What if the way we've been approaching autism communication has been all wrong? In this episode, Julie Sando, the visionary behind Autistically Inclined, shares the groundbreaking moment when a young man named Kagan shattered preconceived notions about non-speaking individuals with autism through the use of a letter board. Julie's story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of understanding and re-evaluating our perceptions of autism and communication.

Julie emphasizes the need for flexibility and creativity in finding the most effective ways to support each individual's unique communication journey. We explore the difference between meaningful versus unreliable communication and Julie shares a theory on the brain and motor movement disconnection.

Julie also shares about her ambitious efforts and overcoming obstacles to scale Autistically Inclined into a global initiative. Learn about her innovative strategies during the pandemic, her exciting fundraising campaigns, and her commitment to integrating communication methods into university curriculums. Julie's vision extends beyond childhood, aiming to empower non-speaking individuals as they transition into adulthood, ensuring they lead fulfilling lives. This episode is a compelling exploration of the power of community, adaptability, and profound understanding in revolutionizing autism communication.

To learn more and connect with Julie, find her at

https://www.autisticallyinclined.com/

https://www.communicationforeducation.com/

https://tevacommunity.org/

https://www.instagram.com/juliesando1/

https://www.instagram.com/autistically_inclined/

Exploring the World of Empaths and Energy Healing with Marianne Walker

Join us in an enlightening conversation with Marianne Walker, a coach for empaths, healers and people pleasers as she shares her journey and insights into the world of empaths. Discover how she stumbled upon her gift later in life, transitioning from reflexology to coaching. Marianne discusses the challenges of people-pleasing, setting boundaries, and finding alignment with one’s authentic self. Learn practical tips to avoid burnout and practice self-care while helping others. Dive into the power of mindset, conscious creation, and the transformative impact of embracing your true self. Marianne also shares her experiences with energy and her exciting plans for the future, including speaking at the largest energy healing conference in the world.

00:00 Warm Welcome and Introduction to Marianne
00:33 Embracing Authenticity and Social Media Presence
00:54 Journey into Empath Coaching and Healing
01:51 Discovering Empath Abilities and Personal Growth
03:05 Transitioning Careers and Embracing Energy Healing
05:21 Navigating People Pleasing and Setting Boundaries
06:53 Exploring Visual and Sensory Experiences of Energy
07:50 The Importance of Self-Regulation and Emotional Management
13:13 Parenting Insights: Teaching Kids About Emotions and Boundaries
19:19 Navigating People Pleasing in Relationships and Self-Care
28:44 Understanding and Breaking the Cycle of People Pleasing
30:41 Exploring the Dynamics of People Pleasing
31:31 The Journey of a Recovering People Pleaser
32:00 Navigating the Intricacies of Energy and Intuition
35:31 The Power of Asking and Receiving in Personal Growth
39:33 Embracing the Conscious Creator Within
43:32 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Embracing Abundance
46:39 The Thriving Path of Alignment and Authenticity
51:54 Leveraging Social Media for Personal Growth
54:50 Looking Ahead: Future Endeavors and Projects

Erin is a mother of two including a teenage son, Noa, who has autism and is non-speaking. Erin prioritizes giving him the best quality of life and helping him develop close relationships. Erin began working with Autistically Inclined to learn alternative communication in 2019.

Erin shares, "Imagine you were in your child's body. One that can do so many things, but depending on the environment, does not always cooperate and sometimes does the exact opposite of what you want. A body that can be impulsive. The more you try to control the impulses, the more out of control they become. A body that processes big emotions by self-injuring or being aggressive towards others, even though that's the last thing you want it to do, but you don't know how else to process through those emotions. Most of the people around you think you have the mind of a toddler, but in reality you understand everything, you just don't have a way to show people. All the while you have no reliable way to communicate any of this to others. Every thought and idea is trapped inside you dying to get out, but it has no chance unless someone else helps you find a way. What would it hurt to try to learn to spell on a letterboard? There is nothing to lose except all of the heaviness that comes from experiencing all of this every single day of your life. It will take time and a lot of work, and even if fluent open communication isn't fully achieved, the feeling of knowing that someone cared enough to believe in you, to make such an effort to help you get your voice heard can change how you feel about yourself and impact the way you experience the world."

