Two Sides of the Spectrum

The Power of Presuming Competence with Non-speaking AAC User Ido Kedar

Episode Summary

Ido Kedar is an autistic-self advocate and the author of two books. He is a non-speaking autistic person who uses a voice-output typing device to communicate. Tune to hear about Ido’s experience in therapies both before and after he could communicate, as well as his concrete advice on how therapists can be more respectful and effective when working with non-speaking clients on the spectrum.

Episode Notes

Ido Kedar is an autistic-self advocate and the author of a two books. He is a non-speaking autistic person who uses a voice-output typing device to communicate. Listen to my interview with Ido as we discuss:

- His experience with OT, speech, and ABA before he had a way to communicate when no one was presuming his competence

- How learning to communicate changed everything, and why learning to spell and type isn’t a simple as it sounds

- Why Ido doesn’t like labels like “high functioning” and “low functioning”

- What sensory and executive functioning supports Ido found helpful in his journey, and what outdated strategies he wishes therapists would leave behind

- Ido’s advice to therapists who write goals to suppress stimming

- Ido’s concrete challenge to our listeners who want to better understand the perspective of our non-speaking clients