Autism Changemakers Podcast

Sara Intonato
  • 5.0 (1)
  • PARENTING

Autism Changemakers is the podcast for parents of nonspeaking autistic kids who are done feeling isolated and dismissed. Hosted by Sara Intonato—parent coach, consultant, and mom to a nonspeaking child—you’ll find real tools, real connection, and real hope. We presume competence, honor brilliance, and create a community where parents lead the quiet revolution for change.  https://www.autismchangemakers.com

  1. Why Life Skills Classrooms Limit Non-Speaking Students | Dr. Vaish Sarathy

    3D AGO

    Why Life Skills Classrooms Limit Non-Speaking Students | Dr. Vaish Sarathy

    If you’re parenting a child with non-speaking autism and feel like you’re constantly advocating for more than the system expects, this episode will resonate deeply.  In this conversation, Sara Intonato speaks with educator, researcher, and parent Dr. Vaish Sarathy about why many traditional life skills classrooms limit non-speaking and minimally speaking students—and why separating communication, cognition, and motor skills is essential in autism education.  Dr. Sarathy shares her personal experience raising a nonspeaking autistic child who also has Down syndrome, and how choosing to presume competence challenged both educational systems and expectations within her own community. Together, Sara and Dr. Sarathy explore how nonlinear learning, communication approaches like spelling to communicate and RPM, and a regulated parent nervous system can dramatically change a child’s learning trajectory.  In this episode you’ll learn:  Why life skills classrooms often underestimate non-speaking autistic students How separating communication, cognition, and motor skills changes autism educationWhy presuming competence begins with the parent’s nervous systemHow nonlinear learning and spelling methods can unlock autistic communicationWhy curiosity from parents can transform a child’s educational pathMore than anything, this conversation reminds parents that their presence, regulation, and willingness to question the narrative can open entirely new possibilities for their child.   If you’ve ever wondered how much your child might be capable of when someone truly presumes competence, this episode offers both clarity and hope.   If this conversation resonated, you can connect with Dr. Sarathy at https://www.drvaishsarathy.com and Sara on Instagram @sara.intonato or explore additional resources at autismchangemakers.com   Support the show

    48 min
  2. Non-Speaking Autism Help: Get the Support You Need (Part 3)

    MAR 2

    Non-Speaking Autism Help: Get the Support You Need (Part 3)

    If you’re raising a non-speaking autistic child and feel like you’re barely surviving, this episode is for you.  This episode is part of The Quiet Work That Changes Everything — a mini-series for parents of non-speaking autistic children who want to move from survival to presence — and enjoy their kids again.  In this final part of our non-verbal autism help series, we talk honestly about support — why it’s so hard to ask for, why hesitation isn’t weakness, and why thriving requires more than just endurance.  Inside this episode we explore:  Why “I can’t afford it” is often about something deeper than moneyThe hidden costs parents of non-speaking kids carry — exhaustion, isolation, griefWhy hesitation doesn’t mean you’re weak — it often means you’ve been carrying too much aloneThe role of worthiness and community in asking for supportWhy waiting for perfect timing keeps you in survival modeMoney is renewable. Your health and time on this planet are not.   This conversation is here to give you clarity — not pressure (because we both know you already have plenty of that). If this resonated, you can connect with Sara on Instagram @saraintonato or explore additional resources at autismchangemakers.com.   Support the show

    31 min
  3. Non-Speaking Autism Help: Stop Abandoning Yourself (Part 2)

    MAR 2

    Non-Speaking Autism Help: Stop Abandoning Yourself (Part 2)

    If you’re parenting a non-speaking autistic child and feel like you have to hold everything together, this episode is for you.  This episode is part of The Quiet Work That Changes Everything — a mini-series for parents of non-speaking autistic children who want to move from survival to presence — and enjoy their kids again.  So many parents of non-speaking kids live in a constant state of responsibility for their children — advocating, regulating, researching, managing therapies — while quietly abandoning themselves. What looks like devotion often becomes self-neglect. Not because you’re flawed, but because survival taught you to do it that way.  In Part 2 of this series on non-verbal autism help and parent support, we talk about:  Why self-care is not selfish — it’s essential for co-regulation (which is THE most imoortant support your child needs)The subtle difference between devotion and self-abandonmentHow self-neglect becomes a learned survival strategyThe science behind co-regulation and why your nervous system mattersWhy waiting for “perfect timing” to care for yourself is unsustainableIf you’re overwhelmed, burned out, or wondering why you feel like a shell of yourself while raising your autistic child, this conversation will help you shift from endurance to sustainability.   True change doesn’t start with doing more for your child. It starts with turning toward yourself.   If this resonated, you can connect with Sara on Instagram @saraintonato or explore additional resources at autismchangemakers.com.   Support the show

    22 min
  4. Non-Speaking Autism Help: You’re Not Alone (Part 1)

    MAR 2

    Non-Speaking Autism Help: You’re Not Alone (Part 1)

    If you’ve been searching for non-verbal autism help or support for raising a non-speaking autistic child, this episode is for you.  This episode is part of The Quiet Work That Changes Everything — a mini-series for parents of non-speaking autistic children who want to move from survival to presence — and enjoy their kids again.  Parenting a non-speaking autistic child can feel overwhelming in ways people don’t talk about — the constant advocacy, the comparison, the exhaustion, the quiet grief, the isolation. So many autism parents carry burnout silently.  In Part 1 of this series, we talk about the pressure parents of non-speaking kids feel — and why you are not failing.  You are normal.  You are not alone.  You are allowed to be supported.  This episode offers grounded support for parents of autistic children who are tired of holding everything together. If you’re looking for non-speaking autism support, autism grief support, or help coping with autism parenting stress, this is a place to exhale.  If this resonated, you can connect with Sara on Instagram @saraintonato or explore additional resources at autismchangemakers.com.  Support the show

