The Telepathy Tapes Talk Tracks Ep. 15: The Physiology of Nonspeakers
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Aug 3, 2025 
Dr. Cedric Noel, a chiropractor and functional neurologist, dives into the vestibular system's impact on non-speaking individuals with autism. Dr. Zielinski, an optometrist, discusses unique visual processing challenges faced by those with autism and apraxia, while advocating for better vision testing. Benjamin Keeling, an occupational therapist, shares his woodworking therapy program, highlighting its role in fostering independence and creativity. Together, they challenge misconceptions about non-speakers, emphasizing their resilience and the need for societal understanding.
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Apraxia and Misinterpreted Behaviors
- Understanding apraxia reveals a mind-body disconnect disrupting intention and action.
- Misinterpreted behaviors like flapping and avoiding eye contact reflect neurological difference, not defiance.
Visual Processing in Autism
- Autistic individuals often use peripheral vision differently, sometimes consciously scanning the environment.
- Their visual processing pathways are used unevenly, affecting how they see and interpret surroundings.
Sensory Integration Challenges
- Communication requires synchronized input from multiple sensory channels: eyes and ears.
- Non-speaking autistic people may struggle to combine these inputs, causing avoidance of eye contact to reduce overload.