When Wally started to go back outside again he wondered if the neighbors would be disappointed that he still couldn't speak. At first they want to help Wally speak. Poppy offers Wally tea for his throat but he shakes his head. Then he confirms through yes and no questions that his throat doesn't hurt, the cause of his speech loss is in his brain. He continues to use gestures to communicate but it limits him and can struggle to express what he's trying to say. One night during a sleepover together Julie talks to Frank about how bad she feels for Wally and that she would feel miserable in his situation. They talk about it until Frank gets the idea to create communication cards for Wally. She took out construction paper and started cutting out cards to draw pictures or write small phrases. Then the next morning Eddie laminated them together and put them on a little key ring of sorts. Needless to say, Wally appreciated their help and support.
He doesn't use sign language because forming signs is just as much mental effort as speaking, which doesn't work for him.