Autism Odyssey is a warm, uplifting, and often humorous podcast exploring new ways to understand and support the autistic experience. Host Betsy Hicks-Russ shares heartfelt stories, practical caregiver tips, and soulful insights on presuming competence, alternative communication including the letterboard, and nurturing body and mind through nutrition and awareness. Each episode invites listeners to expand perception, laugh often, and celebrate the brilliance within every unique journey.
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.
30 Jan 2026
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)
23 Jan 2026
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.
Who has been a guest on Autism Odyssey
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Natalia Meehan
Sara Intonato
Elizabeth Miller
Nicci Smith
Carleigh Rochon
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
19 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
12 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 27 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
34
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
Host of Autism Odyssey?
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