My senior 68 year old non-verbal male relative with autism is a bright, deeply sensitive, and sweet-natured man who has faced a lifetime of silence. Due to an impoverished childhood, he never had access to educated counselors or speech pathologists, especially during a time when non-verbal autism was barely understood. Despite these challenges, he has always shown great intelligence non-verbally through positive reinforcement, but he has suffered most of his life without the tools to communicate or spell out his thoughts.

Recently, I have begun working with him as his caregiver and communicator, using a small tablet app to help bridge the gap. However, he is now in a dire financial dilemma, as support from elder relatives is no longer available. He has shown great interest in learning to finally be heard through spelling with letters on a board after being ignored for his entire life.

Funds raised will go toward speech therapy sessions with speech language pathologists who can work across Baja California and San Diego, as well as communication devices and apps that require monthly subscriptions. Additionally, support will help cover dietary nutritionists and dental work that requires general anesthesia, since he has not been able to afford a dental cleaning in 20 years.

I am asking for your support to help give my relative the chance to finally express his needs and thoughts. Your contribution will help him access the resources he needs to be heard and improve his quality of life. Any help is deeply appreciated.