Understanding Non-Speaking Autism and Apraxia (S8E14)

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