Not being able to speak is not the same as not having anything to say.

Really, this is number one. Please presume my competence.

#1 Please talk to me like everyone else.

#2 Please don’t talk about me in front of me. I can hear you. I can read your lips. I can read your body language. It feels terrible. Sad. But it feels great when you treat me like I am smart.

#3  Please talk directly to me, not to my support person, or my mom, Russ or my sisters.

#4 Please focus on my strengths. I have many. We all do.

#5 Please presume my competence.

I STAND WITH HENRY .