The Listening World: Bridging the Gap with The Spellers Method.

Host Zach interviews Dr. Dana Johnston, an occupational therapist and co-founder of the Spellers Method, about why silence in autism is often mistaken for absence and why speech is wrongly equated with intelligence. Johnston distinguishes “non-speaking” from “non-verbal,” arguing many non-speakers have intact language and cognition but face a motor planning “brain-body disconnect” she calls whole body apraxia, plus frequent undiagnosed vision issues. They discuss how dysregulation, sometimes labeled aggression, can stem from nervous system disruption and medical problems, and how communication via spelling can help families understand pain and needs, though it may not eliminate all challenges. Johnston contrasts facilitated communication (physical touch) with RPM, S2C, and Spellers (no touch), emphasizing training and parent involvement. She shares outcomes, including a former client now pursuing neuroscience, mentions interest in spiritual experiences reported by spellers, and promotes Spellers trainings, websites, and an October 16–17 Spellers conference in San Diego.Visit our website: www.unspecialllc.com#specialneeds #specialeducation #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids #interview #truth #emotional