2025.
Photo by Lillybug & family on August 27, 2025.
Photo by Lillybug & family on August 27, 2025.
Photo by Lillybug & family on August 27, 2025.
Photo by Lillybug & family on August 27, 2025.
Photo by Lillybug & family on August 27, 2025.
Photo by Lillybug & family on August 27, 2025.
Photo by Lillybug & family on August 27, 2025.
Photo by Lillybug & family on August 27, 2025.
1551
Posted On: August 27th 2025, 06:54 pm
Tagged Users:
I recently added a folder to Lilly’s AAC device called “strong word choices”, which contains some curse words and sarcastic/strong phrases. I know this may not seem like a great idea to everyone —but I assure you, it’s important. Many teens and adults do use strong words and phrases (yes, even curse words). But too often, AAC users are denied the use of those words because no one thinks to add the buttons, no one models how to spell them… or because people simply don’t want AAC users to have access to those words at all.

Here’s the truth:
🔹 AAC users deserve access to all language.
🔹 It’s not our job to censor—our job is to provide access and guidance.
🔹 What words get used, and when, should be their choice.

Communication isn’t just “please” and “thank you.” It’s frustration, humor, sarcasm, and sometimes—strong words. Everyone deserves that right!

▫️Last slide shows a moment when Lilly heard me say a “strong phrase” and repeated me, so I reminded her it was in her new folder, and she found it there too - then we discussed! New phrase unlocked 🤣

.

#LovemyLillybug #CutiePie #Autism #Autistic #nonspeaking #apraxia #AAC #Proloquo2Go #communication #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #ProudMama #MyGirl #sarcasm #language #cursewords
Comments (1551)
fat_cat_diaries2021 2 months ago

fat_cat_diaries2021

Ahhhh she needs to have some amazing words to use lol. I just started following and I loved the skating video. Lily is so amazing !!!!!!!! Let the swearing begin 😂😂😂😂

80sgirl.forever 2 months ago

80sgirl.forever

I ADORE that you have done this for Lilly!! There is no reason why Lilly should be treated any different. She still is human and sometimes a strong word is necessary 💓

deannieelise 5 months ago

deannieelise

So, I'm asking this as a genuine 'wondering out loud' kind of query.... What do you feel is the juxtaposition of being able to 'use age appropriate strong words' and starting to refer to yourself in more typical teenage verbiage? I know that Lilly's disability is multifaceted. Like, she'll probably always love Sesame Street themed objects etc. And she might not always 'appear' her age. Do you think that your relationship is forever linked to you being 'mommy', (of course if it is that's lovely), or, do you see that your relationship also evolves into that teenage sass and back and forth that I loved about my teenagers. But, that evolution also involved me changing how I referred to myself. I don't think it was because in my heart of hearts they're not still my babies, but more so because I wanted to be respectful of their autonomy and development, and how others might perceive them had I continued to be 'mommy'. Like I somehow felt I needed to let them grow up more and they clearly demonstrated to me that their peers had moms and not mommies.... I don't really know how this idea translates into the world of adults with children who have a disability like Lilly's versus a kid with a physical disability, for example. In that case, I think my thinking would be more black and white. I guess my questions might be around what would the child prefer, but then, how would I know what they preferred if I didn't model or provide that choice? And, does their social environment matter whether it's one or the other? And, are there cultural norms that may affect these choices? (I know that some of my kids' friends grew up in cultures where the more affectionate kinds of 'younger kid' terms' persist....

ellebee918 5 months ago

ellebee918

❤️❤️❤️

mellowmama2 5 months ago

mellowmama2

The fact that you are giving her the ability to access language that other teenagers her age have access to as well makes complete sense to me. I don't see any reason why she shouldn't get to experience being told to watch her language just like we all did at that age 😂

krinkle96 5 months ago

krinkle96

Good for you and Lilly!

karinabiancascali 5 months ago

karinabiancascali

Please be mindful that as a parent you shouldn’t teach your children those words because it’s not right to teach your children those kinds of words. I understand that everyone uses them but it could be offensive to some people. So it’s just something to think about.

amylm5555 5 months ago

amylm5555

Perfect!! 👏❤️

starplatinumcosplay 7 months ago

starplatinumcosplay

I strongly advocate for Lilly’s right to say FUCK! On her AAC DEVICE! 🙌 Life is full of times you just gotta say FUCK! 💜 I’m a teacher in training and I let A LOT of kids slide with that word cuz I hear ya kid. I remember being in middle school. And I MUCH rather hear that word than a slur word 😬

danvc557 7 months ago

danvc557

Happy Easter Lily ❤️

maaarlove_fam 8 months ago

maaarlove_fam

100%agree we can’t not filter their voice just because it’s threw an aac devices they deserve to be prepared for the real world

jasmine1995xx 8 months ago

jasmine1995xx

I have autism and I went to a school that had children from ages 2 to 19 and I got to help junior school kids with autism and children in wheelchairs I loved it I was helping Josh who had severe autism he was 5 Emma she was 3 deaf and is in a wheelchair and Abigail who had battens disease she unfortunately passed away I absolutely loved it I had a teacher with me as I have epilepsy autism adhd and severe mental health

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