The Lila Rose Show E285: The Secret Spiritual World of People With Autism | Lila Rose Show
Jan 20, 2026
Joseph Infranco, an author and attorney with a passion for special-needs advocacy, dives into the unseen spiritual realms experienced by non-speaking individuals with autism. He discusses the profound messages revealed through facilitated spelling, uncovering hidden intelligence and emotional depth. Joseph explores how these spellers articulate connections with angels and divine beings, offering insights into their inner worlds. He also addresses misperceptions surrounding autism, emphasizing the importance of recognizing capabilities rather than limitations.
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Hidden Intelligence Revealed
- Non-speaking autistic people often have rich interior minds and can communicate complex interests when given tools like spelling boards.
- Joseph Infranco found early spelling revealed hidden intelligence and specific passions, overturning low expectations.
Teacher Comforted By Unexpected Words
- A special education teacher recounted a non-speaking boy unexpectedly saying "It's going to be okay, Susie" to her, using a private nickname.
- She had never told anyone that name, which convinced Joseph Infranco of surprising communicative instances.
Eye Tracking Supports Genuine Spelling
- Eye-tracking studies (University of Virginia) show spellers look at letters before their hands move, supporting independent authorship.
- This evidence helps address facilitator-influence concerns about spelling's legitimacy.
