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It finally happened. My baby said a full sentence, she asked a complete question. 7yrs old. Finally.

We were sharing an elevator at the San Franciso International Airport with a white haired medium sized older man that looked exactly like the image on her flash card with one word above the image. Grandpa.

“Are you a grandpa?” She asked the question as clear as the first time. Without the man fully understanding the moment he replied, “Yes I am a grandpa. I’m here to pick up my grandkids. Do you have a grandpa?”

My baby just smiled never replying to his question. The older man and I smiled at one another as the elevator made its stop.

“Grandpa! Are you a grandpa?” My baby asked again. The older man seemed to recognize that my baby was special. He took the time to gently reply to her question one last time. “Yes, I am a grandpa. Bye bye little girl.” he said.

My daughter laughed. I said goodbye, and mouthed the words thank you to the older man with tears in my eyes. Tears of joy. This moment was huge. She asked a complete question on her own. My baby was capable, and the PECS were working.

PECS – Picture Exchange Communication System. PECS is a type of Alternative Communication that uses visual symbols and pictures to teach the learner to communicate with parents, caregivers, teachers, and peers. The aim is to teach intentional, functional communication and allow users to communicate their wants and needs.

The PECS were working….