Awesome Nonspeakers

Today I share an inside look at how my faith and prayer have guided the work I choose to do. From my early years as a doula and childbirth educator to life coaching and my current focus supporting nonspeakers and their families. Sign up for my Very Awesome Friends Newsletter to get access to the private podcast and additional episodes - by clicking here. Follow me on Instagram @awesomenonspeakers

I talk about the longing to see farther down the road as a parent —especially when you’re parenting a nonspeaking child and wondering if your child will be okay, if therapy is helping, or if you’re making the right choices. I contrast parenting as a race (with pressure, comparison, and “finish lines”) and as a maze (with anxiety about wrong turns and needing to find the perfect route) with the ide...

I’m have an end date for my summer sabbatical (May–September) I'm returning to a more consistent schedule in October. I finally figured out what I am changing the name of Spirit-to-Spirit Sessions to... I also share an important thing to consider when trying new things... tolerating discomfort. Sign up for my Very Awesome Friends Newsletter - by clicking here. You will gain free access to the priv...

In this episode, I share why it’s so important to practice tools ahead of time—especially practicing feeling safe when you actually are safe—so you can access that state more automatically when you’re triggered. I briefly introduce the “safety sequence” with three questions: Am I safe? Do I feel safe? Is my body relaxed? I talk about how parents of children on the spectrum may sometimes not be saf...

I’m excited to share that I signed up for an advanced nervous system training this fall, and while family life is busy I’m also feeling unusually still with work. I wanted to share a tool I’ve learned from my teacher this summer - called the safety sequence: first ask, “Am I safe?” (and if the answer is no, make choices to get safe), then ask, “Do I feel safe?” even when you are physically safe yo...

I share a life coaching with emotional clearing session with a mother of a nonspeaking child who uses spelling. She offered to do a session with me recording it, so you can hear what a session with me looks like and try the short visualizations along with us. She describes a heaviness whenever she passes their spelling area, plus guilt about not being consistent enough, not being patient enough, a...

I talk about rivers as unpredictable, with calm stretches, turbulent rapids, and unexpected obstacles, and how being present on a river trip helped me be present with myself. My trip began with two and a half days of peaceful, mostly still rowing, then shifted into exciting rapids on days three and four before returning to calmer water. I relate this to life and relationships, using boundaries and...

I am taking the summer and maybe even the fall off. If you want to keep getting tips and tools that can help - Follow me on Finding Joy in the Journey Sign up for my Very Awesome Friends Newsletter to stay updated on my Fall plans - 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...

Want a little more of me in your ear? Follow along at Finding Joy in the Journey Podcast 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

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...

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 involvin...

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 a...

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 Mad...

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 t...

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 al...

In this heartfelt episode, discover the profound impact of simple acts of love and kindness seen through the touching experience of a nonspeaker, Danny. Learn how small gestures, like a smile or a wave, can make someone feel seen and valued. Experience a guided visualization to spread this light of love and transform both the giver and the receiver. 00:00 The Power of Everyday Love 00:27 Danny's S...

Understanding the difference between 'want' and 'need' can transform our interactions and reduce stress. In this episode, learn how to make this crucial shift in mindset, whether in parenting or daily activities, for a smoother, more peaceful life experience. The host shares personal stories and tips to help listeners apply this powerful concept in their own lives. 02:36 Real-Life Examples of Want...

Join us in this episode where I explore the power of flexibility when life doesn't go as planned. Sharing personal stories and practical tips, I delve into how embracing change can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth. Learn how to rethink setbacks and navigate life's detours with curiosity and grace. 00:00 Introduction to Flexibility 01:04 Big Plans and Unexpected Changes 03:32 Embracing C...

In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of the Fantastic Four curiosity, courage, neutrality, and flexibility. Learn how these powerful tools can help you navigate challenging emotions and foster a more mindful and compassionate approach to parenting. Discover practical steps and actionable advice to move from lower vibrational states to higher ones, cultivating a balanced, peacefu...

Discover the importance of vibrational energy, especially when parenting children on the autism spectrum. Learn practical tools to shift from lower to higher vibrations, fostering a more regulated and positive environment. This episode explores awareness, language, and acceptance as key steps to raising your vibration. 00:00 Introduction to Vibrational Energy 04:13 Awareness and Acceptance 06:52 T...

How I was "gifted" my word TOGETHER for 2026. In this episode I share how my clients gifted me my word during a visualization. And how that inspired me to create a new offer for families.

In this episode, we explore the powerful tradition of selecting a Word of the Year. Discover how one simple word can anchor you through life's uncertainties, bringing focus, peace, and presence. Learn from over 15 years of my personal experiences and learn the simple steps to find your word for 2026, with unique support options for busy parents and children on the autism spectrum. 3 Fun Offers Fre...

Merry Christmas! In this episode, we explore the essence of the Christmas miracle through a fresh perspective. Learn how a shift in perception can turn moments of chaos and fear into experiences filled with love, peace, and hope. Reflect on how these subtle changes can recreate the magic of the first Christmas within your own heart. I invite you to sign up for my Very Awesome Friends Newsletter -...

In this heartfelt episode, Sheridan speaks with Sky about her experiences raising her autistic son, Camden. Sky shares the challenges and rewards of parenting a non-speaking child, and the profound insights she has gained along the way. Tune in to hear about their journey, the unexpected miracles, and the incredible support of spiritual guidance. 00:26 Skye's Family and Camden's Diagnosis 01:05 Ch...

In this episode, we explore the analogy of the Incredible Hulk to understand self-injurious behavior in children. Discover how the Hulk's journey can provide a powerful insight for helping both children and parents navigate these behaviors. Gain compassionate perspectives to support kids in managing intense emotions and actions. 00:14 Camden's Experience and the Hulk Metaphor 02:20 Deep Dive into...