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

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