The Communication Journey

When Wilfred first joined BeyondAutism, he primarily relied on gestures and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to communicate. At first, this gave him a helpful starting point. Over time, though, as his curiosity and independence grew, the limitations of a picture-based system became more apparent.

Wilfred had ideas he couldn’t express, and his family found themselves constantly managing and replacing cards—especially thanks to a younger sibling who thought they were either toys or snacks. It was clear Wilfred was ready for more—and so were his parents.

Unlocking communication through technology

For many autistic learners, however, spoken language isn’t their preferred or primary way of communicating. Research suggests that around 25% to 30% of autistic individuals communicate with few or no words (Health Policy Partnership, 2025), highlighting the importance of accessible and flexible communication approaches. At BeyondAutism, we recognise that communication is most successful when it’s on the learner’s terms. Supporting learners to discover methods they enjoy and feel confident using is what makes communication meaningful and lasting.

With guidance from our dedicated Speech and Language Therapist Team, Wilfred’s family explored alternative ways to support his communication. This led to the introduction of a communication app for his tablet—an adaptable, intuitive tool that provided Wilfred with a consistent method of expression across school, home, and community settings.

Building Skills and Confidence

To start the process, we slowly introduced Wilfred to the app, encouraging him to use it to make basic requests. As he grew more comfortable with the technology, his communication expanded and over time, he progressed to greeting familiar people, commenting in group activities, and sharing his preferences. His newfound confidence became particularly evident during a holiday camp, where he used the app to interact with new people, demonstrating his growing independence.

Not only has the app given Wilfred a reliable way to express his thoughts, he also started communicating verbally, using words and phrases he hadn’t previously used. The frustrations that once came with communication barriers have eased.

His mum shared, “It’s incredible to see Wilfred finding his voice. He’s more engaged, more confident, and we’re excited for what the future holds.”

Looking Ahead
As Wilfred continues on his communication journey, he’s building confidence, growing his vocabulary, and learning to navigate everyday conversations—each step bringing him closer to greater independence. His story shows the life-changing impact of tailored support and accessible communication tools. That journey often begins in Early Years, where we work closely with families to lay the foundations for long-term success. Our Early Years’ service is entirely funded through voluntary donations, enabling us to offer this vital support free of charge to families who need it most.

By donating today, you’ll help more children like Wilfred find their voice and begin their own path to a future full of choice and opportunity. Change an autistic child’s life and make a donation today.