17 | Non-Speaking Autism & Communication Support | Crestina Yaiva

When a child is non-speaking, many parents wonder how to better understand their child's needs, emotions, and perspective. In this episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with Crestina Yaiva, mother of twin boys, including one child who is non-speaking and autistic. Crestina shares her family's personal journey from noticing speech delays to receiving an autism diagnosis and learning how to better connect with her son. She discusses the emotional process of navigating the diagnosis, finding support, and discovering ways to communicate beyond spoken words. Throughout the conversation, Crestina shares practical strategies that helped encourage communication, including creating communication opportunities, using preferred activities, and learning to recognize subtle forms of nonverbal communication. She also discusses two books that deeply impacted her understanding of autism and helped her better understand her son's sensory and emotional experiences. This episode offers encouragement, perspective, and practical ideas for families supporting non-speaking children. Topics Covered • Receiving an autism diagnosis as a parent • Understanding non-speaking communication • Supporting communication without pressure • Learning to recognize subtle communication cues • Creating opportunities for communication during play • The importance of patience and understanding • Communication devices and alternative communication • Books that helped one family better understand autism Memorable Quote "I see you." About the Guest Crestina Yaiva is a mother of twin boys living in Phoenix, Arizona. She shares her personal experiences parenting a non-speaking autistic child and the strategies that helped her family better understand and support communication. Resources Mentioned The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida Not My Boy by Rodney Peete About the Host Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based pediatric occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support for neurodivergent children and families in Arizona. Subscribe & Connect If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation. Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956 Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com