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Here we share real stories, travel tips, and resources to help you dream bigger, explore the world, and discover what's possible while walking the autism journey.

The autism journey looks different for every single family — and I never forget that. High support needs, low support needs, verbal, nonverbal, nonspeaking, high sensory, low sensory — they all matter here. Every edition, I write with all of you in my heart, because every person on the spectrum deserves to be included — in this community, and in the world. 💙

You don't have to be perfect to grow something beautiful — in your garden or in your family

Have you ever attempted to do some gardening?

I remember going to buy tomato plants, strawberries, herbs — mint, cilantro, and honestly… I forgot what else. Time and time again, they did not last long.

"I don't have a green thumb" is my excuse.

The reality is that unless it's under a drip system, I forget to water them and care for them. And yes… the poor plants are the victims of my undisciplined gardening talents — or lack thereof. 🌿

I do have orchids and a flowering cactus that survive week after week. They live in my bathroom, and I think they stay alive from the moisture of my showers — because I only water them about once or twice a month!

On the other hand, my sister can grow anything.

Her house looks like the local nursery — gorgeous flowers and plants everywhere. She spends a good part of her morning caring for them, and she loves giving flowers from her garden to people. 🌸

There is no right or wrong way to love people.

Isn't life like tending to a garden? What we put our energy and effort into — that is the part that grows.

Some days you may feel like you will never see the fruits of your labor. But one day you will realize that even when it feels like you are not doing enough…

Beautiful orchids are growing in your life.

💬What do you like to grow? what talent would you like to develop? Reply to this email and tell me. I read every single one.

Your nonspeaking traveler has opinions, dreams, and a whole lot to say — here's how to help them say it on the road

Here are some tips for traveling with a nonspeaking family member — whether they use an AAC device or communicate through a spelling board or any other way:

Notify venues, airlines, and hotels in advance.
A simple note about your traveler's communication style can help. Let staff know how your traveler communicates and ask them to speak directly to your traveler — not just to you.

Build in extra processing time — always.
Nonspeaking individuals may need more time to take in new environments before they can express how they feel. That stillness at the airport gate, that long pause in the hotel lobby — that is not confusion. That is intake. Honor it. 🌿

Your communication device or spelling board is a carry-on. Period.
Whether your traveler uses an AAC device or a letterboard, never check it as luggage. This is their voice. Advocate for it early and clearly.

Create a travel communication board or visual story before you leave home.
Use real photos — your actual airport, your hotel room, the restaurant you plan to visit. Familiarity reduces anxiety before the experience even begins.

Practice the trip at home first.
Read a social story together. Watch a YouTube walkthrough of the airport or resort. Let your traveler visit the destination before they ever step on a plane. Preparation is not cheating — it is good travel design. ✈️

And while we are here — a few things your nonspeaking traveler wants you to know:

They were never silent — they just needed a different way to be heard

I have some friends whose every family trip was not really a family trip. One of the parents had to stay behind with their son.

Years ago I invited them for dinner, and his mom said, "Oh no, he can't — he would destroy your house."

The years passed, and one day she announced, "For my birthday, I want you to watch the movie SPELLERS." So I did!

How in the world is this not more out there?

Since then, her son has asked to go to the Grand Canyon, and so many other places. He once spelled out how sad it was that he had not been included in family trips. But now? He speaks up.

His favorite request so far? The Grand Canyon and a cruise. 🚢 And he loved it.

He has come to big parties. I have met him at gatherings. He is present in ways the world told his family would never be possible, and now he has a group of friends and they all communicate through spelling!

So yes. It is possible- even for someone you love that you or others may think is not.

I've seen how much it means to have a community where once categorized as nonverbal, now they are nonspeaking individuals who communicate in their own way.

“Next time you meet a nonspeaking person — say hi. Talk to them, not to the parent or caregiver. Their bodies may not always cooperate, but their minds are wishing to be present in the moment”. The Autism Passport

🎬 This Week's Resource: SPELLERS

SPELLERS is a documentary following nonspeaking autistic individuals who communicate through Spelling to Communicate (S2C) — and it will change the way you see autism, apraxia, communication, and human potential.

Watch it. Then share it with everyone you know.

WATCH SPELLERS — Click Here

📚 Want to learn more about Spelling to Communicate?

Visit i-ASC — the International Association for Spelling as Communication — a nonprofit dedicated to advancing S2C practice and research worldwide.

LEARN MORE AT I-ASC.ORG

I am not a spelling expert here, but if you want to be connected to resources, specialists, or community around nonspeaking autism and S2C, reply to this email. I will connect you. That is a promise. 🌸

These are not a paid recommendations — they are personal, from my heart to yours. 💙

At Gathering Memories Travel, we design sensory and autism-friendly travel experiences that honor your family exactly as you are.

Every family member. Every communication style. AAC devices, spelling boards, and everything in between — we build itineraries around your traveler's needs, not the other way around.

Because this isn't just my business. It's personal — because I have sat across from families who were told their loved one couldn't travel.

They were wrong.

Your family deserves to come home with memories that belong to the whole family.

Ready to find out what's possible for yours?

Book a complimentary discovery call and let's dream bigger together.

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