Louie DeMarco is one of our I-ASC–certified Spelling to Communicate (S2C) practitioners. He works individually with spellers at every stage of their journey—from beginners just starting out to those working on independent typing—and also leads our highly popular group sessions.

Louie brings a creative approach to his work, drawing on his academic background in psychology, fine art, and biology. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and fine art from St. Ambrose University and uses his diverse expertise to design engaging group lessons and age-appropriate projects that are thoughtfully adapted for individuals with motor challenges.

About Us

Chicagoland Spelling Center is a unique space created to support individuals who spell to communicate. We believe that every person deserves the tools, guidance, and community needed to express themselves fully and confidently. Our mission is to empower spellers by offering personalized support while also building opportunities for connection and belonging.

Through individual sessions, we focus on helping each speller strengthen their communication skills, grow independence, and build confidence in their abilities. Sessions are thoughtfully tailored to meet the specific needs, learning styles, and motor profiles of each person, ensuring that progress is both meaningful and sustainable. Whether someone is just beginning their spelling journey or continuing to expand their skills, we meet them where they are with patience and respect.

Equally important, our group sessions provide a welcoming space where spellers can come together, share ideas, and foster a sense of community. These groups encourage collaboration, friendship, and peer support while celebrating each participant’s voice and individuality. The relationships built in these sessions often extend beyond our walls, creating a network of belonging that strengthens the spelling community in Chicagoland.

Families are an essential part of our work. We value partnering closely with parents, caregivers, and siblings to ensure that communication strategies can be carried over into daily life. By building strong home–center connections, we support not only the speller’s growth but also the family’s confidence in advocating for and celebrating their loved one’s voice.

Our team is dedicated to ongoing learning and advocacy within the spelling and neurodiversity communities. We remain committed to practices that are evidence-informed, respectful, and aligned with the values of autonomy, dignity, and inclusion. Through advocacy efforts and community events, we strive to broaden understanding of spelling as a valid and powerful form of communication in the Chicagoland area.

By combining skill-building with meaningful relationships, Chicagoland Spelling Center offers a supportive environment where spellers can truly thrive. Our approach is grounded in respect, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to honoring each person’s unique way of communicating.

At Chicagoland Spelling Center, we are more than a clinic—we are a community where communication, independence, and connection grow side by side.

Our Co-Founder: Mitchell Robins

Mitchell Robins, a co-founder of Chicagoland Spelling Center, is the inspiration behind the practice.  Mitchell graduated from Highland Park High School and currently attends Arizona State University in pursuit of a degree in Community Advocacy and Social Policy.  He writes a well-regarded blog (Mitchell's Life with Autism), offering advice and insight on what he experiences and accomplishes as an autistic, non-speaking man. His blog has been featured on the front page of The Chicago Tribune and on CBS-Chicago news.

Mitchell believes decisions should not be made for autistic people without the input of autistic voices. Mitchell’s role at CSC is to advocate for the non-speaking population of clients and share feedback with the practice on how to improve and make our environment and offerings as inclusive and supportive as possible.

Mitchell’s mission

“As a speller and non-speaker myself, it is important to me to have a community of others like me to belong to. Prior to the creation of the clinic, there were almost no regular activities or services that were specifically designed to meet the needs of spellers. Rather than trying to fit into programs that couldn’t support me, I wanted to help create a welcoming place for all non-speakers to grow.” - Mitchell

Disclaimers

  • The body of research on S2C is still developing, and while our families and practitioners report meaningful outcomes in cases where other approaches have failed, the method does not yet have a large base of peer-reviewed studies validating all of its claims. Because of this, outcomes can vary, and it is important to approach S2C with transparency and openness about the current state of evidence.

    At our center, we remain committed to practices that prioritize independence, authentic communication, and the dignity of every communicator. We also believe in being transparent about the evolving nature of the research base. For those who want to learn more about the studies currently available, we encourage you to explore the International Association for Spelling as Communication (I-ASC) research page, which highlights ongoing and completed research in this area: I-ASC Research.

  • At our center, we prioritize transparency and evidence-based practice.  Our work follows the methodology of Spelling to Communicate (S2C) as it was designed, helping clients build independence in communication.

    In response to recent discussions within the spelling community, we DO NOT use or provide telepathy services and fully align with I-ASC’s statements on this.  While we respect that spiritual beliefs are personal and best explored at home, our focus remains on supporting every client’s communication journey through structured, proven methods.

    We welcome all individuals, regardless of belief, and provide a safe, inclusive environment where clients can grow, learn, and express themselves with confidence.