I took the Malena LOAI three-month course twice, and the two experiences could not have been more different.
The first time, I was mostly in my head. I was gathering language, concepts, and a logical map of the work. It was useful, but it stayed intellectual.
The second time I came back because I needed something else. I had been struggling in my work in the autism community and I wanted a space that felt safe and familiar—among people I already cared about, and with the quiet hope that we might collaborate more in the future. This time the learning was embodied. It was not just understanding an idea; it was feeling it in my body.
Malena held a judgment-free container that made it possible for me to drop the heavy energies of judgment and fear I had been carrying. In that safer space I could finally express myself more authentically. Through sacred play I connected more deeply with myself first, and then with the autism community. That sequence mattered: I had to come home to myself before I could meet others from a more whole place.
The course became a place of personal healing and self-acceptance. What started inside the container did not stay there. It moved into daily life and into my relationships with children—deeper, more present connections.
I would recommend this work to new families who are just finding their way, and also to anyone who wants to expand themselves and reconnect with their own wholeness. The Malena LOAI course is one I will keep pointing people toward.
Kerry Towery, Professional working with non-speakers autistic/awesomism individuals.
This is her video testimonial: https://vimeo.com/1225427682/e4812c8077?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
With all her love and from the bottom of her heart, Malena supported me in strengthening the inner connection with my autistic daughter. Thanks to her calm and loving manner, I was able to increasingly trust that my telepathic abilities were becoming more palpable. I am very grateful for the time we spent together and highly recommend Malena’s work!
Karin R, Mom of a non-speaker autistic/ awesomism daughter
- How were you feeling before beginning this process, and what situation was affecting you the most at that time?
Before the LOAI course, my daughter had struggled for many years with challenging behaviors and a limited ability to engage with the outside world in a positive way. Our family spent a lot of time in isolation. I felt exhausted and discouraged.
- How would you describe your experience during the LOAI Course?
I had a beautiful experience in the LOAI course. Malena holds the group in a deeply loving container. She was fully present with us and with our children, and she met each of them with care and appreciation. It felt like a safe place to show up exactly as we were.
- What motivated you, after the LOAI Course, to begin individual sessions with me?
After the course, I wanted to keep going. Individual sessions felt like the natural next step to bring the teachings into our everyday life and to deepen my connection with my daughter.
- Was there any exercise, conversation, or moment that was especially important for you?
The check-ins were the most important moments for me. Malena would connect with our children, and together we celebrated wins and gained insight into specific situations or challenges. The children always had so much love and wisdom to share. Receiving their guidance and seeing things from a new perspective was both helpful and comforting.
- What are the most significant changes you’ve noticed in yourself, your daughter, and your husband since you began this process?
Before the LOAI course, our daughter struggled to leave the house and engage with the world. Now, just a few months later, with the support of Malena and Lucy, we are watching her true self emerge more fully. She can handle many environments that once would have sent her into shutdown. We have even been able to travel again, something that felt impossible not long ago.
- What can you do today, in your life, your motherhood, your wellbeing, that used to feel difficult or out of reach?
So many things that felt out of reach just a few months ago are part of our life now. My daughter is more regulated, grounded, and able to express herself. We can go out and take part in everyday life in a positive, enriching way. I have also reached a new level of acceptance of our situation and a deeper appreciation of my daughter’s gifts. Malena is a wonderful model for parents. She fully embraces being Lucy’s mom in a way that is unique and inspiring, and seeing that has helped me embrace my own path as a mother.
- Who would you recommend this process to, and why?
I would absolutely recommend the LOAI process to anyone who is ready to honor their own knowing: that their child or loved one is far more than society has led any of us to believe.
Katherine Guzman, Mom of a minimally speaker autistic/ awesomism and speller daughter