https://thechildledslp.myflodesk.com/selfregulation

  In this episode, Nicole Casey explores the concept of co-regulation, emphasizing its importance in supporting autistic children and fostering effective communication. She reflects on her personal experiences with dysregulation and how co-regulation has played a crucial role in her parenting and professional life. The discussion highlights the need for emotional safety and connection in the learning process, and how understanding co-regulation can transform interactions with children. Through a case study, Nicole illustrates practical strategies for implementing co-regulation in therapy settings. In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the importance of co-regulation in helping children, especially those with autism, manage their stress responses. She shares practical strategies for adults to regulate themselves first, which in turn helps children feel safe and connected. Through various examples, she emphasizes the need for understanding children's emotional states and using sensory support to facilitate better communication and connection. The conversation highlights the significance of modeling regulation and creating a safe environment for children to thrive emotionally and socially.   Takeaways:

• Co-regulation is essential for successful interactions with autistic children.
• Dysregulation affects both children and adults, impacting learning and engagement.
• Emotional safety is a prerequisite for effective communication and learning.
• Co-regulation is a two-way street, requiring mutual support.
• Regulation is cumulative; ongoing co-regulation is necessary.
• Connection is vital for creating a safe environment for children.
• Dysregulation can manifest as behavioral issues, not just personal failures.
• Understanding co-regulation can enhance therapeutic practices.
• Personal experiences with dysregulation can inform professional approaches.
• Creating a supportive environment is crucial for both therapists and children. Co-regulation is essential for helping children feel safe.
• Understanding a child's stress response is crucial.
• Modeling calmness can help children regulate their emotions.
• Creating a safe environment reduces sensory overload.
• Adults must regulate themselves before helping children.
• Using sensory support is more effective than verbal commands.
• Lowering demands can help children feel more secure.
• Building trust through co-regulation fosters better relationships.
• Children often regulate through movement, not words.
• Establishing routines can enhance long-term regulation skills.

  Keywords: co-regulation, autism, therapy, emotional safety, communication, dysregulation, parenting, mental health, support strategies, learning, co-regulation, child development, stress response, emotional regulation, autism, sensory processing, parenting strategies, teaching techniques, mental health, connection

In this conversation, Nicole Casey delves into the complexities of imposter syndrome, sharing her personal experiences and insights on self-doubt, particularly in the context of therapy and professional growth. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's strengths, overcoming the comparison trap, and embracing authenticity. Through her journey, she highlights that everyone has their unique path and that self-acceptance is crucial for personal and professional fulfillment.

Takeaways

• Imposter syndrome is a common feeling of self-doubt.
• Social media can amplify feelings of inadequacy.
• It's important to recognize that everyone has their own path.
• Comparison can lead to feelings of being less than others.
• Being messy or disorganized doesn't define your worth as a therapist.
• Flexibility and authenticity are strengths in therapy.
• You don't need to be perfect to make an impact.
• Self-acceptance is key to overcoming self-doubt.
• Your unique approach can resonate with those you serve
• It's okay to not have everything figured out.

 

To learn more about Nicole, a Child-Led Approach, and to download our freebies, visit www.childled.org

 

 

To learn more about Nicole and download the freebies, visit www.childled.org     In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses her unpopular opinion regarding AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and emphasizes the importance of personalization, motor planning, and empowering teams to engage with AAC devices. She challenges the notion that AAC programming should be left solely to specialists and advocates for a more inclusive approach that encourages collaboration among all team members. Nicole shares her experiences with a new student and highlights the significance of having a well-programmed AAC device that reflects the child's interests. She concludes by offering insights into her programming approach, which focuses on minor tweaks rather than extensive programming. In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the importance of personalizing AAC devices for children, emphasizing the need for individualized programming that reflects the child's preferences and relationships. She advocates for collaborative approaches to programming, utilizing technology for training and support, and establishing a point person for AAC programming within teams. Casey highlights the significance of empowering all team members to engage with AAC devices, ensuring that communication remains accessible and effective for children.   Takeaways:

• Nicole believes that AAC programming should not be intimidating or exclusive to specialists.
• Personalization in AAC devices is crucial for effective communication.
• Motor planning is essential for AAC users to communicate efficiently.
• Empowering all team members to engage with AAC devices enhances communication.
• Celebrating small efforts in AAC programming can lead to significant progress.
• The traditional specialist model can create barriers to AAC access.
• Understanding a child's interests can guide effective AAC programming
• We are not gatekeepers, we're guides.
• Programming doesn't need to be all by one person.

  If you loved today's episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a 5 star review so others can find us!   This podcast is reviewed by our team member, Meghann Beaton, who is an autistic adult. Meghann provides feedback and recommended edits priort to releasing our episodes to help ensure our content remains aligned with neuroaffirming principles and lived experience. We are deeply grateful for her insights, which continue to shape this space into one that centers safety, connection, and authentic communication.

 

Enjoying the podcast? Leave a kind review to help others find this show :) 

To learn more about Nicole or download freebies, read blog, and dive into our courses and workbooks, visit www.childled.org

This conversation delves into the concept of joint attention, particularly in the context of autistic children. Nicole Casey discusses how traditional views on joint attention often overlook the diverse ways in which autistic children engage and communicate. She emphasizes the importance of understanding joint attention as a shared experience rather than a set of behaviors to be taught. The discussion also critiques the use of strategies like sabotage, advocating instead for a child-led approach that fosters trust and connection. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the significance of engagement and the need to adapt our understanding of communication to better support autistic individuals.