    17 min
  5. What if my nonspeaking child never finds their voice? | Special Guest: Austin Moore

    FEB 23

    What if my nonspeaking child never finds their voice? | Special Guest: Austin Moore

    In this episode, I sit down with my friend and colleague Austin, a seasoned spelling coach and fellow parent, to crack open what it really means to live the spelling lifestyle with non-speaking children. I dive into: How Austin journeyed from traditional autism therapies to embracing spelling as a transformative, everyday practiceThe unseen (and often surprising) ways our assumptions get challenged by the amazing things non-speakers show usWhat “presuming competence” actually looks like at the dinner table, out in public, and in the classroomWhy parents don’t need to be experts—just dedicated, curious, and willing to play the long gameHow to make spelling work a seamless part of your family’s rhythm, with practical tips on building trust and momentumThe courage to seek support, be vulnerable about what you don’t know, and even get creative about resources when distance or finances feel overwhelmingIf you are ready to believe in your child’s potential, need reassurance that you’re not alone, or want to see how real families are spelling their way beyond limits, this episode will leave you both curious and encouraged to step more fully into this journey—because our kids are always showing us how much more is possible. Connect with Austin Moore:  Website: https://spellingmoore.org/  Instagram: @spellingmoore  Autism Changemakers is a private community just for parents of nonspeaking kids. It’s where you don’t have to explain yourself, and where you’ll always be surrounded by people who believe in your child’s brilliance. If you’re craving that kind of support, come join us. https://www.autismchangemakers.com/  Support the show

    1 hr
  6. What happens when you remove yourself from the usual patterns?

    FEB 9

    What happens when you remove yourself from the usual patterns?

    In this episode, we step into the transformative experience of walking the Camino de Santiago—not as a romanticized pilgrimage, but as a raw journey of self-discovery, nervous system healing, and collective support.  We explore:  How changing your environment uncovers patterns, perspectives, and truths you can’t access when you stay put Why movement and walking in nature provide insights that sitting still cannotThe reality of burnout for caregivers, and how intentional distance can be a catalyst for deep healing What becomes possible when you step away from daily roles, silence the noise, and finally create space to process who you really are Curious about the power of discomfort, community, and connection? Listen in as Sara Intonato and Lisa share practical lessons and vulnerable stories from their multiple journeys on the Camino—and invite listeners to reimagine what restoration and fulfillment could look like outside of their usual patterns.  Connect with Lisa Carpenter:  Website: https://lisacarpenter.ca/  Instagram: @lisacarpenterinc  Autism Changemakers is a private community just for parents of nonspeaking kids. It’s where you don’t have to explain yourself, and where you’ll always be surrounded by people who believe in your child’s brilliance. If you’re craving that kind of support, come join us. https://www.autismchangemakers.com/  Support the show

    48 min
  7. What Every Parent Should Know About Lead and Safety

    JAN 26

    What Every Parent Should Know About Lead and Safety

    In this episode, we peel back the curtain on the hidden world of lead exposure and the far-reaching impact it can have—often where you least expect it.  I explore:  How my personal journey with my autistic son sparked a relentless search for answers about environmental toxins Eric Ritter’s unexpected path from drug testing kits to pioneering at-home lead detection Eye-opening truths about where lead lurks in our homes, water, and even everyday items Clear, practical steps for detecting and reducing lead risks—without panic or overwhelm Why asking tough questions and embracing curiosity is the essential key to protecting your family’s health Packed with stories, honesty, humor, and actionable guidance, this conversation will challenge everything you think you know about “safe” environments—and inspire you to become a proactive leader in your own home.  Autism Changemakers is a private community just for parents of nonspeaking kids. It’s where you don’t have to explain yourself, and where you’ll always be surrounded by people who believe in your child’s brilliance. If you’re craving that kind of support, come join us. https://www.autismchangemakers.com/  Support the show

    1h 6m
  8. What If Your Intuition Is The Key To Your Child’s Autism Journey?

    JAN 12

    What If Your Intuition Is The Key To Your Child’s Autism Journey?

    In this episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of healing and transformation with Alessandra Miele—a parent, clinician, and functional medicine health coach.  I explore:  How Alessandra’s intuition and background in yoga guided her through her son’s recovery from autism using biomedical interventionsWhat it really looks like to navigate overwhelm, guilt, and non-linear healing as a family The essential role of emotional support, coaching, and finding your “tribe” on a path that often feels isolating Actionable advice for parents facing tough choices, including how to stay the course and honor your own expertise Packed with honest reflections, hard-won lessons, and heartfelt encouragement, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about holistic healing, functional medicine, and the power of persistence in parenting.  Autism Changemakers is a private community just for parents of nonspeaking kids. It’s where you don’t have to explain yourself, and where you’ll always be surrounded by people who believe in your child’s brilliance. If you’re craving that kind of support, come join us. https://www.autismchangemakers.com/  Support the show

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

About

Autism Changemakers is the podcast for parents of nonspeaking autistic kids who are done feeling isolated and dismissed. Hosted by Sara Intonato—parent coach, consultant, and mom to a nonspeaking child—you’ll find real tools, real connection, and real hope. We presume competence, honor brilliance, and create a community where parents lead the quiet revolution for change.  https://www.autismchangemakers.com

Information

  • Creator
    Sara Intonato
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Autism Changemakers Podcast
  • Show Website
    Autism Changemakers Podcast

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