In this deeply moving episode of the Ladies Who Leap Podcast, host Lisa Andria sits down with Heidi Rome—speaker, coach, and author of You Just Have To Love Me. Inspired by her son Ethan, a non-speaking autistic young man, Heidi shares a life-changing message: love, don’t fix.

Heidi recounts the years she spent trying to “fix” autism through endless therapies—until a breakthrough: presuming competence and teaching Ethan to communicate by typing. The first words he typed—“basking in joy”—opened a portal into a brilliant inner world. From there, Ethan shared profound reflections about peace, purpose, and the nature of love—wisdom that challenges how we see autism, communication, and humanity itself.

You’ll hear:

Why non-speaking autistic people often have unreliable speech but reliable intellect

How apraxia and nervous-system dysregulation mask ability

Why behavior is communication (and how to listen differently)

The power of alternative communication (typing) and presuming competence

Ethan’s messages about joy, oneness, and love as the matrix of reality

Heidi’s bold vision: a first-of-its-kind lifelong residential community for non-speaking autistic adults that centers dignity, safety, and contribution

This conversation will expand your understanding of autism, parenting, healing, spirituality, and leadership. It’s an invitation to lead with acceptance, curiosity, and unconditional love—in every relationship.

About Heidi:

Connect with Heidi: heidirome.com • Facebook: @HeidiRome

Local new article - https://www.tapinto.net/towns/livingston/sections/arts-and-entertainment/articles/livingston-mom-s-nonverbal-son-inspires-first-memoir

Listen now if you care about: autism advocacy, non-speaking communication, special needs parenting, trauma-informed care, nervous system regulation, spirituality, leadership, compassion, and building inclusive communities.