The Telepathy Tapes: Talk Tracks Ep. 15 - The Physiology of Nonspeakers

Release Date: August 3, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 15 of Talk Tracks, hosted by Ky (Kai) Dickens, the focus shifts to understanding the physiological underpinnings of nonspeakers with autism. This episode delves deep into how behaviors often misunderstood by society—such as hand-flapping, jumping, or avoiding eye contact—are manifestations of underlying neurological and physiological processes. By unpacking these behaviors through expert insights and personal stories, the episode aims to foster a more empathetic and informed perspective toward nonverbal communicators.

Katie Asher’s Journey with Houston
Timestamp: [02:45]

The episode kicks off with Katherine Ellis interviewing Katie Asher, the mother of Houston, a nonverbal autistic child featured in Season One of The Telepathy Tapes. Katie shares her initial struggles in understanding Houston’s behaviors:

“When Houston was able to start communicating to me, there was so much I didn't understand. He would communicate things that just didn't make sense.”
— Katie Asher [02:57]

She emphasizes the importance of recognizing that observing individuals through a neurotypical lens can lead to misinterpretations. Katie recounts her investigative journey to comprehend Houston’s actions, which led her to explore the concept of apraxia—a disconnect between intention and action within the brain-body relationship.

Dr. Zelinski on Vision and Autism
Timestamp: [04:28]

Katherine Ellis interviews Dr. Zelinski, an optometrist at the Mind Eye Institute, who provides an in-depth analysis of how vision processing differs in individuals with autism and apraxia:

“In autism, typically the autistic people are not using the identification and navigation system evenly. They're not used in tandem as a team.”
— Dr. Zelinski [08:22]

Dr. Zelinski explains the three types of eyesight—subconscious (safety scanning), peripheral (navigational awareness), and identification (focused detail)—and how individuals with autism often rely heavily on peripheral eyesight. This reliance can result in behaviors like avoiding eye contact or appearing to look around frequently, not out of disinterest, but as a means to process their environment more effectively.

Dr. Cedric Noel on the Vestibular System
Timestamp: [21:04]

The conversation shifts to Dr. Cedric Noel, a functional neurologist, who elucidates the role of the vestibular system in autism:

“The vestibular system is a multisensory integration center that allows you to feel gravity, movement of your head, and takes in visual and proprioceptive input.”
— Dr. Cedric Noel [21:42]

Dr. Noel discusses how disruptions in the vestibular system can lead to challenges in balance, spatial orientation, and eye movement coordination. He highlights that impairments in long-range neural connections between the cerebellum, frontal lobe, and other brain regions can significantly affect communication and motor functions in nonspeakers. By recalibrating the vestibular and somatosensory systems, there is potential to enhance bodily awareness and environmental comprehension in individuals with autism.

Benjamin Keeling on Occupational Therapy with Nonverbal Individuals
Timestamp: [31:44]

Benjamin Keeling, an occupational therapist at Sawdust Occupational Therapy, shares his experiences working with nonverbal autistic individuals:

“I assume that they're going to be able to do it day one, and then we see where we're at. I'm always amazed.”
— Benjamin Keeling [32:21]

Keeling emphasizes the importance of meeting individuals where they are, rather than expecting them to conform to neurotypical standards. He recounts his work with Houston, illustrating how nonverbal communication through activities like woodworking can unlock hidden talents. For instance, Houston’s ability to select specific types of wood from a pile of sawdust demonstrated a profound nonverbal understanding and intention that went beyond visual cues.

“He picked out a piece of padauk from a pile of sawdust purely based on the energy it gave off. That’s when I realized there’s something extraordinary here.”
— Benjamin Keeling [35:20]

Through such interactions, Keeling highlights the untapped potential and unique abilities of nonspeakers, advocating for therapeutic approaches that recognize and cultivate these strengths.

Katie Asher’s Final Reflections
Timestamp: [40:58]

Katie Asher offers a poignant conclusion to the episode, reflecting on Houston’s journey and societal perceptions:

“Houston was called lazy. He was called low functioning. He was called uninterested in being part of community. They have no business putting these labels of intent when they have no idea what they're experiencing.”
— Katie Asher [40:05]

She urges for a shift in empathy and understanding:

“I'm hoping to bring empathy back. I'm hoping for love and curiosity and all the things that actually make us wonderful as human beings.”
— Katie Asher [41:51]

Katie underscores the importance of recognizing the resilience and courage of nonspeakers, advocating for a world that values their unique contributions and dignifies their experiences.

Host’s Reflection and Conclusion
Timestamp: [42:26]

Kai Dickens wraps up the episode by reiterating the need to reinterpret behaviors that were once misunderstood as disruptive or defiant. He emphasizes:

“Justice starts with curiosity and then with listening, and then with rethinking everything we thought we knew.”
— Kai Dickens [42:26]

Encouraging listeners to adopt an open-minded and empathetic approach, Kai calls for societal change in how we perceive and interact with nonspeakers. He highlights the importance of understanding the physiological mechanics behind their behaviors to uphold their dignity, education, and human rights.

Closing Remarks

Talk Tracks Episode 15 offers a comprehensive exploration into the physiology of nonspeakers with autism, blending expert insights with heartfelt personal narratives. By shedding light on the neurological and sensory processes that drive behavior, the episode challenges listeners to move beyond superficial judgments and embrace a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of nonverbal communication.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Katie Asher [02:57]:
  “When Houston was able to start communicating to me, there was so much I didn't understand. He would communicate things that just didn't make sense.”

• Dr. Zelinski [08:22]:
  “In autism, typically the autistic people are not using the identification and navigation system evenly. They're not used in tandem as a team.”

• Dr. Cedric Noel [21:42]:
  “The vestibular system is a multisensory integration center that allows you to feel gravity, movement of your head, and takes in visual and proprioceptive input.”

• Benjamin Keeling [32:21]:
  “I assume that they're going to be able to do it day one, and then we see where we're at. I'm always amazed.”

• Katie Asher [40:05]:
  “Houston was called lazy. He was called low functioning. He was called uninterested in being part of community. They have no business putting these labels of intent when they have no idea what they're experiencing.”

• Kai Dickens [42:26]:
  “Justice starts with curiosity and then with listening, and then with rethinking everything we thought we knew.”

Final Thoughts

Episode 15 serves as a crucial reminder of the depth and complexity behind the behaviors of nonspeakers with autism. By combining scientific explanations with personal stories, The Telepathy Tapes fosters a deeper understanding and paves the way for a more inclusive and empathetic society.