From Nonverbal to Talking Against All Odds

Summary

Living Your Legacy Podcast

Episode: From Nonverbal to Talking Against All Odds
Host: Rudy Mawer
Guest: Elissa Mendel, Speech Language Pathologist, Autism Specialist, Founder of Speech Works by Elissa
Date: June 24, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode centers on the journey and work of Elissa Mendel, an expert speech-language pathologist who has transformed the lives of thousands of nonverbal autistic children and their families. She details her science-backed, parent-led approach, her own experiences as a late-diagnosed autistic adult, and how she’s striving to make her breakthrough communication methods accessible to millions. The conversation provides hope, practical insights, and memorable stories for parents, professionals, and anyone inspired by enterprise driven by personal mission.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Need for a New Approach

• Lack of Support: Many parents are told their autistic children will never speak, with few helpful resources or support available.
  • “So many of the families that come to me have been told repeatedly their child will never talk...” (A, 00:00)
• Filling the Gap: Elissa’s business guides parents to new resources, strategies, and hope, often against pessimistic prognoses.
  • “There are no services out there. It's very limited. It's hard for a par[ent] to find those resources. And I guide those parents so they don’t lose time...” (A, 03:04)

2. Elissa’s Methodology

• Motor Planning & Auditory Processing: Focused on the physical coordination required for speech, customized for the needs of autistic children through visual, tactile, and physical prompts.
  • “You have so many muscle groups that coordinate for speech...for kids on the spectrum, [they] need visual prompts, tactile prompts, physical prompts to learn how to move those muscles.” (A, 04:08)
• Beyond Speech: Her methods extend to teaching broader fine and gross motor skills, self-care, and vocational skills for future independence.
  • “I just don't target those muscles. I target bigger movements, like gross and fine motor...later developing skills like vocational skills.” (A, 04:24)
• Parent-Led Training: Empowers parents as daily trainers and coaches, helping them build their own toolkit for their child's development.

3. Real Results: Stories of Transformation

• Defying Doomsaying Diagnoses: Elissa frequently works with children presumed nonverbal for life—and has seen major progress within months.
  • “[Parents] accepted that their child would be a baby for the rest of their life. Within six months, their child started talking.” (A, 05:54)
• Trust and Letting Go: Families’ success hinges on setting aside preconceptions and trusting in Elissa’s techniques.
  • “They had to leave their ego behind and trust that my recommendations would bring them the progress that they thought was impossible.” (A, 06:04)

4. The Autism Landscape

• Prevalence and Public Perception: Candid conversation on growing diagnosis rates—current CDC stat is 1 in 36; MIT claims it may reach 1 in 2 by 2028.
  • “Right now I believe the CDC numbers are 1 in 36 and MIT did a study that by 2028 it will be 1 in 2.” (A, 06:43)
• Spectrum Realities: Most pronounced speech challenges are seen in children needing higher levels of support; Elissa’s methods, though, serve a broad range.
  • “Usually kids that need more support, that have more motor planning difficulties.” (A, 07:15)

5. Technology and Progressive Therapies

• Cutting-Edge Support: From devices that map tongue placement to infrared light for executive function, Elissa is constantly evolving her toolkit.
  • “There’s a device that goes in the mouth and hooks up to the computer to give a child visual cues on where to put their tongue. There’s now infrared light that helps to improve executive functioning…” (A, 09:25)
• A Relentless Drive for Innovation: Elissa’s personal quest began with her own struggles with reading/writing—she brings this same curiosity to stay on the cutting edge.
  • “I started doing that because I couldn't read and write. So at age 28, when I became a speech language pathologist, I sought out the most progressive programs and taught myself.” (A, 09:25)

6. Spreading the Mission: Business and Legacy

• From Private Practice to Global Impact: Elissa had a thriving word-of-mouth practice but is now focused on reaching millions through online training, parent portals, and (soon) certification programs for other trainers.
  • “My approach was so unique that it just went through word of mouth...for the last decade, I've been trying to figure out a way to get my approach out to more families.” (A, 10:48)
• Challenges in Scaling: As an autistic entrepreneur, digital marketing was a challenge, but support from mentors and platforms like ClickFunnels helped her create a sustainable online presence.
  • “Learning marketing skills. Online marketing skills was a challenge for me as an autistic adult. I have unique learning styles.” (A, 11:53)

