ableFamilies in Real Life:

Meet Samantha & Samson

Meet Samantha and her three‑year‑old son, Samson, an autistic kiddo and the youngest in a busy family of five. Samantha and her husband—high school sweethearts—are raising their children in a home filled with learning, creativity, and love. Each day looks a little different in their house: sometimes it’s loud, sometimes it’s quiet—but since the QuickTalker Freestyle joined their family about 18 months ago, Samantha has noticed an increase in more vocal days.

Their family has adapted routines to support communication in thoughtful ways. Samantha labels kitchen cabinets so her older children can help with chores and meal prep, and they homeschool with days structured around Samson’s sleep and therapy schedules. Limiting background noise and extra devices has helped keep everyone regulated, and having a consistent routine has made a significant difference in how Samson engages with his AAC.

Learning, Modeling, and Everyday Communication

Early on, Samson surprised everyone by using his QuickTalker Freestyle to share his love for geography and animals—labeling all 50 states and more than 100 animals. Samantha also noticed that he could read and spell, so she made sure vocabulary stayed open and available for exploration. One of the biggest challenges, however, was moving from labeling to more functional use. At first, Samson would often ignore the device, and it took time, modeling, and patience to weave it naturally into everyday life. Samantha also had to help other family members learn how to use and support the device, knowing it would take time for everyone to adjust.

Now, the QuickTalker Freestyle is always close by—literally. Samantha attached a strap from an old crossbody purse, so Samson’s device stays with him throughout the day. This simple change helped her model language in real time instead of missing opportunities while searching for it. They use the device during play, active movement, and daily routines, with Samantha narrating Samson’s environment, actions, and feelings. She also includes his favorite shows, phrases, and scripts, using the same language on the device that the family uses aloud.

Connection Across the Whole Family

The QuickTalker Freestyle has strengthened connections across the whole family. Samantha has even caught her nine‑year‑old using the device to communicate his own feelings—and tricking her into thinking Samson was talking from the back seat of the car. One especially meaningful moment came when Samson began using the “people” page on his device. He pressed “mommy” and ran to hug Samantha, then pressed each family member’s name and hugged them one by one—repeating the cycle again. Moments like that showed just how powerful connection can be when communication is accessible.

Meaningful Moments

When Samson began using the “people” page on his device. He pressed “mommy” and ran to hug Samantha, then pressed each family member’s name and hugged them one by one—repeating the cycle again.

Samson's Message

If you ask Samson what his favorite message is right now, he’ll tell you clearly: “I need squeezes.”

Samantha's Advice for New Families

Don’t be intimidated. Start small, focus on little goals, and trust that it will soon feel like the device has always been part of your life.

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? Ask our Parent Enthusiasts or find more information and resources on our SupportHub.