![Autism Parenting Secrets artwork](https://is5-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts113/v4/48/0f/c5/480fc533-5505-0984-9211-840f605e0a54/mza_5196981862301945902.jpg/100x100bb.jpg)
Presume COMPETENCE, Here’s How
Autism Parenting Secrets
English - July 18, 2024 10:00 - 57 minutes - 53 MBParenting Kids & Family Health & Fitness Mental Health autism parenting skills autism parenting training autism parenting story help children with autism autism parenting autism spectrum parenting autism parenting secrets autism parenting warrior parent Homepage Download Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Welcome to Episode 213 of Autism Parenting Secrets.
Today, I’m joined by Dawnmarie Gaivin, Founder & Executive Director of Spellers Center San Diego in Oceanside, CA.
Dawnmarie was a trauma & transplant RN for over 11 years. In 2005, her first son was diagnosed with autism, followed by her second son a year later. Her eldest, Evan (20), is a fluent letterboard communicator, and her younger son, Trey (19), uses multiple communication methods.
Dawnmarie, a former DIR/Floortime® provider and cofounder of the Spellers MethodTM, is now an Assistive Technology Specialist. In 2021, Jamison Handley and his dad, JB, wrote “Underestimated” about their journey learning to spell with her. JB shared their story in Episode 38.
In 2023, the documentary SPELLERS, now on YouTube, showcased how spelling and typing have liberated many nonspeakers.
Dawnmarie’s passion is to support nonspeakers in developing motor skills and reliable communication.
The secret this week is ...
Presume COMPETENCE, Here’s How
You'll Discover:
About Our Guest:
Dawnmarie Gaivin is the Founder & Executive Director at Spellers Center San Diego, located in Oceanside, CA. Before her career moved into the world of nonspeaking autism, Dawnmarie worked for over 11 years as a trauma & transplant RN.
In 2005, her first son regressed and was diagnosed with autism. A year later, her second son followed the same path. Today, her eldest, Evan (20), is a nonspeaker and fluent letterboard communicator. Her younger son, Trey (19), is a minimal speaker who uses multiple modalities for effective communication.
Dawnmarie is a former DIR/Floortime® provider, cofounder of the Spellers MethodTM, and is currently an Assistive Technology Specialist (AT-ACP) as well.
In March 2021, Jamison Handley, a speller, and his dad JB wrote a book entitled "Underestimated" about their journey learning how to spell to communicate with her. In 2023, the documentary SPELLERS was released - now available on YouTube - showcasing how spelling and typing as a method of communication have liberated many nonspeakers from a life of silence.
Dawnmarie's" children inspired her specific passion to support all nonspeakers in the development of purposeful motor skills and a reliable form of communication.
References in The Episode:
Additional Resources:
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.