7. Defining Legacy

• Empowerment and Independence: Elissa’s vision is for every child (and family) to have access to the tools for independence—on a global scale.
  • “I want to give a child the life that I was able to achieve. I want them to be able to talk and live independently without struggles and empower parents to be able to give that to their child.” (A, 13:32)
• Scope of Impact: “Thousands upon thousands” helped so far, aiming for “millions and billions.” (A, 13:56/14:01)

8. The Causes and Controversies

• Why Is Autism Increasing?: Discussion touches on better diagnosis, environmental factors, nutrition, immune system, genetics, and ongoing research.
  • “Everything you just named is being discussed now...diet, with nutrition, with that.” (A, 14:28)
  • “There seems to be a correlation between the immune system and children on the spectrum have a lower immune system.” (A, 15:48)
• Vaccines and Politics: Acknowledges ongoing research around vaccines, but stresses the importance of nuance and further study.
  • “[They] don’t feel as though vaccines have caused autism, but they feel because of the immune system being– ...they have a different [reaction to] vaccines.” (A, 16:04)

9. Elissa’s Personal Story (Preview)

• Undiagnosed Struggles: Elissa wasn’t diagnosed until age 20, while pursuing her third master’s degree.
  • “I talked about the challenges when I grew up undiagnosed. I wasn't diagnosed until I was 20...going for my third master’s degree.” (A, 18:10)
• Turning Adversity Into Advocacy: It took another 30 years to find the support she needed to thrive; her personal experience is foundational to her passion and empathy.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Power of Letting Go:
  “In order to follow my recommendations, they had to leave their ego behind and trust that my recommendations would bring them the progress that they thought was impossible.”
  — Elissa (A), [06:04]

• On Legacy:
  “I want to give a child the life that I was able to achieve. I want them to be able to talk and live independently without struggles and empower parents to be able to give that to their child.”
  — Elissa (A), [13:32]

• On Scaling Her Mission:
  “It would be a travesty if you left this earth, and nobody else used this approach but the families you are seeing right now.”
  — Elissa’s families, relayed by Elissa (A), [10:48]

• On Community and Trauma:
  “So many families...have to go through a grieving process and get hope for their child.”
  — Elissa (A), [03:04]

• On Personal Challenge:
  “I started doing that because I couldn’t read and write. So at age 28, when I became a speech language pathologist, I sought out the most progressive programs and taught myself.”
  — Elissa (A), [09:25]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro to Elissa’s work: [02:10]
• Early challenges for families / Lack of support: [03:04]
• Motor planning and Elissa’s clinical approach: [04:08]
• Case study: child goes from nonverbal to talking: [05:34]
• Autism prevalence and statistics: [06:43]
• Technology and new therapies: [09:25]
• Scaling her message and business: [10:48]
• Defining and discussing legacy: [13:32]
• Theories on autism's increase and causes: [14:09]
• Elissa’s personal background and future episode preview: [18:10]

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Where to Learn More & Connect

• Website: speechworksbyelissa.com
• Upcoming resource: yourchildcantalk.com
• Social: @SpeechworksbyElissa (all platforms)
• Personal: @ItsElissaRenee

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This episode is an inspiring deep-dive into one woman’s revolutionary approach to autism communication, filled with hope for families and compelling calls to challenge the status quo in both therapy and business.

Transcript

[A]

So many of the families that come to me have been told repeatedly their child will never talk or they're shocked by the diagnosis. Within six months their child started talking. And what they really pointed out is in order to follow my recommendations, they had to leave their ego behind and trust that my recommendations would bring them the progress that they thought was impossible.

[B]

Elissa Mendel is a certified speech language pathologist, autism specialist and founder of Speech Works by Alyssa. She has over 30 years of experience helping nonverbal autistic children build communication and independence through parent led strategies.

[A]

I want to give a child the life that I was able to achieve. I want them to be able to talk and live independently without struggles.

