Spark Launch: Neurodiversity Ignited

·S3 E6

Beyond Words: Selective Mutism, Autism, and How Speech Works w/ Elissa Renee Mandel

June 26
40 mins

Episode Description

Mike and Chaya sit down with Elissa Renee—speech-language pathologist, autism clinical specialist, and the founder of Speech Works by Elissa—for a conversation that challenges what we assume “communication” looks like. Elissa shares how her own experience with selective mutism and speech apraxia shaped the way she supports non-speaking kids today, and what changed when she later realized she’s autistic.

We Also Cover:
  • Selective mutism, apraxia of speech, and word-finding
  • Adult diagnosis in women, accommodations, and self-understanding
  • Non-speaking vs non-verbal and why language matters
  • Communication therapy through motor planning and auditory processing
  • Why repetition-only speech therapy fails autistic learning styles
  • The severe mental and physical toll of masking
  • Separating verbal output from intelligence
  • The six muscle groups involved in speech and why breath support matters more than most people realize
  • Masking, burnout, and help from The Aspie World
Quotes:
  • "A learning disability doesn't mean you can't learn. It means that there's a discrepancy between your skills."
  • "We see a child, a non-speaking child trying to communicate through behaviors or gestures or grabbing things or trying to express their emotions… and we immediately think they have no feelings, they have nothing to say, and that's not true. They just don't have the proper way to express it."
  • "Non-speaking children have things to say."
About Elissa Renee:

Elissa Renee Mandel (she/her), founder of Speech Works by Elissa, is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Autism Clinical Specialist based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Diagnosed as autistic and ADHD later in life, Elissa brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her practice. Her journey began after witnessing how conventional approaches fell short for her neurodivergent clients and herself.

With a focus on children facing severe speech delays, apraxia, sensory challenges, and those considered “non-verbal,” Elissa empowers parents through step-by-step communication programs, coaching, and actionable home strategies. Her progressive, world-class techniques have garnered praise from clients and experts alike for transforming the lives of children who previously “couldn’t speak a word.” Elissa is a strong advocate for sensory-friendly events, early parent involvement, and the power of neurodivergent-informed care. She is a featured expert in the upcoming TV docuseries “Legacy Makers,” a sought-after podcast guest, and the co-creator of online resources to help families anywhere accelerate their child’s journey to communication.

Connect with Elissa:

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As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!


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