When Silence Speaks: Imagining the Words Brantley Might One Day Say

Before Brantley’s last surgery, the anesthesiologist came in to ask him a few routine questions. When I explained that he was nonverbal, she told us about a recent case where a nonverbal child filled the operating room with chatter after being administered an anesthetic.

The story lingered in my mind long after she left the room.

I couldn’t help but wonder—if that were to happen to Brantley, what would he say?

Brantley’s facial expressions already convey so much. He doesn’t need words to make his feelings known—he’s funny, full of personality, and deeply expressive.

I can only imagine the smart aleck remarks he might tell if he would speak.

We often have people tell us that they have dreams where Brantley talks to them.

I’ve had those dreams too.

In them, his voice is raspy and quiet as he speaks his thoughts in very matter of fact way.

Sometimes, I catch myself wondering if those dreams are a glimpse of something yet to come. What would he share with us? What questions would he ask? Would his voice reflect the mischievous glint in his eye that we know so well?

No matter what the future brings, whether his voice stays quiet or if he surprises us one day, he's already telling me everything I need to know—just in his own way. I cherish his candid expressions, silent humor, and the unspoken bond we share—one that goes beyond words. #specialneedsmom #specialneedsparenting #autismmom #autismparents #autismlife