SUPPORT

Join The Community Of Non-Speakers!

The Spellers Freedom Foundation is composed of nonspeaking individuals, passionate professionals, and dedicated parents advocating for the presumption of competence and the empowerment of nonspeakers everywhere. We believe that communication is a fundamental right, essential for claiming meaningful education, employment, and relationships. We affirm that freedom of speech extends to all, regardless of speaking ability, because everyone deserves the opportunity to share their thoughts, feelings, and inner world with the broader community. We believe that It is an inalienable right to be able to share your own thoughts, feelings, and inner world with the people around you.

SPELLERS The Movie

The film that changed our understanding of autism. Inspired by the book Underestimated, this full-length documentary, SPELLERS, challenges conventional wisdom regarding a group relegated to society’s margins: nonspeakers with autism, who most “experts” believe are cognitively disabled. 

As the film opening asks, “What if we’ve been wrong…about every single one of them?” SPELLERS answers that question through the stories of eight nonspeakers who all found their voice through the miraculous process of using a letterboard to communicate their thoughts and feelings. Watch FREE here. AND SHARE WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW.

R.E.A.C.T.

Research & Education for Autistic Children’s Treatment

This non-profit 501(c)(3), autism organization is near and dear to the owner and Director of Encore Speech & Wellness. Maija is the President of REACT, whose mission is to increase autism awareness, fund individual and family treatments, provide education, fund and support research, and help develop treatment protocols for autism and other neurological disorders, developmental disorders, and chronic illnesses. REACT is dedicated to helping needy families receive the individualized treatments their children require for better outcomes. No child should be deprived of appropriate care due to financial hardships and REACT works to connect providers with families, build relationships, and ease the financial burdens such treatments may cost. REACT is a great resourse for evidence-based information and they have a great page addressing the question, “Can Vaccines Cause Autism?” here.  

The Autism Health Organization

Autism Health is a reliable 501(c)3 autism organization that is unafraid to provide real information about the causes of autism and support the consept that healing and recovery are possible. Every year they host an Autism Summit where doctors, parents, and the ASD community come together to learn, share, and empower. It is a must-attend annual conference for anyone who is seeking answers and support.  Their mission is to empower families impacted by autism through education and support and even provide scholarships to their educational conferences and trainings, ensuring that parents and caregivers have access to vital information and resources. Their goal is to equip families with the knowledge and tools necessary to assist their loved ones with autism and other neurological disorders to lead productive and fulfilling lives. They are dedicated to fostering a community where every individual with autism can thrive, regardless of the financial barriers.

Book Recommendations:

Autism & Apraxia Books

Bad Medicine

Diet, Dysphagia, & Swallowing

Speech & Fluency (Stuttering)