[B]

It spans the globe like a super high cold Internet. Elvis Presley. Today, Apple is going to reinvent Lefontein. It's not over until I win. The Living youg Legacy podcast. For those who live to leave a legacy that's extraordinary. The impossible has been. Oh, that is sensational. Jordan Open Chicago. With the lead is the fastest man on the planet. You can live your dream. Hello and welcome back to another episode. Sat here today with Alyssa and she is on a mission to totally change, help and disrupt an industry. Super amazing work she's got going on changing thousands of lives. I'm so excited to dive into today's episode. Welcome to the show.

[A]

Thank you so much.

[B]

So I know you, you're so, you know, focused and passionate about changing lives through the speech work you're doing and the business you built to help people. If people don't know what that is, let's start there. Tell us a little about yourself and the business and how you help people.

[A]

Sure. I'm Elissa Armandel and I am a speech language pathologist and an expert in autism. I am also the creator of Speech Works by Elissa where I've thought out the most progressive techniques in the world, not just for my clients, but for myself. I'm late diagnosed and I guide parents of nonverbal autistic children and Speech Late children how to teach their child and guide their child through developmental milestones in order to learn how to talk and live independently.

[B]

And it's so, you know, I mean, it's like so important because there's, you know, the general help out there. There's not enough information, not enough support, not enough help. So you're trying to bridge that gap and give them tools and the knowledge they need to optimize their life and the child's life and upbringing. Right. Why is it that this was even needed? Why Is there a lack of support out there?

[A]

Exactly. So many of the families that come to me have been told repeatedly their child will never talk, or they're shocked by the diagnosis, and they have to go through a grieving process and get hope for their child. And there are no services out there. It's very limited. It's hard for a par to find those resources. And I guide those parents so that they don't lose time once they get a diagnosis. They need to follow a different path, a different journey than they thought they would have to follow. And finding the resources and the professionals that they can trust to give them information and give their child a good life is very, very challenging for them. And so I help them to do that as well as teach them skills.

[B]

And what just as an example for everyone listening, what are a few of the things you're really helping do and help provide and train them on?

[A]

Well, for speech, I specialize in motor planning and auditory processing. And so anything that has to do with a muscle. You have so many muscle groups that coordinate for speech. You have muscles for speech, breathing, you have the vocal cords, you. You have the lip, jaw, and tongue. And they all need to coordinate. Typical kids learn how to coordinate their muscles through auditory feedback. For kids on the spectrum, they have different learning styles, so they need visual prompts, tactile prompts, physical prompts to learn how to move those muscles. So I just don't target those muscles. I target bigger movements, like gross and fine motor, which we need to tie our shoes, zip, brush our teeth, anything that is possibly needed. I also help with special interests, like playing a musical instrument, which requires full fine motor coordination, and then also later developing skills like vocational skills. They might need to be able to thrive independently as an adult.

[B]

And what is, you know, an example of, do you have, you know, someone you can think of maybe where the parents were told, you know, this child's never going to speak. Right. And they were distraught, obviously, and shocked. And then they came through your, you know, program and all your advice and implemented it. And what was the end result?

[A]

The end result is thriving. Basically. The latest family that I've helped, I just did an interview with them, and I learned so much just from the interview, but they had in their mind that their child would never talk.

[B]

And that was because of a medical professional said that to them.

[A]

Yes. And that they had just before seeing me, accepted that their child would be a baby for the rest of their life. And so within six months, their child started talking. And what they really pointed out is in Order to follow my recommendations, they had to leave their ego behind and trust that my recommendations would bring them the progress that they thought was impossible.

[B]

And how, how many children is this affecting that are getting a similar pattern where a doctor diagnoses it, says they're never going to talk. It is what it is. You're going to have to live with that and don't find you like how many people is this affecting yearly or in the world?

[A]

Well, we know that autism is being diagnosed more and more. There's a controversy on whether there is an increase in rise or if it's just professionals are getting better at diagnosing. And so right now I believe the CDC numbers are 1 in 36 and MIT did a study that by 2028 it will be 1 in 2.

[B]

Gosh. And what percent generally won't ever be able to talk?

[A]

I believe that autism is a spectrum. So it's usually kids that need more support, that have more motor planning difficulties.

[B]

And is that where you specialize on those cases where they're generally being told they'll never be able to?

