What happens when your child has so much to say but can't communicate through speech?

This week on The Well Known Podcast, Shannon Conklin sits down with Sara Intonato, a mom, wellness advocate, and founder of Autism Changemakers, to talk about raising her non-speaking autistic son, Rocco, and everything she's learned along the way.

After years of being told what Rocco might never do, Sara kept looking for ways to support his communication, independence, and overall well-being. Today, at 16, Rocco communicates through spelling, attends high school, and has some pretty big plans for his future.

Shannon and Sara get into the difference between non-speaking and non-verbal autism, presuming competence, nervous system regulation, parenting stress, and why supporting the entire family matters.

They also discuss Sara's personal experiences with functional medicine, the gut microbiome, sleep challenges, and medical interventions, including treatments that remain experimental or controversial for autism.

This conversation is about asking better questions, challenging assumptions, and remembering that someone's ability to speak doesn't determine how much they have to say.

What You’ll Learn

• The difference between non-speaking and non-verbal autism

• How Rocco began communicating through spelling and letter boards

• Why Sara believes in presuming competence

• The role of parental stress and nervous system co-regulation

• How Sara approaches whole-family wellness

• Her family's experience navigating sleep difficulties, gut health, and alternative treatments

• Why community support is so important for parents of autistic children

• Sara's personal definition of wellness and healthy aging

Connect with Amanda:

Website: sarahintonato.com

Autism Changemakers: autismchangemakers.com

Instagram: @sarah.intonato

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