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For 20 years, I thought I knew my son. Then he started spelling.

A father and son navigating autism, apraxia, and the discovery that non-speaking doesn't mean non-thinking.

What I Believe

I believe seeing someone fully, acknowledging their worth and presuming their depth alters their reality. That's what changing the world looks like.

I believe we teach best when we listen first.

I believe some days undo us, then make space for something better.

I believe treating someone as if they are capable helps them become who they’re meant to be.

I believe starting over isn’t always failure—sometimes it’s clarity, courage, and strength.

I believe every day is a gift, even when it’s hard.

I believe getting out the door is part of the journey.

I believe others rise to the level of our expectations, and expecting less is kindness in theory, but cruelty in practice.

I believe the scoreboard doesn’t lie, but it also doesn’t capture all the real victories.

I believe hope is gritty, forward-facing trust that we are growing into something more than we imagined.

I believe presumed competence is a worldview rooted in human dignity.

I believe how we respond to people who challenge us defines our character more than how we treat those who agree with us.

I believe in the message of Proverbs 11:26: ‘The people curse those who hold back grain, but a blessing is on the one who offers it.’ What I’ve learned is my grain. I’m not hoarding it. I’m bringing it to the marketplace, where it can do the most good.

Who this is for

Whether you’re walking a similar path or trying to understand someone who is, this book offers something: practical wisdom for parents, guidance for supporters, and for everyone, a glimpse into how assumptions can evolve and relationships can deepen with new awareness.

How We Support

Our book includes Real Words With Sam: his unpolished, unedited actual thoughts and ideas. You’ll also find words a father often keeps to himself—raw and open, with insights that are highly relatable. On social media, we share Sam’s wisdom and glimpses into our daily lives. I’m open to sharing our experience through podcasts, talks, or conversations where it might be helpful.

Real Words, Real Lives

Sam was listening and understanding all along. This book shares the raw moments families usually keep private. Hard days, small victories, real connection.

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Available February 2026

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Testimonials

Hey J Brad, WOW man!! This is really well done. RAW. VULNERABLE! I enjoyed reading it. I teared up often. I love how you bounce back and forth to: REAL WORDS WITH SAM!!!
— Jeff Bry
Wow. This is so authentic. I can hear your voice and Sam's. You describe yourself so well. That's not easy to do. There are many lines that I repeated out loud. For example, when speaking about Sam's relationship with Madison. "But beneath it all is a bond built on love, loyalty, and mutual respect. And maybe most importantly, she treats him like a little brother, not a diagnosis." I love that. I like how you interspersed Real Words With Sam within. The barber destination was a beautiful day in your life.
— Pam Suchoski
Absolutely beautiful! You have a special son, and you and your family (and all of us who have Sam in our lives) are on a remarkable journey... success indeed! I'm excited to read more. Thank you for sharing, and happy writing.
— Krista Warren
I appreciate you entrusting me to read something so raw, vulnerable and all around special. I sat down tonight thinking I’d get maybe 10-15 pages in. Well, I just finished it. I didn’t want to stop. I see a mirror of you in my dad. I see a mirror of me in Madison. I see a mirror of Sam in my sister. Although Katie does not have autism, she is non-verbal and I’ve always known she understands more than people think. While this technique might not be something she can do, it makes me over the moon to hear about the success Sam has with it. And how it completely transforms your relationships and your family. It’s beautiful. I can’t wait for more, and I will be sharing this with many people! I don’t really have anything constructive for you, I hope you don’t mind. This is so well done, and you should be proud for digging deep into those tough emotions. And I hope Sam is proud as well.
— Stacie Barton
Dude... This is incredible. I have absolutely nothing to add or suggest. It’s beautiful. Your writing is first-rate. Your fatherly love leaps off the screen. It’s special. Your insights - or at times your self-described attempts at understanding - are fabulous and smart. What can I say? I have no suggestions here. I wish I could add value. You’ve left me no crumbs. Keep doin’ what you’re doin! Looking forward to your next chapters! Incredible.
— Bruce Goodman
Wow wow wow, what an incredible book you are writing Brad - I loved reading it, I couldn’t put it down! Everything about this book is just brilliant - your writing style, the rawness & authenticity, Sam’s words & humor threaded within, the realness, the parallels to so much in life - I truly loved it and I can’t wait to read the rest of it. Thank you so much for sharing it with me. Ps I hope you don’t mind, I shared it with my husband - he was captivated from start to finish!
— Kim Koetsier
Finally had enough time to sit down yesterday evening and read the sample you sent. Your vulnerability is inspiring and I can’t wait to read it all! So far I think it’s amazing.
— Emma Logan
This is beautiful, hope giving, and a blessing to a group of people desperate for hope. What’s more is that you’re uniquely able to meet this community right now. Certainly feels like God ordered this task for you and you alone. The emotions hit. I’m not much of a crier by nature but my wife looked at me while I was reading and asked if I was okay, so you obviously struck a nerve.

