# Unlocking Voices with Susan Baker

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-david-kaufer-podcast-the-lighter-side-of-the-spectrum-7096940/unlocking-voices-with-susan-baker
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-david-kaufer-podcast-the-lighter-side-of-the-spectrum-7096940/unlocking-voices-with-susan-baker.md
Podcast: [The David Kaufer Podcast: The Lighter Side of the Spectrum](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-david-kaufer-podcast-the-lighter-side-of-the-spectrum-7096940)
Published: 2026-01-28T02:13:27+00:00
Episode link: https://kauferpodcast.podbean.com/e/unlocking-voices-with-susan-baker/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/wc52qawiycghfmcy/audio_of_Susan_Bakera5uxc.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-david-kaufer-podcast-the-lighter-side-of-the-spectrum-7096940/episodes/unlocking-voices-with-susan-baker
Duration seconds: 3811

## Resource

David welcomes special guest Susan Baker. Susan shares her journey and advocacy for her non-speaking autistic son, Andrew, discussing how the method of 'spelling to communicate' has transformed their lives. They delve into the emotional and physical fatigue that comes with constant advocacy, fighting for acknowledgment of their children's capabilities, and the inherent systemic challenges. The episode also highlights Susan's broader message of finding inspiration, keeping faith in the fight for inclusion, and the importance of grassroots movements. Listener segments include 'Autism Tip of the Week' and 'Autism Fact or Fiction,' providing insightful advice for parents and dispelling common misconceptions about autism. Topics 00:39 Meet Susan Baker: Advocate and Author 01:39 The Struggles and Triumphs of Advocacy 03:48 Andrew's Journey and the Power of Communication 11:33 Challenges in the Education System 17:41 Grassroots Advocacy and Systemic Change 31:27 Personal Reflections and Parental Resilience 35:35 The Impact of the Letter Board 36:55 Teenage Angst and Independence 44:05 Understanding Apraxia 48:31 Autism Tip of the Week 51:36 Fact or Fiction: Your Child is in There 58:10 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

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## Transcript

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