Inspired by my beautiful two neurodivergent children and their inability to communicate verbally at times, I designed Talkies with the intention to create deeper connections and understanding, and to try and break the cycle of generational and general societal judgment (thus creating immense childhood trauma) associated with the concept of 'naughty kids'.

We all know how frustrating it is to not be heard or understood, and in children (and also adults!) this regularly creates emotional regulation breakdowns that result in meltdowns, verbal and physical abusive behaviour, potential self-harm and acting out of impulse. Through extensive personal and family lived experience, I have grown to understand the immense empowerment of expression and actually being understood. Once children and non-verbal adults attempt to communicate (which is often demonstrated through behaviour that receives attention - positive or negative), frustration grows if those around them cannot interpret what they are trying to say. Talkies allow clear communication, independence, and a simple alternative means to ensure those around them can grasp their intentions ♥

I remember being afraid of teachers throughout school, being the perfect student but so scared that my 'perfect student 'mask would slip one day and they would see my true ADHD, impulsive, colours. Hundreds of times I would have loved to have been able to speak up, disagree or stand up for myself, even put my hand up and ask for a bandaid when I had a papercut... but did I? No. Because my brain was constantly in shut-down mode. ADHD and anxiety-driven hyper-focus and perfection, with the motor of OCD and alexithymia chugging along nicely. If only as a child I had access to an alternative form of communication, allowing trust and safety to build between myself and those around me. If only I had developed any confidence to communicate my basic needs, instead of internalising so many important wants and needs.

I created Talkies to change my children's lives. To change the lives of so many people who don't have the voice they deserve. To change the lives of those who have panic disorder, anxiety, selective mutism, autism, OCD or no diagnoses at all. To give parents and carers the confidence that their loved ones can now be heard, understood and build connections that were sadly missing for so long. Let's break the cycle of misinformation, judgement, missing connections. Let's start spreading kindness, consideration, understanding, care and connection. ♥