#62 It's Hard to Be Misunderstood (And Your Nonspeaker Feels It Too)

About this episode

Sheridan Ripley discusses the feelings of being misunderstood experienced by nonspeakers and offers insights on nervous system regulation for parents and children.

I recently had an experience reminding me how scary and unsafe it can feel to be misunderstood. Reflecting on that, I thought of how often nonspeakers live with that feeling—whether they communicate through open spelling, supported spelling, devices, or behaviors like screaming or leading a parent by the hand. I talk about how feeling unsafe can push the nervous system into hyperarousal (like self-injury, hitting, or over-explaining) or hypoarousal (shutting down, withdrawing, or sleeping), and how nervous system regulation tools helped me after my own situation. For parents, I suggest acknowledging to your child, “You’re probably feeling misunderstood…I’m here with you and I love you,” Sign up for my Very Awesome Friends Newsletter - by clicking here. You will gain free access to the private podcast, get extra in-depth episodes, visualizations, etc. - as well as other awesome bonuses. Follow me on Instagram @awesomenonspeakers

People in this episode

Host: Sheridan Ripley

Topics covered

• nonspeakers
• communication
• nervous system regulation
• parenting
• misunderstanding

Keywords

• nonspeakers
• communication methods
• nervous system
• parenting advice
• misunderstanding

More episodes of Awesome Autism Tools

• #63 Healing From the Inside Out: How Cellular Healing, Mold, and Parasites May Be the Missing Piece in Your Child's Autism Journey · June 2, 2026 · 37 min
• #61 Energy Session: Bryson's Beach Incident Cleared! · May 19, 2026 · 15 min
• #60 Why Should You Try Energy Work? · May 12, 2026 · 11 min
• #59 Does Your Nonspeaker Think You Can Hear Their Thoughts? · May 5, 2026 · 10 min
• #58 Joybubbles: The Sundance Film That Touched My Heart · April 28, 2026 · 11 min
• #57 Don't Miss The Story Behind My New Podcast Name · April 21, 2026 · 12 min