Spelling to Communicate (S2C) is a method that empowers individuals who have difficulty speaking or are non-speaking to communicate using spelling as a primary form of expression.

Instead of relying on speech, participants type or spell words to convey their thoughts, feelings, and ideas.

S2C emphasizes language development, literacy skills, and independence, moving clients through an intentional hierarchy designed to teach the skills to point to letters on a letter board, moving onto high-tech methods as they progress.

S2C is beneficial for individuals with apraxia, autism, Down syndrome, or other conditions that impact verbal speech. It supports both children and adults, who are non-speaking, minimally speaking, or unreliably speaking. S2C can also be tailored to each participant’s unique abilities and access methods.

Learning S2C is highly individualized. Some participants may begin spelling basic words quickly, while others need months or years to gain full independence depending on their motor skills. Consistent practice, encouragement, and family or caregiver support significantly impact progress. Patience and reinforcement are key to long-term success.

No, your child does not need to be able to read before starting Spelling to Communicate. S2C is designed to build literacy alongside communication skills.

Additionally, due to motor planning challenges, it’s common that a child’s true literacy skills aren’t immediately obvious. As they develop the motor and coordination skills needed for spelling, we often discover that their literacy abilities are more advanced than initially expected.

Yes! S2C can enhance and expand existing spelling skills. Our practitioners are highly trained in supporting clients across a range of access methods, from low-tech letterboards to high-tech communication devices.

We focus on helping children develop independent spelling and typing skills, while also strengthening motor planning, literacy, and overall communication confidence.

Even if a child already spells to communicate, CSC can provide structured guidance and strategies to increase accuracy, speed, flexibility, and independence.

S2C can be introduced as early as age 5, though we often find that clients ages 8 and up tend to have the most success.

For younger children, our center focuses on teaching foundational skills—such as letter recognition, motor planning, and early spelling—that will support successful S2C learning when they are ready.

The program is always individualized, ensuring that each child receives instruction appropriate for their current abilities and developmental stage.

At CSC, we have made the decision to no longer offer S2C intensives. Over time, we’ve found that a weekly approach provides the greatest opportunity for consistent growth and meaningful progress. Meeting regularly allows clients to build skills gradually, strengthen motor planning, and develop independence with more lasting results than a short-term intensive model.

Additionally, one of our primary purposes as a clinic is to foster and grow a strong spelling community here in the Chicagoland area. To support this goal, we prioritize keeping appointments available for our local clients who benefit from ongoing, steady sessions and the chance to connect with peers through community opportunities.

By focusing on weekly sessions, we can best serve our clients’ communication needs while also staying true to our mission of creating a supportive, connected spelling community.