This is the moment a non-speaking autistic toddler used a communication app to tell his mum he loved her for the first time.

Jace Mills, three, used the app Proloquo2Go to say "I love you" to his mum Mara Givenrod, 25. "

The moment marked a huge milestone for Jace who has spent the past year learning to communicate using the app.

Mara said the breakthrough came completely out of the blue and was something she feared might never happen.

Mara, a social media creator from Ontario, Canada, said: "I couldn't believe it."

"It was quite shocking and overwhelming."

"It was the first time he had ever done it and I can't believe I was able to capture the moment forever."

Jace was diagnosed with autism at just 12 months old.

Mara had suspected that he was autistic from an early age, as he exhibited the same signs as her older daughter Autumn Mills, five, who is also autistic.

Mara said: "Signs of autism in Jace included stimming frequently, being nonspeaking and having sleeping and feeding difficulties as well as sensory challenges."

Mara immediately began researching tools to help Jace and quickly turned to therapies and services that could support his development.

She first learned about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ACC) apps from other families and decided to give Proloquo2Go a try.

Over the last year, Jace has learnt to use the app, which is customizable to each user's needs, and he now uses it to request food, toys or affection.

Mara said: "It's opened so many doors for him and for us as a family. "

"The app has been life-changing for us."

The family has faced numerous challenges, including Jace's severe sleep disorder and struggles with meltdowns due to his inability to communicate.

But the app has brought significant improvements, allowing Jace to express his needs and emotions more effectively.

Mara said: "Now that he can communicate better, he's so much happier and more regulated."

"I've seen a whole new side to my son."

"Jace is such a loving little boy but to have him say ‘I love you' back to me was something I never thought I'd hear. "

"It was so emotional."

"It's a moment I'll treasure forever."