Awesome Nonspeakers

Sheridan Ripley
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Parenting

For over 12 years, I have worked with nonspeakers and their families. This podcast is a place where I share what I have learned, what I am still learning, and the unique tools that have helped so many families feel more calm, connected, and supported. Here, I presume competence, honor connection, and make space for hope for nonspeakers, unreliable speakers, and their families. You’ll hear interviews with parents and insights from nonspeakers and unreliable speakers. This podcast supports families with children across a wide range of diagnoses and experiences, including autism, apraxia, aphasia, Down syndrome, and more. If you know there is more to your child than the world may see - or hear, this podcast is for you. I keep the weekly episodes short, practical, and full of useful encouragement. If this sounds like the support you’ve been looking for, subscribe and explore the free resources at www.awesomeautismtools.com

  1. 6d ago

    #63 Healing From the Inside Out: How Cellular Healing, Mold, and Parasites May Be the Missing Piece in Your Child's Autism Journey

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Jeff Knight, a Utah-based chiropractor who has worked since 2014 with families of children on the autism spectrum, largely as a coach helping parents with cellular healing and detoxification support. We discuss how overwhelming a new diagnosis can feel and why it helps to clarify your health philosophy (allopathic vs. holistic) while staying open-minded and finding trusted people to talk to. What if your child's symptoms aren't just "autism" — but signs of an overwhelmed body trying to heal? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Jeff Knight shares how cellular healing, detoxification, and addressing hidden stressors like mold, parasites, and generational toxicity can transform the lives of kids on the spectrum — and the families who love them. 💛 You can learn more and connect with Dr. Knight here. https://healthempoweredfamilies.com/ (Sign up for a FREE training + book a $37 consultation) Or here https://truenorthchiro.com/ (For adults & virtual wellness support) 💌 Loved This Episode?If this conversation resonated with you, please: ⭐ Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📲 Share this episode with a fellow autism parent who needs to hear it💬 Tag us on Instagram @awesomenonspeakers with your biggest takeaway Sign up for my Very Awesome Friends Newsletter - by clicking here. You will gain free access to the private podcast, get extra in-depth episodes, visualizations, etc. - as well as other awesome bonuses. Follow me on Instagram @awesomenonspeakers

    37 min

  2. Apr 28

    #58 Joybubbles: The Sundance Film That Touched My Heart

    This week I share about a documentary I saw at Sundance called Joybubbles, The film follows Joybubbles, a man born blind who learned to whistle into the telephone to make free calls in the 1950s and 60s as a “phone freak,” later working for the phone company and living independently, including in a high-rise apartment he’d long dreamed about. He describes a childhood near-death experience involving “bubbles of love,” and how nonspeakers have described similar “love bubbles.” Later, he watched Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood archives to heal. Near the end of his life he created a phone-based “podcast” of joyful recordings people could call, then reach him personally for support. The screening’s audio description also taught me new ways to make movies more accessible for blind loved ones and reinforced how essential communication and being heard are, especially for nonspeakers. Follow me on Instagram @awesomenonspeakers Sign up for my Very Awesome Friends Newsletter - by clicking here. If you are curious about working with me, visit here. Follow me on Instagram @awesomenonspeakers

    10 min

  3. Apr 7

    #55 Madison (a nonspeaker) Thoughts About the Hill and More

    In this special episode, I interview Madison, a nonspeaking communicator who shares her thoughts by spelling on a letter board with the support of her communication partner. At times, Madison also says some of the words she spells. You may hear her communication partner say the words that Madison has spelled, and I’ve chosen to leave the interview unedited so you can experience her communication as it happened. I’ll also share a video version on YouTube for those who want to see the spelling process in action, along with a transcript so you can easily see/hear Madison’s responses to my questions… you can access both at this link: https://awesomeautismtools.com/madison-thoughts-about-the-hill/ Madison says spelling is rewarding because it lets her express her thoughts and feelings. We discuss “the Hill,” which Madison says she knew before the Telepathy Tapes. And we also cover a lot of other fascinating topics as well! Follow me on Instagram @awesomenonspeakers Sign up for my Very Awesome Friends Newsletter - by clicking here. If you are curious about working with me, visit here. Follow me on Instagram @awesomenonspeakers

    34 min

  4. Mar 31

    #54 Opening Minds: Laine and Madi's Journey

    In part one of this episode, I interview Laine about her journey as Madi’s communication partner. She shares how they first met at church when Madi was a child. Then later reconnected when Madi’s mom reached out, and the divine timing of that. I loved hearing about her rewarding moments and challenging moments as they work together and how they help each other. Come back next week to hear from Madi! Follow me on Instagram @awesomenonspeakers Sign up for my Very Awesome Friends Newsletter - by clicking here. If you are curious about working with me, visit here. Follow me on Instagram @awesomenonspeakers

