What happened when karate class put AAC on the wall

Non-Speaking Is Not Non-Understanding: Autism-Affirming Inclusion with Amanda Toren

Non-speaking doesn’t mean non-understanding. In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Toren to rethink communication and real inclusion.

Amanda is an autism mom, speech and behavioral therapist, clinical autism specialist, and inclusion specialist who runs an inclusive martial arts academy. Together, we get honest about what belonging looks like beyond words—and what schools and programs often miss.

You’ll hear how Amanda builds autism-affirming environments where communication is a human right, why regulation comes before compliance, and how small wins add up to big change. I also press into the question so many parents and educators ask: What does success look like for a non-speaking student—and how do we know it’s happening?

I reveal the shift that changes outcomes in both the dojo and the classroom, and you’ll discover the first small step any educator can put in place tomorrow. We also talk about the quiet grief parents carry, what to say instead of “I’m sorry,” and the moment a single bow on the mat changed everything.

If you’ve wondered how AAC fits into sports, what “autism-affirming” really looks like, or why inclusion isn’t just “sharing a room,” this one’s for you.

About the Guest

Amanda Toren is an autism mom and a speech and behavioral therapist with 14+ years of experience. She’s a clinical autism specialist and inclusion specialist who owns an inclusive martial arts school focused on AAC, regulation, and strengths-based coaching for neurodivergent kids.

Timestamps

• 0:02 – Welcome and who Amanda is

• 1:12 – The early emotions of parenting a non-speaking child

• 3:03 – Behavior as communication and the role of AAC

• 6:31 – Support gaps and what to say instead of “I’m sorry”

• 12:19 – Why martial arts and what it builds beyond kicks and punches

• 16:33 – Honoring communication beyond words

• 18:08 – Autism-affirming inclusion in practice

• 20:29 – What well-meaning programs often get wrong

• 26:37 – Regulation before compliance: the shift

• 29:23 – A small step educators can use tomorrow

• 30:55 – The power of small wins: one student’s breakthrough

• 38:23 – Taking inclusion beyond one academy (Amanda’s e-book)

• 41:46 – Where to find Amanda

If this episode helped you, share it with a parent, teacher, or coach who cares about doing inclusion well.

Subscribe for more real conversations on autism, ADHD, AAC, regulation, and creating communities where everyone belongs.

#Neurodiversity #AutismAcceptance #AAC #Inclusion #SpecialEducation

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