What If We Taught Self-Advocacy as Early as We Taught Colors?

We teach toddlers to say “blue” and “doggie” and “more” with delight—but what about “no,” “stop,” or “I don’t like that”?

Self-advocacy isn’t something that starts in adulthood. It starts when a child is taught that their voice matters—even if they don’t use words yet.

At The Therapy Garden, we teach children to make choices, express preferences, and set boundaries from the very beginning. For nonspeaking children or those with limited verbal language, we use visuals, AAC, and body language to honor their autonomy.

Teaching a child that “no” is a full sentence is just as valuable as any academic skill. It lays the foundation for safety, confidence, and communication.

So here’s your gentle reminder: saying “yes” to your child’s no is one of the most powerful ways to raise a self-advocate