Special Spotlight- Finding His Voice: Viraj Dhanda's Story of Silent Strength




Finding His Voice: Viraj Dhanda's Story of Silent Strength

Imagine spending years trying to show the world that you understand—while being completely unable to speak or type your thoughts. 

That was Viraj Dhanda’s reality.

Diagnosed with autism and childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), Viraj is also nonverbal. For much of his early life, he was believed to be developmentally delayed—simply because he couldn’t express himself in traditional ways. But behind his quiet presence, his mind was sharp, aware, and absorbing everything.

And one day, his father realized it. 

The Breakthrough

Though Viraj couldn't talk or use a keyboard with both hands, his father noticed he could type with one thumb. He taught him. And what happened next changed everything at 14 years of age.

Viraj started typing. Not just letters or random words—sentences, thoughts, full expressions that revealed something incredible: he had understood everything all along.

Viraj continues to communicate through typed words. What was once misread as a cognitive impairment was actually a severe communication barrier. One that he overcame—with access to the right support and tools, and a parent who never gave up.

 When Speech Isn’t the Whole Story

Viraj’s journey shines a light on a vital truth for families, educators, and clinicians:

Not being able to speak is not the same as not having anything to say.

In children with autism and apraxia, expressive language can be severely impaired even when comprehension remains intact. Apraxia prevents the brain from coordinating the motor movements for speech. Combined with autism-related sensory and processing differences, the result can look like disengagement or delay—when in fact, the child may be fully aware.

Viraj's story calls us to look deeper.

The Power of Presumed Competence

So often, non-speaking individuals are underestimated. Viraj’s experience proves why we must presume competence—to assume a person can understand and does have something meaningful to share, even if they can't yet show it in traditional ways.

His father’s faith in him—the decision to teach him to type—opened the door to everything.

 A Message for Families and Educators

Viraj's story is a beacon of hope, especially for families walking a similar path:

  • Never stop believing in your child's potential.
  • Explore alternative communication—like AAC, typing, or letter boards.
  • Trust your instincts. If you feel your child gets it, you’re probably right.
  • Advocate for therapy and education that meets your child’s unique needs—not based on what they say, but who they are.

Voices like Colton and Viraj’s Loud and Clear

Today, Viraj doesn’t speak with his mouth—but his words, typed with a single thumb, speak volumes. Children like Viraj and Colton, who spend years being silent, unheard, misunderstood, living under the false presumptions the outside world places on them can us teach us many things. About resilience. Intelligence. And the unshakable bond between a child and a parent who believed in them.

These stories remind us: every child deserves to be heard—even if they speak in their own way, on their own timeline.

Final Thoughts

Viraj Dhanda is not just a success story. He is proof that communication is a human right, and that behind every quiet child may be a voice waiting to be unlocked.

If you are the parent, teacher, or therapist of a child like Viraj or Colton—hold on to hope. Speak to them. Teach them. Listen differently. And most importantly, never assume a quiet child has a quiet mind.

Because one day, they might show you—they’ve understood the whole time.

Click here to watch the Amazing Story of Viraj Dhanda; Credit CBS Evening News 7/11/2025.


Location: Cairo, MO 65239, USA

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