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How it started
Kristin Bartolo
I am founder of Freed Academy and mom of Dash, my 15 year old speller. My story started sadly like so many others that have children who are nonspeaking. I held on hope until he was 12 years old that someday he would speak.
Years before I found spelled communication I had wanted, dreamed really, I could open some sort of place for him to go. A place free from name calling and stares, a place that wanted to treat him with one ounce of respect, a place where they didn't just put him in a corner or in front of a computer all day. My expectations were low. I just wanted him to be with other kids. Learning was never a priority. I knew they were not teaching him but I couldn't just let him sit at home all day in complete isolation. Born and raised in Vegas and I still could not find one place to put my nonspeaking son.
I had spent 12 years trying every therapy, every test, every doctor, every medication money could buy that brought some kind of hope. Then I decided to just let him be and quit torturing him with a million different therapies and medications that were not working. He is a happy kid. He laughs and runs around the house with his ipad, computer and headphones. He seemed content and I was okay with that. A year later I read a book called “Underestimated an Autism Miracle”. I cried through every page. I felt hope creeping back in. I made one phone call and this is when my spelling journey began.
Dash progressed weekly and moved quickly through the stages of the boards. I work with him everyday. I read every post and book, and took every class there was. I immersed myself in everything spelling. Hearing his thoughts, words, dreams and finally learning who he really is. There will never be any greater achievement in my lifetime. I did it. I FREED him.
I promised Dash I would help others who were also trapped, with a mind like you and I in an unruly body. So, here we are opening an Academy for nonspeakers. In my words alone, a place where nonspeakers' dreams come true. All Dash wants is what all of us really want; friendship, respect and love. Freed Academy for Nonspeakers will be all of those things and more. Much much more.