Breaking Communication Barriers Through Spelling

A Conversation with Shannon Lagulli

Anthony Bronaugh (AB): Shannon, you and I have known each other for about four years now through Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center. You also started attending my autism support groups, which I truly appreciate. When you first shared your interest in Spelling to Communicate, I was fascinated. Can you start by explaining what it is?

Shannon Lagulli (SI): Absolutely! Spelling to Communicate (S2C) is a method that uses gross motor movements to communicate rather than fine motor movements, which are typically used for speech. Instead of using the mouth and vocal cords to form words, S2C allows individuals to spell out their thoughts using larger muscle movements of the arm to point to letters on a stencil or board. It’s designed for individuals whose motor planning challenges prevent them from speaking, even though they fully understand language. It’s a common misconception that the non-speaking community has learning delays. But in reality they are dealing with sensory motor differences.

AB: How long has this approach been around?

SI: Versions of S2C have existed for many years. S2C itself was established in 2015.  Earlier forms—like facilitated communication—were controversial because of how much physical assistance was provided. The difference today is that S2C practitioners are trained to teach individuals how to initiate movement independently. While working with a trained practitioner, the  communicator will be creating the motor pathways needed to spell without someone guiding their arm. This not only gives them independence, but reinforces  the validity of the incredible messages the non-speaker has to share.

AB: How did your own journey into this begin?

SI: It all started in 2023 when I saw The Spellers documentary in Ann Arbor. During the Q&A afterward, I asked about success rates, and the panelists shared that every non speaking individual they’d worked with was able to spell successfully. That was it for me—I signed up immediately.

AB: You mentioned that S2C “presumes competence.” What does that mean in practice?

SI: It means presuming that every non-speaking person is intellectually capable. Their bodies may not cooperate due to a global full body apraxia—a disconnect between the brain and body—but their minds are intact. When we presume competence, we stop underestimating their intelligence. Instead of teaching basic skills like shapes or colors, we provide them with the same educational opportunities as their peers. This has proven to reduce outbursts or temper tantrums because the individual is being intellectually challenged. It is maddening to receive basic math when your mind is capable of algebra!

AB: You previously received services through Hopebridge, which follows applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles. What changes did you see then?

SI: Hopebridge helped build my daughter Waverly’s confidence. She was surrounded by caring professionals who valued her individuality. But S2C gave us something ABA couldn’t—her actual voice. For the first time, she could express her thoughts in words, which changed everything. In my opinion, ABA did lay the foundation for things such as being able to get her body to come and sit for spelling. ABA exercises the similar thoughts of myelination to get a new skill to become a permanent skill. 

AB: How does a parent begin exploring S2C?

SI: The best starting point is visiting the International Association for Spelling as Communication (I-ASC) website. They list certified practitioners worldwide. In the Toledo area, the closest location used to be in Ann Arbor, but I’m now completing my six-month practitioner training so families here will have a local option. The other thing I recommend is to check out The Spellers Movie free on YouTube. It follows multiple families through their journey of spelling and will open your mind to what is possible.

AB: That’s incredible. What does your training involve?

SI: It’s pretty intense! I attend online seminars, record my practice sessions with families, and receive weekly feedback from mentors. I will also be trained in writing cognitively interesting lessons to add to the I-asc archives.  It’s very hands-on and deeply collaborative. I’m currently working with 6 individuals from the local autism community, ages 5-29!

AB: How has Waverly responded to your involvement in this?

SI: She’s thrilled. Her thoughts on me doing the I-asc program were: “I AM TONS EXCITED FOR ALL THE YOUTH YOU WILL SPELL WITH.” That told me everything I needed to know. Her dad and siblings were stunned at first—going from silence to full sentences was emotional—but now everyone is supportive. Her brother even holds the letter board for her so she can tell him she loves him.

AB: That’s powerful. What kind of equipment does S2C require?

SI: Honestly, it’s simple—just a laminated stencil board with letters and a pointer tool like a chopstick or stylus. Over time, as motor control improves, communicators can transition to keyboards or digital speech devices if that is their goal. The beauty of spelling is it gives the non-speaker autonomy over their future!

AB: What message would Waverly want to share with other non-speaking individuals or families?

SI: She’s already an advocate! Just recently at the dentist’s office, she noticed another child who reminded her of herself and told me, “TELL THEM ABOUT SPELLING.” She wants other families to know that there’s hope—that their children have voices waiting to be heard.

Her most recent message for others on the topic of advocating for Autistics was, “ NOT TO SAY A TON ABOUT LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE, BUT A TON OF URGENCY TO PRESUME COMPETENCE. NON SPEAKERS ARE TRAPPED INSIDE THEIR BODIES.”

AB: That’s inspiring, Shannon. It’s clear that S2C is not just a communication method—it’s a movement of empowerment and understanding. Thank you for sharing your story and bringing this incredible practice to our community.

To learn more, please check out the International Association for Spelling as Communication and Spellers (the documentary).  It is also important to share that before starting any type of new therapy or resources, please research as much as you can prior to implementation.  

Learn More

• International Association for Spelling as Communication (I-ASC)

• Spellers: The Documentary