From scared aunt to steady advocate raising Isaiah

When Words Aren’t the Only Language: Parenting, AAC, and Advocacy with Jennifer McGee

What happens when a teen with profound autism joins your family—and words aren’t available? This conversation gets real.

In this episode, I sit down with artist and adoptive parent Jennifer McGee to talk about raising her nephew Isaiah, who is non-speaking, and how their family learned to listen beyond words. You’ll hear how she built trust, safety, and connection at home, the moment a “speech pad” changed everything at a restaurant, and why a routine medical visit led to a setback they’re still navigating.

We also get into big-picture questions: how to advocate in IEP meetings without burning out, what true accessibility can look like in public spaces, and why art can reach hearts when explanations fall short. Plus, Jennifer shares the story behind her children’s book series, starting with “Izzy Can’t Talk,” and the surprising audience it’s reaching.

If you’ve wondered how to support non-speaking kids, build a real support circle, and show up in your community with empathy, this episode will help you rethink what communication and inclusion can be.

Key Timestamps

• 0:26 – Jennifer’s story and adopting Isaiah

• 3:05 – Building safety at home during meltdowns

• 4:00 – From signs and pictures to a speech device

• 6:48 – The orange drink moment that changed everything

• 8:18 – The future: caregiving, housing, and real fears

• 10:38 – Why “building a village” is harder than it sounds

• 14:49 – ABA today: what helped Isaiah engage and travel

• 17:15 – Inside the Izzy book series and what’s next

• 24:58 – The IEP wake-up call that sparked advocacy

• 31:44 – What accessibility could look like in everyday places

• 37:31 – Don’t give up: Jennifer’s message to families

• 38:31 – Where to find Jennifer’s work

About the Guest

Jennifer McGee is an artist, caregiver, and author of the children’s series beginning with “Izzy Can’t Talk.” She runs Inclusive Art House, creating art and resources that honor dignity, communication, and inclusion for disabled individuals.

If this helped you, subscribe and share it with someone who needs a little encouragement today.

Keywords: non-speaking autism, AAC, speech device, IEP advocacy, inclusive classrooms, profound autism, caregiver support, sensory-friendly

#Neurodiversity #AutismAcceptance #AAC #CaregiverSupport #InclusiveEducation

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