Rethinking Autism: Communication, Nervous System Health & Hope with Sara Intonato
From The Well Known Podcast: Exploring Longevity, Biohacking, and Alternative Medicine · 53:23
Show by Shannon Conklin
What happens when your child has so much to say but can't communicate through speech?This week on The Well Known Podcast, Shannon Conklin sits down with Sara Intonato, a mom, wellness advocate, and founder of Autism Changemakers, to talk about raising her non-speaking autistic son, Rocco, and everything she's learned along the way.After years of being told what Rocco might never do, Sara kept looking for ways to support his communication, independence, and overall well-being. Today, at 16, Rocco communicates through spelling, attends high school, and has some pretty big plans for his future.Shannon and Sara get into the difference between non-speaking and non-verbal autism, presuming competence, nervous system regulation, parenting stress, and why supporting the entire family matters.They also discuss Sara's personal experiences with functional medicine, the gut microbiome, sleep challenges, and medical interventions, including treatments that remain experimental or controversial for autism.This conversation is about asking better questions, challenging assumptions, and remembering that someone's ability to speak doesn't determine how much they have to say.What You'll LearnThe difference between non-speaking and non-verbal autismHow Rocco began communicating through spelling and letter boardsWhy Sara believes in presuming competenceThe role of parental stress and nervous system co-regulationHow Sara approaches whole-family wellnessHer family's experience navigating sleep difficulties, gut health, and alternative treatmentsWhy community support is so important for parents of autistic childrenSara's personal definition of wellness and healthy agingConnect with SaraWebsite: sarahintonato.comAutism Changemakers: autismchangemakers.comInstagram: @sarah.intonatoCheck out Shannons Magnesium Cheat Sheet: https://thewellknownpodcast.com/resourcesChapters:00:00 Introduction: Meet Sara Intonato00:50 Non-Speaking vs. Non-Verbal Autism03:00 Challenging Limitations and Expectations06:00 Why One Approach Doesn't Work for Everyone08:00 Whole-Family Wellness and Everyday Choices13:20 Nervous System Regulation and Parenting Stress17:00 Finding Support Through Autism Changemakers19:45 Discovering Letter Boards and Spelling25:00 Presuming Competence and Building Trust30:30 School Challenges and Advocating for Your Child35:00 Resources for Non-Speaking Autism36:30 Sleep, Supplements, and Medical Interventions39:15 Gut Health and Micr
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