Presume Competence. Always.

I've spoken (will translate) about AAC, which can be good tools for your child. 

But presuming competence goes further than that...

What does it mean, on first instance?

PRESUMING THAT THE PERSON CAN AND WANTS TO LEARN, PRESUMING THE NOTION THAT YOU JUST MIGHT NEED TO CHANGE YOUR METHODS. PRESUMING THAT THERE MAY BE LOTS OF THINGS IN THEIR MIND, BUT, WITH THE PROPOSED METHOD, THEY JUST CAN'T GET THEM ACROSS.

WHAT I SAY IS... IF COUGHING DIDN'T WORK, USE HEIMLICH (MORE EXTRAVAGANT METHODS)! EVERYTHING COUNTS! 

Presume that your child can communicate. Talk even of things you've never imagined (insert pronoun) speaking about.  Presume that (insert pronouns) has an opinion about politics, (insert pronoun) diagnosis, religion, sexuality.

Presume that your child's talent is there, hidden, waiting to be discovered.

Presume that your child loves you, and tels you in different ways.

Presume that your CHILD WANTS AND WILL FIGHT FOR (insert pronouns) RIGHTS, YOU ONLY HAVE TO HELP (insert pronouns)