Judith was 26 years old when she gave birth to her precious baby boy. Little Evan was born healthy, and everyone in the room was mesmerized by his cuteness.
But soon, Judith would realize that something was off about her son.
Non-Verbal
Evan hadn't been talking yet. At first, Judith thought he was just a late bloomer, but most children his age would at least say a few words by now.
Evan was now two years old, and he still hadn't said a single word. He was now classified as "non-verbal." So what did this mean for the little boy?
Social Anxiety
Judith had never heard of this term before, but it sounded scary. So when the doctor broke the news, she didn't want to believe it was true.
The doctors said her son could speak, but his form of social anxiety was holding him back.
Blaming Herself
Evan was a smart child, but he couldn't talk. Judith couldn't help but think it was all her fault.
She was ready to do anything to help him talk.
Seeking Help
Judith wished she could have a conversation with Evan. She wanted to know how he was doing and what he was feeling. They had visited countless education systems, but no one could help them.
Evan's situation was just too rare and complicated. Then, one day, she found Diane Logan.
New Specialist
Diane was a specialist when it came to non-verbal kids.
At this point, Evan was already five years old, and his condition still hadn't improved.
Bright Images And Keywords
Diane decided to try using bright images and keywords like "thank you" and "here" to help Evan talk.
But would it work?
The Day Of
A few months had passed, and Evan was finally ready for the big test that would determine whether the treatment had worked.
Judith arrived at the test center holding her camera. She couldn't wait to hear her boy speak. But she wasn't prepared for what happened next...
First Question
The test used recollection exercises and touch practice. Judith couldn't wait to hear her son speak for the first time in his life.
“Honey, is there anything you want to tell me?” she asked Evan.
Deciding On The Button
Evan looked at his mom and then at the screen. It took him a moment to decide which button to press.
But when he finally touched one of the buttons, Judith burst into tears.
"I Love You"
“I love you," it read. Evan pressed this button over and over again. Judith ended the recording, tossed her phone away, and ran to give her son a big hug.
He cried as she kissed him on the cheek. All these years, she thought she had failed as a parent and that her son didn't love her. But she was wrong.
An Emotional Moment
These three words changed her entire mindset. Judith didn't know what her son thought of her because he wouldn't talk.
She felt like she was failing as a parent and that she was a terrible mother.
Relief
Judith had spent many nights crying alone in her bedroom because she didn't know how to help her son. She wished Evan would open up to her.
This day was worth every penny and every teardrop. That day, Judith had learned an important lesson that she'll always carry.
Lesson Learned
Speaking isn't the only form of communication.
There are so many other types of communication that are equally as important such as listening, visual communication, nonverbal communication, written communication, and verbal communication.
Beautiful Soul
Often people say words they don't mean in the heat of the moment.
This test showed Judith just how precious her little boy was. He has a beautiful soul.