Imagine asking your child every day how their day was, or asking what they got up to or who they played with, but never getting an answer?

Not because they are being an ass of a kid and not wanting to give an answer, but because they can’t.

That’s why I sat speechless when the lady with the blonde hair and blue dress showed me her goal for my son.

She spoke us through the plan to get Rhys to eventually talk about a picture. To use verbs and explain what he was seeing. The ability to take a bunch of language and put it together in a sentence that was more than just a request for a treat.

The plan didn’t involve words or verbal communication. At least initially. It involved pictures and communication in a whole new way.

So tomorrow we are going to start building on the foundations we have already set. We are going to work on the verb “I see”.

I am going to work with Rhys on selecting the images on his communication device to comment on a picture. To tell me what he sees.

It sounds simple, but I know that it is going to be a hell of a journey.

A journey for both of us.

So I have a stash of chocolate buttons as a reward …

… and a bottle of vino for me.

Anyone else been on this journey? Send some tips this way.

Visit our strategy page to read about implementing PECS as a communication aid for your child.