David welcomes Libby Ingram, a dedicated parent and speech therapist profoundly impacted by her experience raising her non-speaking autistic son, John Paul. The podcast delves into the journey of parenting and advocating for children on the autism spectrum, exploring the challenges and breakthroughs associated with innovative communication methods like spelling. Libby shares her personal story, the foundational moments of understanding full-body apraxia, and the unexpected connections and community building that resulted from her relentless advocacy. The episode also highlights the importance of unconditional love, empathy, and the tight-knit community formed through events like Presume Comp Fest, fostering growth and support for non-speakers and their families.

Topics

00:36 Meet Today's Guest: Libby Ingram

02:01 Libby's Journey with Her Son John Paul

05:18 The Telepathy Tapes and John Paul's Abilities

10:08 Challenges and Triumphs in Communication

13:57 The Role of Speech Therapy and Spelling

26:37 The Controversy Around Spelling and ABA

34:38 Discovering Spelling and Its Impact

39:31 Overcoming Educational Barriers

41:56 The Struggles and Triumphs of Spelling

46:00 The Importance of Communication

50:28 Balancing Family Dynamics

56:58 Presume Comp Fest: A Community Gathering

01:12:35 Reflections on Love and Loss

01:15:40 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude