Understanding Non-Speaking Autism and Apraxia (S8E14)
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (podtrac.com) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
While my production computer is down, I’m re-releasing this powerful episode that so many parents found helpful the first time around. If you’re raising a non-speaking or minimally speaking child, or if you're trying to better understand apraxia and communication differences in autism—this conversation is for you.
I’m joined again by Samantha Fox, M.A., CCC-SLP—an incredible speech-language pathologist and founder of Beyond Speech Therapy Center. Samantha specializes in working with non-speaking autistic individuals and is a certified Spelling to Communicate (S2C) practitioner.
We talk openly about:
-
What apraxia really is—and how it’s often misunderstood
-
Why some autistic kids can understand language but still can’t speak
-
The difference between language delays and motor-based speech challenges
-
Why “presume competence” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s essential
-
My son Emmett’s experience being non-speaking and how it shaped my perspective
-
A powerful message from 17-year-old speller Kaden that will absolutely stay with you
This conversation will challenge assumptions and give you a new way to view communication struggles. Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator—you’ll walk away better informed and hopefully more hopeful.
🎧 Listen now anywhere you get your podcasts or at: https://listen.theautismdad.com
This episode is sponsored by:
🛏 Safe Place Bedding
Safe Place Bedding creates custom, in-home safety beds for kids with autism and other special needs. Learn more at safeplacebedding.com
🎮 Mightier
Mightier helps kids build emotional regulation skills through biofeedback video games developed at Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s Hospital. Try it today at mightier.com