In this raw episode, I'm sharing the tension between helping families publicly and protecting privacy. Why I'm still doing this work, and the transformation that's possible when you believe in your child. From preverbal to thriving – this is the hope you need to hear.

Parents often worry that if they introduce signs, PECS, or an AAC device, their child will “never talk.” In this episode I share Julianna’s story—how she lost language, how we taught functional communication with signs, and why that actually accelerated her spoken words. I unpack what changed for her brain, her motivation, and our relationship, and I cite research showing AAC does not block speech and can increase it.

• AAC (signs, PECS, devices) gives a child a reliable voice now, reducing frustration and building the language foundation that supports speech later.
• High-quality studies show AAC does not delay speech. Many children make gains in spoken language once they can communicate successfully.
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• The “unlock” isn’t only mechanical. It is social and motivational. For Julianna, the first sign proved she understood us, pulled her out of her private world to find us, and created pride and belonging—fuel to work for speech.

• Pair a respectful AAC option (signs, PECS, or SGD) with natural routines and powerful motivators.
• Model language. Speak to your child as you normally would while honoring their sign/picture/button presses as real communication.
• Keep AAC available everywhere. Success breeds more attempts.
• If one system isn’t a fit (e.g., card-stimming), pivot—signs or a device may reduce competing sensory pull.
• Involve your SLP/BCBA to individualize and to target functional requests first.

• Kasari Communication Intervention with SGDs (JAACAP RCT, 2014).
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• Schlosser & Wendt Systematic Review (2008).
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• Millar, Light, & Schlosser Meta-analysis (2006).
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• Flippin, Reszka, & Watson PECS Meta-analysis (2010).
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• Ganz et al. AAC Meta-analysis (2014).
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• AAP: “Beyond Spoken Words: AAC for Kids” (myth-busting).

In this episode, Michelle Rogers shares the powerful story of a mom who’s ready to “fight the good fight” after insurance denied her autistic daughter’s speech therapy — and how that same fight can quietly steal what matters most: our child’s progress.

Michelle unpacks the emotional trap so many autism parents fall into — battling systems that aren’t invested in their child’s outcome — while their child sits waiting to be taught. With her signature blend of compassion and tough love, Michelle reveals how redirecting that same fire inward can change everything.

If you’ve ever found yourself exhausted by advocacy, overwhelmed by denials, or feeling like the system doesn’t care, this episode will reframe everything. You’ll walk away ready to take radical responsibility, become your child’s best teacher, and fight the real good fight — the one that leads to independence.

🎧 Listen now to discover:

• Why not every battle is worth fighting
• How the brain avoids pain by focusing on external fights
• What “radical responsibility” really looks like in autism parenting
• How Michelle taught her own daughter to communicate without speech therapy
• The question every parent should ask before going to war for services

👉 Ready to stop fighting the wrong battles and start creating real results?
Book a free Decision-Making Call at michellebrogers.com