Being Nonverbal Doesn’t Mean I Have Nothing To Say: How Do I Communicate as An Adult with Cerebral Palsy?

Although I could not speak on my own due to my cerebral palsy, I felt pretty frustrated and insecure about being nonverbal. However, it does not mean I have nothing to say. Now, I can communicate through my iPad. As I communicate with you, I want you to know that my CP doesn’t affect my mind at all and I don’t have any intellectual or cognitive issues. Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder caused by brain damage that affects a person’s ability to move, walk, and posture. Sometimes CP affects a person’s ability to speak which is caused by dysarthria. (Dysarthria is a speech disorder that causes muscle weakness in the neck or mouth. It can make it hard for people to speak. They may have trouble understanding what they do). People with cerebral palsy have different symptoms based on their physical abilities. Some people with cerebral palsy like myself cannot speak whereas others with cerebral palsy can speak or have speech impediments. Many people assume that people with nonverbal cerebral palsy cannot communicate or understand at all because of their poor intelligence and cognitive abilities. That’s a misconception.... they have found their own way to communicate and/or understand at all. For example, they use an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device to talk to people. AAC is all types of communication other than speaking. AAC isn't just about making people's voices heard but it's also about how they use communication tools to express themselves in their unique ways. 

I am talking about how I communicate as an adult with cerebral palsy. Firstly, I communicate through my iPad (I use my dominant hand to navigate my iPad) as well as occasionally my laminated alphabetical chart (I only use my tongue or finger to point out the chart). I have a text-based AAC app called Proloquo4text on my iPad. It changed my life. Proloquo4text is a very powerful AAC app that features intuitive word and sentence prediction, quick talk, and saved phrases. Proloquo4text gave me the freedom to express myself confidently without losing any text. Obviously, this is my voice. And I love the way I communicate confidently. Proloquo4text is also customizable, enabling you to make your own way to communicate. For example, you can create phrases you say and save them.  Proloquo4text's versatility makes it useful for people with cerebral palsy, autism, ALS, and other speech disorders. 

Secondly, I can use gestures and facial expressions to communicate. These things are unique to show you how I communicate with you. I couldn't shake yes or no because it's pretty hard for my head to shake properly. But, I use alternate gestures to say yes or no. YES = smile and happy/exciting face. NO = sticking out my tongue and sad/mad face. Other than yes/no gestures, I use thumbs up to say yes and other positive expressions, and thumbs down to say no and other negative expressions. Sometimes it can be funny to use these gestures and expressions to communicate with you, lol 😂 

Lastly, I have exceptional written communication that is sent to people via email, mail, or text through my iPad and computer. Written communication refers to text messages, emails, notes, social media/blog content, and documents. It's important to be clear, concise, and accurate when writing to avoid confusion.

Written communication (digital) and AAC app are the two main communication methods I use on a daily basis. They are both very effective and useful to prioritize my daily life tasks such as checking emails and social media, communicating with people, and creating and editing documents. These communication methods help me understand everything, boost my productivity, and advance my communication skills. Therefore, I am consistent with all these ways I communicate despite not speaking physically. 

Communication is key to understanding what you do, building relationships, connecting with others, and socializing with your family and friends. It's important to build self-confidence for yourself. It doesn't matter how individuals who cannot speak or have difficulty speaking can communicate uniquely and effectively with others. I want to encourage these individuals to get to know, connect, and socialize with each other with respect, dignity, and equality. Their communication experiences help make their voices heard. Everyone deserves to be heard!

🩷 Marisa