Talk To Me Sis Moms of Complex Support Needs Autism: Betsy Hicks Russ | Talk to Me Sis #19
Jul 3, 2025
Betsy Hicks Russ, a passionate advocate and mother of a nonverbal autistic son named Joey, shares her transformative experiences in communication and parenting. She highlights the power of spelling as a means of connection and stresses the importance of assuming competence in non-speaking individuals. Betsy discusses her Be Kind Vest initiative designed to promote understanding in public spaces and emphasizes the need for community support and inclusivity in the autism community. Her insights inspire compassion and understanding while navigating the challenges of raising an autistic child.
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Unity Across Autism Spectrum
- Autism is a spectrum with vastly different experiences and challenges.
- Respecting all challenges within the community builds strength and unity.
Joey's Spelling Breakthrough
- Joey spelled the word "salt" correctly during a lesson about deserts, surprising everyone.
- This moment shifted Betsy's belief in Joey's understanding and capabilities.
Joey's Unique Sensory Ability
- Joey has a remarkable sense of smell for emotions and illness.
- This sensory ability indicates a unique and heightened perceptual experience.