Autism Odyssey

The Presume Competence Series part 4 with Dr. Elizabeth Torres

Hosted by Betsy Hicks-Russ, Katie Asher, Sara Intonato and Becca Cramer interview Dr. Elizabeth Torres, a multidisciplinary neuroscientist, discussing the flaws in current autism diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the importance of scientific rigor, motor control, and the need for a paradigm shift in understanding autism.

Life Skills Lady - Julie Swanson

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Julie Swanson, aka the Life Skills Lady, shares insightful ways parents, educators, and caregivers can teach essential life skills, address barriers, and leverage accommodations to improve adult outcomes for autistic individuals. Discover how to set realistic goals, build motivation, and implement routines that foster independence at any age. Julie Swanson https://www.lifeskillslady.com [https://www.lifeskillslady.com] Betsy Hicks-Russ https://Betsyonthego.com [https://Betsyonthego.com]

Presumed Wrong: How Flawed Science Became a Barrier to Non-Speakers with David Kaufer

Betsy Hicks-Russ interviews David Kaufer, who discusses the biases and misconceptions surrounding non-speaking autistic individuals and their communication methods. Kaufer highlights the flaws in message passing tests, the role of expert witnesses in debunking alternative communication methods, and the importance of presuming competence. He also touches on recent legislative changes that support communication rights for non-speakers and shares personal experiences with his son, Stone, who uses spelling to communicate. The discussion emphasizes the need for advocacy, awareness, and a shift in societal perceptions of non-speaking individuals. https://davidkaufer.com https://BetsyOnTheGo.com Takeaways * David Kaufer challenges the biases against non-speaking autistic individuals. * Message passing tests are flawed and do not accurately assess communication abilities. * Expert witnesses often have financial incentives to debunk alternative communication methods. * Presuming competence is crucial for empowering non-speaking individuals. * Legislative changes are being made to support communication rights for non-speakers. * Personal experiences highlight the effectiveness of spelling as a communication method. * The conversation emphasizes the need for greater advocacy and awareness. * There is a coordinated effort to undermine alternative communication methods. * The psychological implications of message passing tests can lead to unfair assessments. * The future of communication for non-speakers looks promising with increased awareness.

The Presume Competence Series - Episode 3

For many families of non-speaking autistic people, the search for communication doesn’t begin with choice—it begins with desperation. Years of therapy. Years of assessments. And still no reliable way to hear their child’s thoughts, preferences, or inner life. In Episode 3 of the Presume Competence Series, we build directly on the foundation laid in Episodes 1 and 2—where we explored why spelling-based communication works and how motor planning differences can interfere with traditional AAC and speech-based expectations. Once motor planning is understood, the question shifts. Not whether someone understands—but how they can most reliably express what they already know. This conversation examines how assessments are often used far beyond what they are capable of measuring. We unpack how speech and language tests are mistaken for measures of intelligence, how compliance and immediate motor output are confused with comprehension, and why brief assessment snapshots are treated as permanent conclusions. Our panel explores how these practices shape belief systems, silence parental intuition, and discourage families from exploring spelling-based communication—often through fear-based narratives that are not supported by the evidence they claim to rely on. As one panelist reminds us: no expert, in any capacity, ever has the right to tell a family there is no hope. We invite parents and professionals alike to reconsider the role assessments play in decision-making—and to remember that assessments are tools for gathering information, not verdicts on intelligence, potential, or inner language. Because when communication finally becomes possible, it changes everything. And no family should be told not to look simply because the system isn’t ready to see. BetsyOnTheGo.com AutismOdyssey.org Takeaways: * No expert has the right to tell you there's no hope. * Assessments often fail to measure true intelligence. * Spelling-based communication offers a reliable expression method. * Motor planning is crucial for understanding non-speakers. * Current assessments are often misused and misunderstood. * Parents must advocate for their child's communication needs. * The system often silences parental intuition. * Spelling methods are not harmful, contrary to some claims. * Education should equip and enrich, not just test. * Parents are the legal authority in their child's education. Takeaways

Healing Herbs with Natalia Meehan

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Natalia Meehan delve into the fascinating world of plant medicine, telepathy, and the healing power of herbs. They explore Nina's journey as a non-speaker who communicates through spelling, the importance of nutrition, and how plants can guide us in our healing journeys. The discussion also covers practical tips for using herbs, the significance of seasonal eating, and the role of mushrooms in immune health. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the need for nourishment and the deep connection between humans and plants. Natalia Meehanhttps://www.floweringfutures.com Betsy Hicks-Russ https://BetsyOnTheGo.com Takeaways * Nina's communication through spelling has transformed her family's understanding of her needs. * Herbs can guide personal healing journeys and provide essential nutrients. * The importance of nourishing the body before making convenience food choices. * Plants have been used for healing long before modern medicine. * Aromatherapy can enhance well-being and grounding for individuals with sensory needs. * Seasonal eating aligns with the body's natural rhythms and nutritional needs. * Quality ingredients in herbal remedies can significantly impact health outcomes. * Mushrooms like reishi and lion's mane offer immune support and cognitive benefits. * Understanding the body's detoxification process is crucial for overall health. * Herbal infusions can be a powerful way to extract the benefits of plants.