In this heartfelt conversation, Susan Baker shares her journey as a mother navigating the complexities of raising a child with autism. Her memoir, ‘A Life Beyond Words,’ encapsulates themes of loss, love, and the transformative power of storytelling.
The discussion delves into the importance of surrendering to life’s possibilities, the profound insights gained through the letterboard communication method, and the wisdom imparted by her non-speaking son, Andrew. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the significance of authenticity, curiosity, and self-reflection in our lives.
Takeaways
* The memoir ‘A Life Beyond Words’ explores themes of hardship and joy.
* Susan’s journey as a mother has been transformative and deeply impactful.
* Storytelling serves as a powerful tool for connection and understanding.
* Surrendering to life’s possibilities can lead to unexpected growth.
* The letterboard method has revolutionized communication for non-speaking individuals.
* Andrew’s insights challenge societal perceptions of autism.
* Nature plays a crucial role in grounding and healing for Andrew.
* Authenticity and vulnerability are essential in sharing our stories.
* We are all experts in our own lives and experiences.
* Curiosity can lead to profound personal growth and understanding.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Connection
02:59 A Life Beyond Words: The Memoir
06:18 The Journey of Motherhood and Loss
10:02 The Power of Storytelling
13:20 Surrendering to Possibilities
20:55 The Letterboard Method of Communication
27:31 The Journey of Surrender and Co-Creation
28:24 Discovering the Letterboard Method
29:48 Unveiling Andrew’s Communication
31:55 The Impact of Communication on Family Dynamics
33:44 Understanding Andrew’s Wisdom
36:02 Nature as a Source of Healing
40:33 Themes of Courage and Curiosity in Life
43:11 The Power of Self-Reflection and Growth
Contact Susan on Instagram: @lifewithsusan or on her Facebook Blog: Life, Love & Autism
Purchase her memoir: A Life Beyond Words on Amazon or directly from Susan: Author Signed Copy
About Susan:
Susan Baker is a passionate speaker, writer, and advocate living in Toronto, Canada. Featured on numerous family and personal growth podcasts, Susan shares her family’s remarkable story of a profound communication breakthrough for their nonspeaking autistic son and the transformation that ensued.
With her background in holistic nutrition and education, she is the author of Life, Love & Autism, an inspiring blog that chronicles her family’s journey through growth and challenge, including love, loss, and an autism diagnosis. Susan’s words have reached thousands of households, from articles in Reader’s Digest and The Globe and Mail—one of Canada’s leading news outlets—to online parenting forums.
In addition to her first published book, A Life Beyond Words, she has coauthored Lead with Love, a collection of motherhood stories, and For the Love of Our Children, a holistic resource written for parents by parents of children with disabilities. She plans to coauthor a book with her nonspeaking son, Andrew, and she actively collaborates with Abby’s Joy, her daughter’s creative and charitable venture.
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