Presume Competence: Steven May
Episode description
What if everything we thought we knew about non-speaking autism was wrong? In this episode of Parents Unheard, Joseph and Kayie sit down with Steven May, the founder of Presume Competence.
Steven isn’t a doctor or a parent—he is a dedicated researcher who has distilled the wisdom of over 120 books written by non-speakers to uncover a startling truth: the problem isn't intelligence; it's apraxia.
We explore why traditional AAC devices might actually be failing our children due to sensory "strobing" and optical challenges, and why a simple 26-letter board is the key to unlocking a trapped mind.
From the "Spiderwebs of Connection" found in spellers’ stories to the extraordinary sensory capabilities of non-speaking individuals, this episode challenges every boundary of what we believe is possible.
In this episode, we discuss:
The Mind-Body Disconnect: Understanding apraxia and the "puppet" analogy.
The AAC Critique: Why high-tech devices can be a barrier to true communication.
The "I’m In Here" Moment: The emotional reality of a child’s first words on a letterboard.
Sensory Superpowers: Why non-speakers might hear Wi-Fi and see in "Full HD" peripheral vision.
The Path Forward: Practical steps for UK parents to start the spelling journey today.