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Weston & Marketa | Autism & AAC

@westonspeaksdifferently

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Autism|AAC
Sharing moments of AAC in daily routines
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Every evening, we take a few minutes to check in.

I ask Weston about his day, how he’s feeling, and what he wants to talk about.

His communication may look different, but his thoughts, feelings, and experiences matter just as much.

AAC gives him a way to share his world with me, and I never want to miss those moments.

#autism #autismparenting #nonverbalcommunication #nonverbalautism #fyp by @westonspeaksdifferently

Today’s AAC win 🩵

Weston used his AAC device to say, “I want peanut butter.” He gathered the ingredients, asked for help spreading the peanut butter, and finished by saying “thank you.”

These everyday moments are about so much more than making lunch. They’re opportunities to build communication, independence, and confidence, one routine at a time.

#autism #autismawareness #fyp #autismparenting #nonverbalautism by @westonspeaksdifferently

Saturday mornings are Weston’s favorite! He loves making his waffles 🧇. He even did sign language this morning , he taught me a new word “ All Done” 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 super proud of him

#autism #autismawareness #autismacceptance #fyp #foryoupage #explorepage✨ #morningroutine #kidscooking #nonverbal #specialneedsmom #autismmom #nonverbalcommunication by @westonspeaksdifferently

He wanted more hugs, and he had a way to tell me. 🥹❤️

Three little words: “I want hug.”

This is why access to communication matters. Everyone deserves a way to express what they want, even something as simple as asking for a hug.

#nonverbalcommunication #nonverbalautism #autismparenting #autismawareness by @westonspeaksdifferently

My son communicates differently, so I’m learning differently, too. That’s what love looks like. 🥹❤️

Our morning check-ins are one of the ways we connect. I’m learning to model, give him time, and listen in ways that work for him.

I don’t just want Weston to learn how to communicate with me. I want him to know I’m willing to learn how to communicate with him. ❤️

#autismawareness #autismmom #nonverbalcommunication #nonverbalautism by @westonspeaksdifferently

Level 3 autism doesn’t mean a child can’t learn, grow, or develop independence.

It means some things may require more support, more repetition, and more patience.

This was Weston making his bed for the first time. A small everyday skill that represented a big moment for us.

Please remember that every child has their own timeline.

#autismawareness #autismmom #autismparenting #autismsupport #autismawareness by @westonspeaksdifferently

A little look back at Weston making pizza! 🍕

One thing we love about incorporating AAC into our daily routines is that communication doesn’t stop when we’re cooking.

We model words, talk about what we’re doing, make choices, and give Weston opportunities to participate.

#autismawareness #autismparenting #nonverbalcommunication #autismparenting #cooking by @westonspeaksdifferently

Communication is not limited to spoken words. Every child deserves access to communication, however that looks for them.

And I’ll never stop advocating for the idea that every child deserves a way to be heard.

#autismawareness #nonverbalautism #nonverbalcommunication #autismmom #autismparenting by @westonspeaksdifferently

We went to Home Depot for paint, but Weston spotted the Christmas display.

He tapped GO on his AAC device and even said “go” with his mouth.

He was letting me know he wanted to go explore!

I love seeing him initiate communication and tell us what interests him.

@homedepot
#autismawareness #autismparenting #nonverbalcommunication #autismmom nonverbalautis by @westonspeaksdifferently

The Best Day Ever!

Weston went trick or treating for the very first time 🥹

As autism parents, sometimes we worry about how certain experiences will go.

But sometimes we have to let go of that fear, give our children the opportunity, and just try.

Our children deserve to experience childhood, make memories, and be included in all the fun, too.

#autism #autismawareness #autismparenting by @westonspeaksdifferently

His first trick-or-treating experience, and we made sure he had his voice with him every step of the way. 🎃💙

#autismawareness #nonverbalcommunication #autismparenting #nonverbalautism by @westonspeaksdifferently

🎃 What our Halloween conversation looked like today!

I asked Weston what day it was, modeled HALLOWEEN on his AAC, and explained what we do on Halloween.

I asked how he was feeling, and he tapped GREAT! Then I asked what he was dressing up as, and he tapped SPONGEBOB! 🍍

Everyday conversations matter. AAC gives Weston opportunities to share, answer, express himself, and be part of the conversation. 💙

#autismawareness #nonverbalcommunication #autismparenting #nonverbalautism #Halloween by @westonspeaksdifferently