The Profound Parent Podcast - with Dr. Dana Johnson

The Profound Parent Podcast Parenting a child with profound autism and complex support needs requires a depth of knowledge, courage, and advocacy that few people truly understand. The Profound Parent Podcast is for parents raising children with high support needs—including nonspeaking or unreliably speaking children—and navigating a world that doesn't always know how to see the whole person. A Profound Parent isn't defined by a diagnosis. They're defined by the depth of knowledge, resilience, and fierce advocacy they develop along the way. This podcast explores what it really means to raise a child with profound autism, complex support needs, and significant communication challenges while holding two truths at once: a child can have profound, lifelong support needs and be thoughtful, intelligent, curious, and capable of learning. Difficulty demonstrating ability is not the same as an absence of ability. Each episode brings you real stories, practical tools, honest conversations, and mindset shifts for navigating communication, advocacy, education, AAC, daily life, and the complicated realities of high-support-needs parenting. We talk about what it means to presume competence , support communication, understand behavior, and advocate fiercely—even when the world underestimates your child. Because understanding profound support needs should never mean underestimating the person. The Profound Parent Podcast: Understanding profound needs without underestimating the person.

Episodes

Latest Episodes

26 minutes ago

58 min

Tyler Hudson is a husband, father of three, musician, and advocate for families living at the deep end of the spectrum. From Texas, now living in Tasmania, Tyler speaks openly about grief, disability, and the responsibility we owe future generations.
You can follow him here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tylerhudsonmusic/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tylerghudson 
You can purchase his book, "The Missing Lyrics" on AMAZON
 
IMPORTANT RESOURCES:
🔗 Helpful Resources & Links:
https://www.drdanajohnson.com
https://www.spellerstampa.com
https://www.spelleratlanta.com
X: https://x.com/drdanajohnson
https://www.youtube.com/@DrDanaJohnson⁩
🔗 Spellers Method: www.spellers.com
🎬 Spellers Documentary: • SPELLERS THE MOVIE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h1rcLyznK0&t=2210s
📍 Find a Spellers Center: www.spellerstampa.com or www.spellersatlanta.com
📚 Learn About Whole-Body Apraxia: www.drdanajohnson.com
Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am a licensed occupational therapist, not a medical doctor. The content shared reflects my professional experience, clinical insights, and personal opinions, and should not be interpreted as a substitute for individualized medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your physician, licensed healthcare provider, or qualified specialist for guidance specific to your child’s needs. Use of this content is at your own discretion and risk. Viewing or interacting with this channel does not create a therapist-client relationship.

26 minutes ago

58 min

Aug 23, 2026

45 min

Sarah Kernion is the founder of INCHSTONES, a writer, podcast host, special education consultant, and mother of three, including two children with profound, non-speaking autism. Through INCHSTONES, Sarah brings lived experience and hard-earned clarity to conversations about profound autism, disability, caregiving, communication, and special education. Her work centers the voices and realities of families often overlooked, while helping parents recognize that their instincts, observations, and experiences matter. Sarah believes progress is not always measured in milestones. Sometimes, the smallest inchstones carry the greatest meaning—and noticing them can transform how we understand our children, ourselves, and what truly matters.Links:www.Inchstones.co (not .com)www.inchstonespodcast.comwww.Inchstones.substack.com
 
IMPORTANT RESOURCES:
🔗 Helpful Resources & Links:
https://www.drdanajohnson.com
https://www.spellerstampa.com
https://www.spelleratlanta.com
X: https://x.com/drdanajohnson
https://www.youtube.com/@DrDanaJohnson⁩
🔗 Spellers Method: www.spellers.com
🎬 Spellers Documentary: • SPELLERS THE MOVIE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h1rcLyznK0&t=2210s
📍 Find a Spellers Center: www.spellerstampa.com or www.spellersatlanta.com
📚 Learn About Whole-Body Apraxia: www.drdanajohnson.com
Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am a licensed occupational therapist, not a medical doctor. The content shared reflects my professional experience, clinical insights, and personal opinions, and should not be interpreted as a substitute for individualized medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your physician, licensed healthcare provider, or qualified specialist for guidance specific to your child’s needs. Use of this content is at your own discretion and risk. Viewing or interacting with this channel does not create a therapist-client relationship.

Aug 23, 2026

45 min