Oct. 15, 2026

Spelling to Communicate: Our Growing Hope | Episode 113

Show Notes

Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy.

Tonight, Kailee is back with me, and we're talking about something that's brought fresh hope into our home: Wyatt's first several weeks of Spelling to Communicate. I've watched Kailee pour so much into helping our son, and hearing about the words he's beginning to spell, even on the tough days, reminds me why we keep looking for ways to help him express himself. We're also opening up about what we've learned about motor planning, full-body apraxia, and the difference between a child being happy and becoming overstimulated, because those moments can look awfully similar from the outside. As parents, we're not chasing big accomplishments nearly as much as we're hoping Wyatt can tell us when he's hungry, thirsty, frustrated, or needs something, and have more independence in everyday life. I don't know exactly where this path will lead, but I want to share the hope, the hard work, and the faith that's helping us take the next step.

Key Takeaways

Our Spelling to Communicate journey: We're about seven weeks into Wyatt's spelling sessions, and we're encouraged by the progress we're seeing, both with his practitioner and at home.
Understanding full-body apraxia: We're learning how motor planning challenges can affect Wyatt's ability to follow through on what we're asking, even when he understands us.
Recognizing overstimulation: We've learned to watch for the subtle differences between Wyatt being genuinely happy and becoming overstimulated, especially when certain activities or favorite shows create repetitive loops.
Building independence through autism parenting: Our goal isn't perfection or extraordinary achievements. We want Wyatt to communicate his needs, express his feelings, and develop greater independence.
Finding courage through faith: I'm reminded that some of the greatest opportunities come with uncertainty and discomfort. Through prayer, patience, and a willingness to try something new, we're continuing to move forward.

I hope this conversation encourages you to keep looking for opportunities for your child, even when the next step feels uncomfortable. If you're navigating autism parenting, exploring communication options, or just need somebody who understands, I'd love to hear from you. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com or email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. We're all learning as we go, and none of us has to do this alone.