Maria Galifianakis: Celebrating Communication

David delves into the transformative journey of Maria Galifianakis, a powerhouse advocate in the autism community and founder of Helios Rising. Maria shares her personal and professional experiences, from her initial challenges navigating her daughter’s severe medical issues and communication barriers to the breakthrough moment of discovering spelled communication. The episode emphasizes the critical importance of presuming competence in non-speaking individuals and highlights the work being done by Helios Rising to provide accessibility and support for families in need. Key topics discussed include the early days of Ivanni's challenges, the limitations of past therapies like ABA, and the impactful role of inclusive and innovative communication methods. This heartwarming and inspiring conversation also touches on the larger advocacy movement and the necessity of grassroots efforts in pushing for systemic change.

Topics

00:40 Meet Today's Guest: Maria Galifianakis

01:07 Maria's Journey with Her Daughter

02:46 Challenges and Misdiagnoses

09:33 Discovering Effective Communication Methods

17:54 Maria's Professional Background and Advocacy

23:37 Founding Helios Rising

27:31 Reflecting on Past Experiences

28:13 Challenges and Optimism

29:36 Inclusive Surfing Camp

30:47 Health Improvements and Underreported Issues

31:53 The Vaccine Debate

33:31 Helios Rising: Vision and Progress

35:31 Spelling Communication Success Stories

44:02 Autism Fact or Fiction

50:24 Tip of the Week

54:19 Parent Confessions

59:35 Conclusion and Contact Information