[A]

Yes, that's where I specialize. But I, my specialties do hit every child on the spectrum.

[B]

And do you believe if everyone say every child on the planet that got diagnosed couldn't, was told they couldn't tour and the parents came to you and went through the program, do you believe from your experience and results a large portion would and that just because they're being told they won't, it's a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy? Right. The doctor says that's it, you're not going to talk. And then they just accept it and move on. Whereas actually a lot of them could maybe potentially actually break through with your program. Do you feel that it's a high percent that could actually help and support their child to talk?

[A]

Yes, that's the reason that I am pushing to make my product a household name because people are shocked that there is something out there to help their child manipulate the muscles like motor planning. If you think about the first time

[B]

you tried to drive learning sport. Right, Exactly.

[A]

Golf, it's a lot of repetition, repetition and practice. But for these kids, they need more repetition, more support, maybe somebody next to them telling them exactly. They need a physical trainer long term. And that's basically what I am for parents, a trainer that's there 24, 7 to answer questions, questions and guide them trying to figure out a way to put a camera on their head and earpiece so I can be with them minute by minute throughout the day.

[B]

And do you think there'll be more medical technologies evolving that can maybe support in it, like, you know, now in the health space you have vibrating pads and muscle stimulation pads. Right. So do you see that coming into this industry and being able to provide a support there too?

[A]

It already is. And like I said, I seek out the most progressive techniques. I started doing that because I couldn't read and write. So at age 28, when I became a speech language pathologist, I sought out the most progressive programs and taught myself. Throughout the last 30 years, there have been so many progressive tools that prompt a muscle. Or there's a device that goes in the mouth and hooks up to the computer to give a child visual cues on where to put their tongue. There's now infrared light that helps to improve executive functioning with the frontal lobe. So there, there are so many techniques better and better.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And a lot of companies know that I search out the most progressive techniques and will contact me to introduce their new system.

[B]

So it's really for you now, it's, you've been doing this a long time. You have the, the, the system sort of down. Obviously it's never 100%. The human body is the human body. You can't predict anything. Right. But you know that you know what to kind of do when you suddenly, you know, meet certain children and people and families and they're in certain situations. So it's for you now a big part of it is getting out there. Right. Spreading the message and spreading the awareness. So how do you plan to do that? What are some things you're working on on the business side to really spread that awareness?

[A]

Well, for myself, I've been in private practice for 30 years and, and I've never had to market, never have had to brand. My approach was so unique that it just went through word of mouth with a lot of high profile clients all throughout the world. And for the last decade, I've been trying to figure out a way to get my approach out to more families. I can only see a handful of clients within my private practice and my families have told me repeatedly, you have to get this out. It would be a travesty if you left this earth. And nobody else used this approach but the families you're seeing right now. And so for 30 years have been searching. And then about three years ago, Christine Morrell is one of my coaches. Also the team at Click Funnels, they have really helped me to learn how to create an online marketing program. You as well, thank you so much for your contribution and to reach More people learning marketing skills. Online marketing skills was a challenge for me as an autistic adult. I have unique learning styles.

[B]

It's hard for everyone. I mean.

[A]

No, it is.

[B]

I'm sat in a room 120 people trying to figure it out still, right?

[A]

Yes, it is. It's very challenging. But I have to say, click funnels really embrace my needs. I requested accommodations that I need to thrive and they really helped me one on one. And I am really grateful to be able to get my online coaching parent membership portal out there and reach more families, make a difference.

[B]

I think it's a great first step being able to create the online side and then eventually branching into having trainers under you and certification, because that's really, you know, how you can influence the world is obviously the online master class side and then getting your system out to a team that can then be all over the world. Right. Implementing this on the sort of on the ground. Right. Boots on the ground in each city and country and continent.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Excited to see that. And I mean, it's so great what you're doing and helping and it. A lot of people say, well, their products changed a lot their people's lives. Right. It's one thing if you help someone lose weight, it is life changing. But this really, you know, really is life changing. So I think it's so great. What are, you know, talking about life changing things? What, what does that mean to you, that word legacy and changing lives? And you know, obviously I can kind of guess what you want to be known for and do. But. But let's break it down.

