Frequently Asked Questions.

At Speech Love Spell, we are challenging a longstanding misconception: that nonspeaking individuals lack intelligence, understanding, or age-appropriate language. Through insight shared directly by the nonspeaking community, we now know this is not true. Traditional speech therapy most often views nonspeaking autism through a cognitive and language based lens, assuming “nonspeaking” equates to lacking language or intellect. We recognize that communication is a motor act, and that for many autistic and nonspeaking individuals, the challenge is not cognitive — it is a disconnect between what the brain wants to say and what the body can execute. We take a motor-informed, sensory-informed approach that supports the whole child, and we prioritize finding a reliable way for every individual to communicate fully and authentically. Every individual we serve is presumed to be fully capable and intelligent, and every session is built around that belief.

Spelling to Communicate (S2C) is a methodology that teaches individuals with motor challenges the skills necessary to point to letters on a letterboard as an alternative means of communication. Through repeated practice, new neural pathways become myelinated, promoting synchrony between the brain and body. As motor skills improve, individuals progress from pointing on a letterboard to typing independently on a keyboard, and communication moves from concrete to abstract.

Want to learn more? These videos are a great place to start: Spellers the Movie Documentary · Overview of Spelling to Communicate (S2C)

Whole body apraxia is a neurological motor condition in which the brain's plans for intentional movement cannot be reliably executed by the body. The brain sends the message — but the body cannot always follow through. This disconnect is neurological, not cognitive or behavioral. It is not a matter of willingness, effort, or understanding. For nonspeaking and minimally speaking individuals, whole body apraxia affects far more than speech — it impacts the full range of intentional movement required for communication, daily living, and learning. A motor-informed approach means every session is designed with this understanding at the center. We support the motor system so that each individual can engage with intention, express themselves fully, and access the world around them.

We support children, adolescents, and adults. It is never too late to find a reliable communication system. The motor system can be trained and strengthened at any point in life, and we believe every individual deserves access to communication — no matter their age or history.

At Speech Love Spell, communication always comes first. For nonspeaking and minimally speaking individuals, our priority is finding a reliable and meaningful way for each person to express themselves. Our goal is holistic, motor and sensory informed support that encourages purposeful communication the body can access. Whatever form that takes, we are here to support it.

Services are offered on a private pay basis only and are not currently billed through insurance. We can provide a superbill upon request, an itemized receipt you can submit to your insurance provider for possible out-of-network reimbursement. We can also provide documentation for families seeking reimbursement through the Self-Determination Program via California Regional Center.

A superbill is an itemized receipt with the diagnostic and procedure codes your insurance company needs to consider reimbursing you for out-of-network speech therapy. You pay us directly, then submit the superbill to your insurer. Reimbursement depends on your specific plan and out-of-network benefits.