Is it actually OK to teach perspective-taking to autistic youth? In this episode, Carrie breaks down the current controversy, explains why so many SLPs feel confused about whether they're "allowed" to teach these skills anymore, and unpacks how traditional Theory of Mind instruction became entwined with masking, judgment, and deficit-based thinking.

You'll learn what the real issue is (hint: it's the double empathy problem, not a lack of empathy in autistic individuals) and why perspective-taking is still a valuable, empowering skill when taught through a neurodiversity-affirming lens.

Carrie shares her stance: all brains work differently, and autistic kids deserve information—not pressure to conform. Today's perspective-taking work is about helping youth feel safer, more secure, and more confident navigating the world their own way.

We then walk through how the new SLK Perspective-Taking Goal Packet teaches these skills without enforcing neurotypical norms, shame, or "correct answers," focusing instead on safety, understanding, curiosity, and real-world meaning.

If you've ever wondered how to teach perspective-taking in a respectful, ND-affirming way, this episode will clarify exactly how to do it.

Check out the Perspective-Taking Goal Packet inside the SLK Curriculum—available to all members (with free trial options): https://hub.speechandlanguagekids.com/