Nonspeaking autistic self advocacy – with Noah Seback

Nonspeaking autistic self advocacy – with Noah Seback

Author: Carolyn Kiel April 25, 2022 Duration: 18:42

Noah Seback cannot speak -- however, he has a lot to say.

Noah is a nonspeaking autistic young man with apraxia, which has made it impossible for him to communicate reliably for most of his life. Then, at the age of 16, he learned how to use a letterboard to spell out the words he wanted to say -- and his entire world opened up. As Noah described it to me, "it was nirvana!"

Since Noah is nonspeaking, he is joined on this episode by his communication regulation partners, David and Nadine Seback (who are also his parents). During this episode, you'll hear David and Nadine read Noah's responses – which means you'll be hearing Noah's words through David and Nadine's speaking voices.

During this episode, Noah shares:

  • How his life completely changed after learning how to communicate using a letterboard at age 16
  • The importance of presuming competence of nonspeaking people
  • How he responds to people who don't believe that letterboard spelling is a valid method of communication
  • How he began to overcome and heal from his trauma
  • Why he started qUirk, his mentoring business, to help nonspeakers – especially those who are labeled "the worst of the worst"
  • What he wants parents of nonspeaking kids to know, and his advice for nonspeakers who are struggling right now

Find out more about Noah, his writing and his mentoring business at www.quirkthrives.com.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Click here for the episode transcript.

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*


Hosted by Carolyn Kiel, Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people moves past the snap judgments that so often define how neurodivergent people are perceived. Each conversation here is an invitation to listen deeply, exploring the nuanced realities of entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, and other neurodivergent individuals as they share their own experiences in their own words. You’ll hear personal accounts that challenge stereotypes, not through abstract arguments, but through the vivid details of lived experience-the unique pathways to creativity, the challenges navigated in work and relationships, and the personal definitions of success and well-being. This podcast creates a space where identity is explored with authenticity, highlighting the strengths and perspectives that arise from thinking differently. Tuning in means connecting with stories that are as diverse and dynamic as the neurodivergent community itself, offering genuine insight into mental health, societal norms, and the richness of human cognition. Carolyn guides these discussions with a focus on depth and connection, ensuring every episode goes far beneath the surface to celebrate the vibrance of neurodiversity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Podcast Episodes
The Autism-Friendly Cookbook - with Lydia Wilkins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:33
Lydia Wilkins is a freelance journalist and author based in the UK who covers disability and social issues. Her work has appeared in publications such as The Metro, The Independent, Refinery 29, The Daily Mail and PosAbi…
Dyscalculia education and advocacy – with Elena Chambers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:47
Elena Chambers is a disability advocate, writer, poet and photographer. On her blog, Dyscalculia Community, she writes about disability in a social context, societal-level ableism, and her personal experience of growing…
Autism in Black – with Maria Davis-Pierre [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:31
Maria Davis-Pierre is a licensed mental health counselor, autism awareness advocate and founder of the organization Autism in Black. As the parent of two autistic children, and being autistic herself, she uses her profes…
Fragile X and ADHD – with Sarah Brown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:53
Sarah Brown is a New York City based podcast producer and editor. She has worked on shows such as Minority Korner, Get on Up, #Matter and Fixing the Future. She also produces her own show called The Queerience, which is…
Autism, community and the DataFam – with Adam Mico [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:43
Adam Mico is the Principal of Data Visualization and Enablement at Moderna. He is a Tableau Visionary, 3x Tableau Ambassador, an Advisory Board Member of the Data Leadership Collaborative, and a member of the Tableau Spe…