If you have been reading my blog you will connect with what I am saying more easily. I have a body that does not listen to the commands fro
Jordyn Pallett, a nonspeaking autistic person with apraxia, explains the role of his communication partner.
Doing anything purposeful requires a minor miracle if done independently. I need to build motor patterns for everything, always with an outside register and initiator until pathways are strongly myelinated. Lots of verbal prompting and sometimes even physically being assisted help me really build a strong brain-body connection where one didn’t exist. The end goal is autonomy, but it always starts with being taught. How do you learn a new skill? I bet much the same way, but without your body fighting to flee the whole time. Being dependent on outside initiation, feedback, and support is how we all get good at anything to the point that it becomes automatic and purposeful.
My Communication Partner listens powerfully for what I am saying, without adding or taking away anything. Never interrupting or influencing. Don’t think many people are able to be that powerful a blank listening for another. That power creates a trust and partnership that isn’t easily replicated. Any person holding my board doesn’t work. Each partner must build that trust and capacity to listen powerfully with nothing in the way.