Happy National Speech-Language-Hearing Month! | Explore Support & Services for SLPs
Happy National Speech-Language-Hearing Month! | Explore Support & Services for SLPs
Welcome to ableFamilies in Real Life, a series celebrating the real families behind every AAC journey. This time, we are heading to Maryland to meet Chari and her son Cairo, a 5-year-old who is almost one year into his QuickTalker Freestyle journey. Their story is about leading by example, practicing together, and a little boy who knows exactly what he wants.
Cairo lives with his mom Chari, his aunt, and his two cousins, and he is right in the middle of the pack. He loves to run, play, and have fun with his cousins, and he is often seen watching his older cousin play football and trying to run right onto the field. He loves the water but hates being in it, so a splash pad is his jam. This family also loves to travel, and cruises have been the best trip so far. Cairo is not yet speaking in a lot of words, but that is changing, and the QuickTalker Freestyle is helping.
Chari’s first step was simple: show Cairo how to use it, and then use it herself so he would get comfortable. The family carries the QuickTalker Freestyle everywhere and makes sure it is charged at all times. After Cairo presses a word, they practice saying it out loud together.
It did not click right away. Cairo did not want to use it at first, but once he realized it makes it easier to get what he wants, he started using it all the time. “He still makes me carry it though,” Chari laughed.
Since the QuickTalker Freestyle came into their home, everyone is less frustrated, and Cairo is starting to use more and more spoken words. He will even try to repeat what you ask him to say.
Ask Chari for a recent moment that made her smile, and she describes a quick little game. Cairo presses “lollipop,” then peeks over at her to see if she will say yes or okay.
It is a small moment that says a lot. Cairo tells his mom when he wants tickles or hugs, when he is hungry, and exactly what he wants to eat. The result is fewer meltdowns and a lot less general frustration. Cairo knows his words work, and he is already checking to see how his mom will answer.
Chari’s wish for families just getting started is that she had learned sooner all of the many things the QuickTalker Freestyle can do. She is still exploring how to get it to do different things that will help Cairo, and she encourages other parents to keep digging in, too.
The family draws strength from a favorite saying: “God will work it out.” For Chari and Cairo, that faith, along with daily practice and a lot of love, is helping Cairo find more words every day.
Stay tuned for more real-life stories from ableFamilies across the country. Want to share your family’s journey or have a question? Our Parent Enthusiasts are here for you. You can also explore additional resources, guidance, and community connections on our SupportHub.