When your child is first diagnosed, you search for others in the same situation, to learn from, to relate to. One of the things that you find easily are all the cute little sayings that can help you explain it to others, or that help you understand it yourself. These sayings are all over the internet, on shirts and bumper stickers.
Here are a few of them:
“If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.”
“I have Autism. What’s your superpower?”
“Someone with autism taught me that love needs no words.”
“I am his Voice. He is my heart.”
Whenever Jacob was first diagnosed, and for years after, I used to love the saying “I am his Voice.” I still love the message that is meant behind it; that I will advocate for him. But I have learned over the years, that Jacob has his own voice. He has his own thoughts, feelings, dreams, fears, opinions, etc., that I cannot possibly articulate accurately or completely. I cannot read his mind, no matter how hard I try. It is just not a possibility.
Although he cannot communicate those things vocally or verbally, he can get his message across, with the right tools. Our job as parents, as advocates, is to find those tools, find the methods of communication that will work. When one method is not working, change it up. Pivot. Find what will work. Is sign language that tool for you? Are visuals going to work better for you? Can technology be that tool for you?
Jacob uses an AAC device, augmentative and alternative communication device. It is a tablet that’s only job is to provide verbal speech for Jacob. He can type with the keyboard on it. He can navigate through the many pages of pictures to find the right word to express himself. And we call his AAC device his voice, because that is what this wonderful piece of technology gave him. A voice.
So, I used to say I am his voice, but not anymore. Now, I know I am Not his voice, but I will fight for his voice. His voice deserves to be heard. Only Jacob can describe what his heart desires, and what he needs. I will forever be his advocate. He will always be my heart. But his voice is his own.
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