ableFamilies in Real Life:

Meet Gia & Romesh

Welcome back to ableFamilies in Real Life, where we celebrate the families making communication part of everyday life. This time we are heading to Minnesota, to meet Gia and her son Romesh, a six-year-old who was once described as nonverbal and who is now building full sentences. For two years, the QuickTalker Freestyle speech device has been the tool that helped him get there.

All About Romesh

Romesh is six years old and the youngest of two children, with an older sister, Aylah, who is eight. He was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was four, about a year before he received his QuickTalker Freestyle. Ask his mom what his favorite thing is, and the answer is immediate: Baby Shark.

A Slow Start, and Then Everything Changed

The beginning was not immediate. At first Romesh did not show much interest in his device, and Gia is candid that she did not fully understand how to use it or how much of a difference it could make for him.

That changed when Romesh started attending ABA therapy full-time and began using his QuickTalker Freestyle every day. As he became more comfortable with his device, Gia became more involved in learning how to use it with him. In many ways, she says, Romesh was teaching her. He was showing her new things he had learned and finding new ways to communicate with the family.

From there it became a question of availability. Gia started making a conscious effort to have the device within reach during meals, during playtime, and any time Romesh was sitting or engaging with the family. Putting it on the table when he sits down for a snack, taking it outside when they go play, all of it made the device a part of his day rather than something separate from it.

Fewer Meltdowns, More Words

The difference has been incredible. Before Romesh used his device consistently, he struggled with a lot of frustration and could become very aggressive when he could not communicate what he needed. Since he started using his QuickTalker Freestyle, the family has seen a significant decrease in that aggression, because he now has a way to communicate.

The early win that stands out most for Gia is the moment her son started to realize he had a voice. Romesh was diagnosed as nonverbal. Today he is saying sentences, answering questions, and, in his mom’s words, most definitely not shy about letting his needs be known.

Three Words, Twice

The moment Gia comes back to is a quiet one. Romesh used his device to spell out “I love you mom,” and then he repeated it to her.

“This device has truly been one of the best things that has happened to our family,” she says. “It has not only given Romesh a voice, but it has helped us understand him better and has brought us closer together. Watching him learn, communicate, and become more independent has been an incredible experience, and I’m so grateful we have his QuickTalker Freestyle to help him find his voice.”

Growing Together

Asked what she wishes she had learned sooner, Gia’s answer is honest: she wishes she had been more open-minded about the device earlier and had dived into it sooner than she did. Now, she says, she loves it. Her advice for families just getting started comes down to that same habit of availability. Keep the device with him, make it as available as possible, and give him time to adapt. He did not like it at first, and then he started to love it.

What keeps Gia going is simple. Her children, she says, give her the drive to keep going.

Share Your Journey or Connect with Us

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.