About Finding Your Identity in Your Autism Journey
Finding Your Identity in Your Autism Journey" is a podcast that takes you beyond the surface, diving into the heart of autism with empathy, curiosity, and purpose. Join us for powerful roundtable discussions with parents, siblings, and young adults on the spectrum, as we navigate the highs and lows of this journey together. Featuring interviews with top professionals, we explore root causes, groundbreaking therapies, and practical tools to empower your family. Whether you're seeking clarity, connection, or actionable steps, this podcast is your guide to embracing your unique autism journey.
Ep. 27: The Movement Behind Spellers & Motor Coaching for Communication
In this episode of Finding Your Identity in Your Autism Journey, host Ruth Cassell interviews Dr. Dana Johnson, co-founder of the Spellers Method, to explore how motor-first communication is transforming the lives of nonspeaking autistic individuals.
Dr. Dana shares the vision that started the Spellers movement, why motor regulation must come before spelling, and how presuming competence changes everything. Listeners will learn about whole body apraxia, the importance of sensory-motor integration, and real-life success stories where breakthroughs began with motor coaching—not just literacy skills.
The conversation also addresses common myths:
Is Spellers just another facilitated communication method?
What if my child can’t spell yet?
How does this compare to traditional speech therapy?
Dr. Dana explains why the Spellers Method is an evidence-based, motor-training approach, not just a communication tool. She shares the movement’s growth from its first centers in Tampa and San Francisco to its expansion nationwide, supported by documentaries, books, and advocacy.
Parents will come away with hope, practical strategies, and clear first steps for exploring motor-based communication. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or therapist, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable insight.
In This Episode:
The origins and vision behind Spellers
Why motor regulation is the foundation of communication
How whole body apraxia impacts movement, not understanding
Breaking down misconceptions about spelling-to-communicate
Real-life examples of progress through motor coaching
Practical tips for parents to support motor skills at home
The future of the Spellers movement and its growing network of centers
Key Takeaways:
Spellers is about communication first—not just spelling.
Motor control is essential for independent expression.
Presuming competence can unlock breakthroughs.
Parents are vital partners in their child’s journey.
Memorable Quotes:
“Presuming competence is key.” “It’s not just about spelling—it’s about communication.” “Your child has a voice.”
Resources & Links:
Learn more about Spellers: https://www.spellers.com/tampa (https://www.spellers.com/tampa)
Watch Dr. Dana Johnson on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrDanaJohnson/videos (https://www.youtube.com/@DrDanaJohnson/videos)
📖 The Speller’s Guidebook for Parents – https://amzn.to/4fGO4Pk (https://amzn.to/4fGO4Pk)
🎬 Spellers – The Documentary (Free on YouTube, formerly on Netflix): https://youtu.be/8h1rcLyznK0?si=nHmhG-Gb2WONu47h (https://youtu.be/8h1rcLyznK0?si=nHmhG-Gb2WONu47h)
13 Aug 2025
Becoming After the Breaking | Special Cross-Collaboration
In this powerful cross-collaboration episode, Ruth Cassell and Karla Chinen dive deep into the transformation that comes after the breaking point—when life, motherhood, and advocacy no longer look the way we once imagined.
Through heartfelt stories and unfiltered honesty, they explore:
The emotional impact of an autism diagnosis
Permission to grieve and let go of expectations
Building resilience and redefining identity
The role of fathers and the importance of safe spaces for dads
Navigating family dynamics with compassion
Finding purpose and grounding after the pain
This is a conversation about courage, vulnerability, and the beauty of becoming—together.
Episode Summary
Ruth and Karla share the complexities of navigating an autism diagnosis within a family. They open up about the grief that often comes with it, the unspoken expectations parents carry, and the surprising growth that emerges from letting go. With honesty and hope, they discuss the role of fathers in advocacy, the need for community, and the power of safe spaces where every parent’s voice matters.
Takeaways
Honoring the pauses in the journey of becoming
Giving yourself permission to grieve
Resilience as a parent and advocate
Building supportive community networks
Understanding rights and resources for your child
The growth that comes through challenge and change
Guest Link: Empathy for Autism California (https://www.empathyforautismcalifornia.com/) (Podcast also available on her site)
Sound Bites
"I think it made me very resilient." "You have to be the one that he can count on." "Don't let your diagnosis define you."
Chapters
00:00 – Navigating the Autism Journey 01:24 – The Moment of Diagnosis 06:14 – Building Resilience Through Experience 13:13 – The Role of Fathers in Autism 19:29 – Permission to Grieve and Move Forward 24:29 – Navigating Public Spaces with Autism 26:20 – Understanding Gender Differences in Autism 27:53 – The Impact of Parenting on Personal Growth 31:58 – The Journey of Advocacy and Community Support 33:40 – The Importance of Parental Knowledge and Rights 39:05 – Finding Strength in Diagnosis and Community
2 Jul 2025
Ep. 25 Healing Beyond Conventional Medicine: Dr. Jamie Oskin on Homeopathy and Autism
Naturopathic physician Dr. Jamie Oskin discusses homeopathic medicine's potential in supporting children with autism, emphasizing individualized approaches and the importance of understanding autism's holistic nature in an interview with Ruth Cassell.
Who has been a guest on Finding Your Identity in Your Autism Journey
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dr Jamie Oskin
Melanie Conway
Single mothers
Tim Reynolds
Lavina Ward
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
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