My take on the writing is that while there isn’t continuity from story to story I don’t think you needed it. Every chapter was an opportunity to explore a new angle of you and Sam, and in the process, me and Danny. I loved your insights of presume competence. Sam responses at the barber shop mirror Danny in so many ways. And the epiphany at the conference is an aha moment similar to one I had last year when we got Danny’s diagnosis. I had my own aha’s as I read too. From one autism parent to another keep going! I need you to publish this work. I have friends who need you to publish this work. I want to meet more of Sam, and I hope to one day in person. Thank you for peeling the onion back on your own life too. The amount of introspection you’ve had to do stands out. The world will be a better place for it. Keep going good sir! I can’t wait to see where the rest of the story goes.
— Jonathan Reeves
Brad, this is incredible. I can't wait to read the entire book. No feedback. Just enjoyment.
— Jon Berghoff
I REALLY enjoyed reading the sample you shared. The barber shop story is fantastic. I could vividly picture the scene and feel the moments unfold. I can even hear Sam’s voice inflection when he said certain phrases, but I guess that’s a special insider perk. To know Sam is to love all the little things about him. If the rest of the stories are like this, the book is going to be incredibly engaging and relatable. I also love how you weave in small excerpts of Sam’s spelling, like his answer to: The bitterness of cacao seeds is an excellent evolutionary adaptation. What is an adaptation you have? I’M LISTENING EVEN WHILE TALKING. Wow. That just adds so much depth and invites readers to think. And it really paints such a great portrait of the depth of Sam, and how you relearned everything about him through spelling. Nicely done.

What makes your writing especially compelling is that it comes from an autism dad. It’s powerful to hear the world through your perspective - your honesty, humor, and insight really resonate. One small note: some autistic people prefer we don’t use labels like “autism mom” or “autism dad,” so you might consider whether that matters to you as you write. Either way, your voice and your story are important, and I’m excited for readers to hear them. Bravo! Feel free to have me read anything else as you go along. Happy to give you my two cents, if it’s of use. I’m excited for you guys!
— Dawnmarie Gavin

About the
     Authors

I’m J Brad Britton, Sam’s dad. I’ve spent my career training business leaders on principles like presuming competence, listening first, and believing in the unlimited potential of people. When Sam was young, I failed to apply those same principles at home. I assumed his limited speech and inability to follow directions meant he had a limited understanding. I was wrong. 

 

At a 2018 symposium, I watched a nonspeaking teenager spell an eloquent sentence, and realized I’d been having a one-sided conversation with my own son for two decades.

Since Sam began spelling...

…he’s revealed depths of wisdom, humor, and insight that humble me. Our daughter Madison treats him with the perfect balance of fierce protection and sibling normalcy. 

My wife, Paulette, connects us to the broader autism community. Together, we’re learning that intelligence can show up in unexpected ways. I’m sharing our story because every family walking this path deserves to know: their child may understand far more than they realize.

Do you consider yourself more of an idealist or a realist, and why?
SAM: "I am more of an idealist because life inside my head is playful."
SAM: "I am more of an idealist because life inside my head is playful."
If you had to choose between the fields of science, education, and politics, which would you pursue and why?
SAM: "Education because the world needs to understand how to teach neurodivergent minds."
SAM: "Education because the world needs to understand how to teach neurodivergent minds."
Name something that is priceless and cannot be bought with money.
SAM: "It is certainly priceless the time we get to spend awake."
SAM: "It is certainly priceless the time we get to spend awake."
What would you consider the secret ingredient to a long and happy life?
SAM: "To learn the lesson that each person is created to live a unique, never duplicated life and to act accordingly."
SAM: "To learn the lesson that each person is created to live a unique, never duplicated life and to act accordingly."
In your own words, summarize what bravery in the midst of chaos means.
SAM: "To press on despite excess turbulance that might cause fear or uncertainty."
SAM: "To press on despite excess turbulance that might cause fear or uncertainty."
What inspires your thirst for knowledge, and why?
SAM: "Cultivating a trove of information keeping me fresh and hot on what is happening in the world is a go."
SAM: "Cultivating a trove of information keeping me fresh and hot on what is happening in the world is a go."
How would you define introspection?
SAM: "Trying to inspect unconscious patterns going on inside yourself."
SAM: "Trying to inspect unconscious patterns going on inside yourself."
What do you think it takes to become the most accomplished surfer of all time?
SAM: "Attention to the little details, such as being aware of the waves and being able to read the changing ocean then it requires persistent practice and the inner desire to keep progressing."
SAM: "Attention to the little details, such as being aware of the waves and being able to read the changing ocean then it requires persistent practice and the inner desire to keep progressing."
What is something that you find rewarding?
SAM: "All the times that I astound other people with my unexpected intelligence."
SAM: "All the times that I astound other people with my unexpected intelligence."

Core Values

Respect

Hope

Gratitude

Recognition

Contribution

Finding gifts in difficult moments, choosing thankfulness over entitlement

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book only for autism families?

While our story centers on autism and apraxia, the themes—presuming competence, finding connection across differences, discovering intelligence where others see disability—resonate with anyone who's been underestimated or who loves someone who communicates differently.

What is apraxia?

Apraxia is a motor planning disorder affecting roughly 67% of autistic people. It's a disconnect between intention and action—the mind knows what it wants to do, but the body doesn't always cooperate. This is why someone might repeat YouTube videos perfectly but struggle with yes/no questions.

How does Sam communicate through spelling?

Sam uses a letterboard with a communication partner's support, spelling thoughts one letter at a time. It requires patience, practice, and trust. His spelled words appear throughout the book exactly as he shared them.

Will this book tell me how to "fix" my child?

No. This book is about respect, connection, and discovering what's already there. It's about shifting perspective and learning to listen.

When will the book be available?

February 2026. Sign up for updates and you'll receive sample chapters plus ongoing stories from our journey.

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