by Grace Clark, PhD, SLP (speech-language pathologist); NWACS board member
reading time: 2 minutes
The views expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of NWACS. No endorsement by NWACS is implied regarding any device, manufacturer, resource, or strategy mentioned.
Let’s dive into a quick overview of a book featuring AAC:
The Things We Cannot Say book cover
Book Title: The Things We Cannot Say
Author: Kelly Rimmer
Published in 2019
Age Range: Adults
Book Type: Historical Fiction
How AAC is Featured: The main character, Alice, has a son, Eddie, who is on the autism spectrum and uses an AAC device to communicate. The book portrays Eddie’s AAC system realistically, describing how he selects pre-programmed words and phrases to express his needs and thoughts. In addition, Alice’s grandmother, Hanna, suffers a stroke and loses her ability to speak. The family uses a communication board with simple icons and letters to help Hanna express herself.
Note: I am not an AAC user, nor am I a parent/guardian or caregiver of an AAC user. I am a speech-language pathologist. So, I am coming at the book from this perspective.
This book is a dual-timeline historical fiction novel. It follows Alice, a modern-day woman, as she uncovers her grandmother Hanna's heartbreaking WWII love story in Nazi-occupied Poland. Through themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the power of unspoken words, the novel explores the enduring bonds of family and the healing power of truth.
Things I liked:
The realistic and respectful depiction of Eddie
Eddie’s portrayal as a complex individual—beyond just his diagnosis—helped me connect with him, as I saw his diagnosis as more than just a “character trait” but as a fully realized person.
The author doesn’t shy away from the difficulties Eddie faces, but it also highlights his strengths, giving a balanced portrayal of life with an autistic child.
My one big wish:
Alice’s character would spend less time reflecting on the challenges of parenting Eddie. While realistic, it was seen as repetitive or overly detailed.
Have you read this book? What did you think of it?