    31 min

  5. Mar 24

    #53 When Others Love Your Child

    I ask first-time clients to send a picture of their child, but I learned not to open it until right before the session because the child’s energy would wake me early in the morning. I’ve been creating a client book with a Word doc for each client, including their name, photo, and notes from our Spirit to Spirit sessions, and it’s been joyful to revisit and summarize our conversations. Reopening each photo fills me with love and connection, and it reminds me of how meaningful it is when others love your kids. Like when my son Devon’s Cub Scout leader warmly accepted his sensory quirks. Through these sessions with nonspeakers, I feel privileged to connect deeply, share insights with parents, and help increase their love and understanding—one mom said she used to see her son in black and white, but now she sees all his colors. Want to learn more about Spirit to Spirit Sessions? Head over to AwesomeAutismTools.com/spirit where you can read testimonials, listen to part of a session and get a better feel for what these sessions are like. From there, you can sign up for a free call to see if we are a good fit, or if you already feel ready, you can sign up directly for a session. Follow me on Instagram @awesomenonspeakers

    6 min

  6. Mar 10

    #51 Moving the Blocks That Keep You Stuck

    Today I share a small but powerful lesson: I kept clicking the wrong button while working on my newsletter, and I got frustrated —until I realized my water bottle was blocking the correct button on my screen. Once I moved it, everything was easy. I use this as a reminder that answers can be right in front of me, but I might not see them because something is in the way —like feeling ungrounded, taking on other people’s emotions, holding unprocessed feelings, feeling stuck in grief, or having blocked or unbalanced energy. I also talk about how fear and beliefs can block clarity, and I guide you through a simple breathing exercise to help notice what’s in the way, get grounded and shielded, and “move” what you can so your next step feels clearer. Sign up for my Very Awesome Friends Newsletter so you don’t miss new podcast episodes, the private podcast feed, free classes, and other helpful tools I share along the way. Follow me on Instagram @awesomenonspeakers

    9 min

  7. Mar 3

    #50 How Grounding and Shielding Can Transform Your Family's Dynamics

    Join me as I delve into the transformative practices of grounding and shielding, essential tools for families navigating autism. Learn how these techniques can help you and your children stay calm, regulated, and emotionally balanced. From personal experiences to client stories, I'll show you how grounding and shielding can make a significant impact on your daily life. If you would like a simple tool to help you feel more calm, grounded, and protected, be sure to check out my free grounding and shielding class. It is easy, practical, and something you can start using right away. Want to stay connected? Come sign up for my Very Awesome Friends Newsletter so you don’t miss new podcast episodes, free classes, and other helpful tools I share along the way. Follow me on Instagram @awesomenonspeakers

    11 min

  8. Feb 24

    #49 Dannah’s Passion: Transforming Lives One Letter at a Time

    In this episode, I welcome Dannah, a passionate spelling to communicate practitioner who shares her journey from working with autistic individuals in her youth to becoming an official practitioner today. Donna discusses the intriguing world of non-speakers and introduces the groundbreaking method of spelling to communicate, which helps non-speakers express themselves by pointing to letters. She also shares rewarding and challenging moments from her work and offers valuable insights and resources for anyone interested in this innovative communication method. 00:47 Dannah Discovering the Speller Community 01:56 Becoming a Practitioner 03:06 Challenges and Rewards in the Speller Community 07:08 Working with an Energy Worker 13:57 Insights on Motor Planning and Communication 18:44 Final Thoughts and Resources Thanks for listening today! Follow me on Instagram @awesomenonspeakers Sign up for my Very Awesome Friends Newsletter - by clicking here. If you are curious about working with me, visit here. Follow me on Instagram @awesomenonspeakers

    23 min
See All (42)

Trailer

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

For over 12 years, I have worked with nonspeakers and their families. This podcast is a place where I share what I have learned, what I am still learning, and the unique tools that have helped so many families feel more calm, connected, and supported. Here, I presume competence, honor connection, and make space for hope for nonspeakers, unreliable speakers, and their families. You’ll hear interviews with parents and insights from nonspeakers and unreliable speakers. This podcast supports families with children across a wide range of diagnoses and experiences, including autism, apraxia, aphasia, Down syndrome, and more. If you know there is more to your child than the world may see - or hear, this podcast is for you. I keep the weekly episodes short, practical, and full of useful encouragement. If this sounds like the support you’ve been looking for, subscribe and explore the free resources at www.awesomeautismtools.com

Information

  • Creator
    Sheridan Ripley
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Sheridan Ripley
  • Show Website
    Awesome Nonspeakers

You Might Also Like