In this episode Erin shares about

• Navigating the world of autism therapy options
• Personal growth and perspective
• Presuming competence
• Joining the Autistically Inclined Team
• and her families journey utilizing spelling to communicate

Check out the video on https://youtu.be/oFe84I3HoLs

Learn more about Austically Inclinded at https://www.autisticallyinclined.com/

And check out Erin's podcast "Growing through Autism" wherever you get your podcasts.

Julie Winn is an artist, musician, advocate, mother, social media manager and a long-time resident of Burlington, VT.

Her digital artwork is a unique blend, combining technology and her passion for photography and nature. Julie’s art focuses on landscapes, plants, and animals and often captures the symmetry and fractal patterns found in the natural world.

Julie's music has been described as clever, emotional, and deep. Drawing on her experiences in politics, social work, activism, and community service, Julie writes insightful lyrics and sings with sincerity and soul. Influenced by musicians of the 1960’s including Bob Marley, John Lennon, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan, Julie’s music echoes the continued struggles for social and economic justice.

In this episode, Julie shares about

• Her journey with social media and sharing her authentic self
• Supporting her father through his battle with Parkinson's Disease
• Overcoming the odds and growing together with her spouse
• Managing her battle with Trigeminal Neuralgia
• and creating a legal bill to protect people with food allergies in the public setting.

Julie can be reached through her website: juliewinnart.com, check out her music on Itunes here and check out her tiktok channel here. For more information and to donate to the World Parkinson Coalition click here!

Joe Ardagna is a personal trainer and owner of Slash Fitness in Delray Beach, Florida. Joe graduated Plymouth State University, with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and afterwards attended the National Personal Training Institute. Joe is a IHP Functional Training Specialist, Under Armor Combine 360 Master Trainer, TRX certified, Kettlebell Concepts Certified and Les Mills Body Combat trainer/coach.

In this episode, Joe shares about

• Moving to Florida to start his own gym
• Building a community of clients
• Growing a team through interactive hiring practices
• Adapting every day to the fitness industry and his clients needs.
• Giving each moment your very best
• Supplements and the cold plunge

You can learn more about Joe and Slash Fitness at Slashfitpro.com

Cara Johnson is an Empathic, Intuitive Energy Healer, Medium, Soul Coach, Reiki Practitioner and Intuitive Counselor.

In this episode, Cara shares about:

• Growing up and experiencing the world differently.
• Embracing her gifts to share with the world
• Interpreting energy, reading the code and sharing guidance with her clients
• Traveling to Peru and plant medicine
• Her purpose for the world
• Self Love
• and guidance for those feeling different in this world

You can connect with Cara through her website @carajohnsonhealing.com

Mallory Anderson-Macy is an Author, Organizational Consultant, Life Coach, Mentor, Speaker, Trainer and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a Specialty in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) application.

In this episode, Mallory shares about:

• How ACT saved her life
• Using ACT to support her clients and clinicians
• Helpful tools implementing mindfulness into everyday life
• and one thing you can do today to move towards satisfaction.

Read more about Mallory @ https://www.mindfullymallory.com/
Check out her book "7 Days to Clarity" on Amazon and where books are sold
and reach out on Instagram @mindfullymallory

Rachel Evans is a Licensed Behavior Analyst, owner of Old Town ABA and mother of two. Rachel has been providing ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) for over 8 years. Her passion for helping the Autism community comes from her love for her younger brother, a working adult with Autism. Rachel wants people with disabilities to be accepted, happy, and have the skills they need to thrive in their environment.

In this episode, Rachel shares about

• Supporting and advocating for her brother
• Creating a business based on her values
• Developing a supportive and balanced work environment
• Thriving as an entrepreneur

Connect with Rachel at oldtownaba.com, 703-727-9417 or email: rachelevans@oldtownaba.com