Unlocking Voices Workshop for New Parents

A Parent Workshop for Families of Non‑Speaking Autistic Children

Unlocking Voices is a parent‑led nonprofit supporting families, established in 2014 initially learning RPM and now CtS, which has been adapted for UK education standards. We are ambitious for our children and focused on helping them develop genuine, independent expressive language.

We believe our spellers need to be taught age-appropriate subjects and supported to develop skills — including spelling — just like any other learner. This workshop will focus on practical, ethical, skill‑based support.

Is your child non‑speaking or minimally speaking?
Are you curious about spelling with letter boards but unsure where to start, what it involves, or whether your child is ready?

This practical workshop is designed especially for parents and carers who are thinking about introducing letterboards as part of their child’s total communication.

Suitable for families of children of all ages including older learners who may not previously have had access to appropriate communication opportunities.

What This Workshop Will Cover

• What is possible for non‑speakers, illustrated through real examples and legible pointing
• How letter boards and early spelling can support the development of independent expressive language
• The foundational skills children need to get started (and why teaching matters)
• Good practice vs unhelpful or risky practice
• Common mistakes families make — and how to avoid them
• What follow‑up support may be helpful after the workshop

Who This Workshop Is For

• Parents of non‑speaking, minimally speaking and individuals with unreliable speech
• Families exploring spelling‑based communication for the first time
• Parents who feel curious, hopeful, cautious, or overwhelmed (all welcome)

No prior experience needed.

Guest Speaker

Alex Hopwood
The most experienced practitioner in the UK.

Alex created Connect through Spelling (CtS) and is the founder of Transforming Education for Autism. She has supported hundreds of non‑speaking learners and their families over the past 10+ years, with a strong focus on legible pointing, ethical practice, and building skills step‑by‑step.

Alex’s session will:

• Share inspiring stories that show what is possible
• Help new families understand the basics to get started
• Explore good and poor practice
• Clarify what support is available after this first step
• Live demo with a speller and an opportunity for questions

This is an introductory session, not a training.

What You’ll Leave With

• A realistic understanding of what is involved
• Greater clarity about ethical, skill‑based practice
• Increased confidence to take next steps (or pause) without pressure
• Reassurance, inspiration, and a sense of community
• Starter Pack including letterboards

Every child deserves the chance to develop a reliable, independent voice.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Unlocking Voices