Spelling to Communicate for Autistic Individuals Meeting

As an organization focusing on bettering the lives of Autistic Individuals, it only makes sense that we offer a free meeting for non-speaking Spellers, Spelling to Communicate Individuals, Typers, Pointing to Communicate etc.

We meet every Thursday from 12-2 at Roxbury Park, in Beverly Hills. We arrange this meeting to create a community for our non-verbal/non-speaking/limited speakers to engage with one another and find friendship. Let me tell you, it has been so rewarding!

As we have started this non-profit organization this year, as the year ends, I think it is time to begin to share what our amazing friends have said throughout November.

For those who are unaware of this practice, it is quite life-changing. Based on many different schools of thought and types of practice, we believe that it is influential in hosting a meeting like ours where non-speaking, limited speaking, or non-verbal individuals can use their methods of communication to reach a safe space together. It is not a quick process, but it involves using letterboards or keyboards to spell out what one is thinking. Spelling involves touching or typing each letter with careful thought to reach words or full sentences.

For those who are aware of this practice, and for those who now have learned, here is a monthly update for what our friends have said this month.

10/19 Meeting:

Table Talk: If you could have any super power what would it be?
“The ability to call a dragon” – P
“The ability to read people’s minds” – S

Table Talk: If you could have dinner with any historical figure or famous person who would it be?
“Bill Nye” – P
“I would like to meet Albert Einstein” – S

11/2 Meeting:

Today we read about GPS and an article about the history of the LA Lakers together. We typed answers to questions we asked each other about our group reading. We also played boggle game that was super fun.

GPS Question: Have you ever used a GPS? If you have, where would you want to go using your GPS?
“Yes we use the gps when we drive in the desert. I would like to go to San Onofre state beach ” – Ph*
“Yes I would like to go to Ancient Greece” – Pa
“yes Hawaii” -Se
“I would like to be living in Saudi Arabia” -J
“I would use it to take me home” -Sa

LA Lakers talk: Name a basketball player that has been on the Lakers.
“Lebron James” – Ph
“Magic Johnson” – J
“Kobe Bryant” -Sa

Question Asked by ‘Sa’: How does everyone deal with regulation?
“I have to move around a lot. I drink water. I believe in myself and try to be confident.” – Ph
“I typically like to focus on trying non intentional needs. ” – J
“I deal with regulating by the eating” -Sa

*Names are recognized by the first two letters of their name due to similar first letters.

11/9 Meeting:

Today we read about Surrealism and an article about our senses together. We typed answers to questions we asked each other about our group reading. We also played WORDLE that was super fun.

Surrealism Question: Who led the surrealist movement?
S: I think it was lead by Andre Breton
J: Andre Jack
P: Andre Breton

Surrealism Question: Do you like surrealist art?
S: Yes
J: Yes I actually like it because non money painting spoke about life
P: Depends on the art.

Table Talk: Anything to ask or share?
S: Does anybody have any goals?
J: yes love y’all
P: no
Question Asked by ‘S’: Does anybody have any goals?
S: I would like to have an education
J: Yes I am going to prom
“I deal with regulating by the eating” -Sa

11/16 Meeting:

Today we read about the Roman Empire and an article about happywhale.com. We typed answers to questions we asked each other about our group reading. We also played WORDLE which was super fun.

Roman Empire Question: How do you think your life would be different if you lived during the Roman Empire?
S: Well I’d probably be starving.
P: I would be a celestial astronomer.

Table Talk: What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
S: I have pleasantly gone mountain hiking.
In Norway.
P: Hiking at Franklin Canyon.

Table Talk: What is your go-to comfort food?
S: It’s most likely rice and beans.
P: I love fries. I like housemade.

Question Asked by ‘S’: ‘P’ what more do you please when you are stressed?
P: I have to focus on finding my happy place.

11/30 Meeting:

Today we read about Ocean Circulation and an article about Mayan Civilization. We typed answers to questions we asked each other about our group reading. We also played a game mixed between taboo and boggle where we used blocks to spell out words.

Ocean Circulation Question: What do you think is the most fascinating aspect of ocean circulation?
S: Probably pleasing waves.
P: Being mysterious!

Game: We played a mixed game of taboo and boggle, where we would give each other hints to figure out the word, then spelling that word with letter dice.

The word: Butterfly
S: its colors are bright and it flies
P: (Guess) Bird
S: it starts off as an insect.
P: Butterfly

The word: Frog
P: slimy and jumps
S: please give me another
P: green and has four legs
S: probably a grasshopper
guess again
S: frog
P: frog

You are welcome to join our meeting anytime. Please email me at vienna@stellify.org to let me know that you would like to join us.