[A]

I want to give a child the life that I was able to achieve. I want them to be able to talk and live independently without struggles and empower parents to be able to give that to their child.

[B]

That's great. And how many children you've helped so far?

[A]

Thousands upon thousands.

[B]

And how many more do you want to help from here?

[A]

Millions and billions. I think every family deserves to have this information.

[B]

And you said one thing that stuck out to me, you know, you said 1 in 36 right now roughly predicted, and you said that number is going to increase. Is that correct?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Why is it going to increase? Is it more awareness and diagnosis of it, or is it lifestyle and nutrition and effects in the womb that's increasing?

[A]

There's a lot of different speculations on what the cause is and why there's an increase, but. But everything you just named is being discussed now. This past April was Autism acceptance month, and it was the first time the whole world was really concentrated on it and aware of that specific month because Rafk in the middle of the month gave his speech.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I know there's controversy and I'm not political, but I am happy that there is dialogue going, going on at the government level and I feel like they're going to find more and more answers with diet, with nutrition, with that.

[B]

I came from the sports science world and I know there's a lot of things in nutrition. You know, a lot of the junk food and stuff that's came into the western diet in the last 40, 50 years has. Has links back to autism and a lot of different diseases and issues and birth defects in there and all sorts. Right. But I remember back in my nutrition days there was a lot of, you know, different dyes and additives and things being added. So do you think that's one of the big reasons is that its cases are increasing potentially is because of the change in the diet in the last 40 years?

[A]

I think it's a combination of everything there. There seems to be a correlation between the immune system and children on the spectrum have a lower immune system.

[B]

So. So they, a lot of the children on the spot, they get sick more often in later, do they?

[A]

Yes, got it. Yes. And so nutrition, obviously, you know, supplements and healthy foods are going to raise that immune system. They've done research on vaccines. They don't feel as though vaccines have caused autism, but they feel because of the immune system being. Yeah, it changes in that they have a different vaccines.

[B]

As you create a vaccine, you implement it, but you don't see the effects you for 50 years. Right. Like problem with vaccines.

[A]

Yeah, we saw that during COVID of

[B]

course and many previous vaccines. You see the next generation, you see a small percent. Right. Maybe 1%, 2, 3, 4 that are now impacted because of them, the vaccine.

[A]

And there's a strong correlation between genetics as well.

[B]

Of course. Yeah, of course. Good. So last couple of questions for you. If people are wanting to support you, which I hope everyone is, so amazing what you're doing and they want to find and learn more about you and maybe obviously they have a family member or know someone that could benefit from what you do, where's the best place they learn more about this and become self educated in the topic overall. And how do they find you?

[A]

Sure, they can find me at speechworksbyelissa. That's S P E E C H works W R O R K S byelissa E L I S A.com we are working on your child can talk dot com, so it's much easier. But I'm on all platforms at Speechworks by Elissa and I also am an influencer for adults at It's Elissa Renee.

[B]

Good. Love it. Well, I hope everyone out there can show some support, love, and obviously share and spread the word. It's so amazing what you're doing. I'm very excited for your episode to talk about your story and everything you're doing. Just as we finish today, can you maybe tease a couple of things that people are going to learn from your episode that's coming out and your story a bit more?

[A]

Sure. I would love to share that. I talked about the challenges when I grew up undiagnosed. I wasn't diagnosed until I was 20.

[B]

Yeah, that's very tough. It's almost tougher, right, than being. Because you don't have all that stuff, support.

[A]

And I was finally diagnosed going for my third master's degree.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

And it changed my life getting that diagnosis. And it took me another 30 years to find the supports I need to actually thrive.

[B]

Well, I'm excited for that episode and I'm sure that, you know, as inspiring as the work you do is, I'm sure the story behind it is equally, if not more inspiring too. So excited for that to air. And that's what we're all about here at the studios is these sort of stories and the entrepreneurial ventures like yours that change the world and make a difference. So super proud of what you're doing and excited for it all to come to air. And everyone out there, check her out, a supporter. And thank you for coming on. I'll see you guys soon. Take care.

[A]

Thank you, Rudy, for helping me to make a difference in so many families lives.

[B]

My pleasure. Take care, guys. Sam,