

Ep. 2638 I Have Two Severely Autistic Children. The "Neurodiversity" Movement Wants to Silence Us
May 1, 2025
Sarah Kernion, a devoted mother of three, two of whom have severe non-speaking autism, passionately advocates for families often overlooked in the neurodiversity movement. She shares her heartfelt journey, emphasizing the need for more research into the realities of severely autistic children. Kernion highlights the challenges of caregiving, the importance of community support, and the value of authentic voices in the autism conversation. Her insights offer a powerful call for understanding and support that resonates with many parents navigating similar struggles.
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Life With Severely Autistic Children
- Sarah Kernion describes her daily caregiving challenges for two severely non-speaking autistic children.
- They require 24-hour help for basic tasks like toileting, eating, and dressing.
Two Autism Realities
- Autism manifests in vastly different ways, suggesting a divide rather than a spectrum.
- The experiences of severely autistic children differ fundamentally from milder neurodiversity cases.
Silencing Severe Autism Voices
- The neurodiversity movement often silences families with severe autism by focusing on mild, positive traits.
- This silence blocks truthful discussion about the challenges of profound autism.