This podcast is reviewed by our team member, Meghann Beaton, who is an autistic adult. Meghann provides feedback and recommended edits priort to releasing our episodes to help ensure our content remains aligned with neuroaffirming principles and lived experience. We are deeply grateful for her insights, which continue to shape this space into one that centers safety, connection, and authentic communication.

Get 15% off The Informed SLP Subscription from now through 4/30 with code CHILDLED here   Download the FREE Movement Guide  here!     To learn more or to connect with Nicole, visit: www.childled.org   In this episode, Nicole Casey explores the intersection of neuroscience and autism, particularly focusing on the concept of embodied learning. She emphasizes the importance of movement in the learning process for autistic students, arguing that traditional methods of requiring stillness can hinder their ability to engage and communicate. Nicole shares personal experiences and practical strategies for incorporating movement into educational settings, highlighting the need for a child-led approach that respects individual sensory needs. The episode concludes with a call to rethink how movement is integrated into learning, advocating for a more holistic understanding of communication and connection.   Takeaways:

• Embodied learning emphasizes a whole body approach to learning.
• Movement is essential for autistic students to feel safe and engaged.
• Traditional methods of requiring stillness can be counterproductive.
• Allowing children to lead in movement can enhance learning.
• Movement should be integrated throughout the day, not just as breaks.
• Play should include gross motor activities that promote connection.
• Modeling language during movement is more effective than interrupting play.
• Creating a safe environment for movement fosters trust and communication.
• Rethinking classroom rules can benefit autistic students' learning.
• Trust is foundational for communication to develop.

This podcast is reviewed by an autistic adult, Meghann Beaton, to help ensure our content remains aligned with neuroaffirming principles and lived experience. We are deeply grateful for her insights, which continue to shape this space into one that centers safety, connection, and authentic communication.

In this episode, Nicole Casey shares her experiences of being questioned and criticized in her child-led approach to therapy for autistic students. She discusses the challenges she faced early in her career, the importance of flexibility in therapy, and how to stand up for your methods. Nicole emphasizes the value of a child-led approach, the need for confidence in your methods, and how to respond to pushback with compassion. She encourages listeners to trust themselves and their approaches, even when faced with criticism.

Takeaways

• When trying something new, expect to be questioned.
• Flexibility in therapy can lead to better engagement.
• It's important to stand up for your approach.
• Not everyone will agree with your methods.
• Building confidence takes time and experience.
• Understanding different perspectives can help in discussions.
• A child-led approach is effective and valuable.
• Responding to criticism with compassion is key.
• Trust yourself and your methods.
• You don't need to convince everyone of your approach.

To learn more, visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/thechildledslp/

www.childled.org

 

This podcast is reviewed by an autistic adult, Meghann Beaton, to help ensure our content remains aligned with neuroaffirming principles and lived experience. We are deeply grateful for her insights, which continue to shape this space into one that centers safety, connection, and authentic communication.

Download the FREE guide to understanding how you show up for your autistic students here!

 

 

In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the challenges faced by speech therapists, particularly when working with autistic students. She highlights the performative nature of therapy sessions, where therapists feel the need to entertain and engage students at a high energy level. Nicole emphasizes the importance of authentic communication and co-regulation, advocating for a shift away from performance-based interactions to more genuine connections that allow for natural communication. She shares personal experiences and insights on how to better meet the needs of students without the pressure of constant performance.

Takeaways:

• Being a speech therapist can feel like a chaotic performance.
• Real progress in therapy is not about exhaustion.
• Communication should feel natural, not performative.
• Engagement with autistic students doesn't always require high energy.
• Therapists often feel pressured to be productive in every session.
• Silence can be a productive part of therapy.
• Authenticity leads to better communication outcomes.
• Co-regulation is key to connecting with students.
• Meeting students where they are enhances engagement.
• Therapy should focus on building connections, not entertaining.

 

Here's the reel posted by @practicallyspeeching on instagram that made me laugh: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFLvSqvRXm1/

Visit my website to learn more, check out freebies, and explore courses and downloads: 

www.childled.org

 

 

In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the challenges faced by parents and professionals in supporting autistic children, particularly when traditional therapy methods fail to yield meaningful progress. She shares personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique communication needs of autistic individuals. The discussion highlights the limitations of compliance-driven therapy models and advocates for a shift towards child-led and neuroaffirming approaches that prioritize connection and engagement. Nicole also identifies common mistakes in therapy delivery and offers practical strategies for creating a supportive environment that fosters meaningful communication and progress. takeaways

• It's common to feel like your efforts aren't working.
• Social media can create unrealistic expectations for therapists.
• Traditional therapy strategies often don't support meaningful communication.
• Child-led and play-based approaches can be more effective.
• Therapy should focus on the child's interests and needs.
• Setting meaningful goals is crucial for progress.
• Dysregulation can hinder learning and communication.
• Multimodal communication should be recognized and honored.
• Creating a safe and low-pressure environment is essential.
• Small shifts in approach can lead to significant improvements.

 

To learn more, visit www.childled.org

 

 

GRAB YOUR FREE TICKET TO THE PLAY CONFERENCE HERE: 

TODDLER PLAY CONFERENCE- FREE TICKET

In this conversation, Rachel Madel discusses the evolution and current state of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). She emphasizes the increased awareness and accessibility of AAC, the importance of starting AAC early, and the need for collaboration among clinicians and parents. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced in assessments and the advocacy required for children to access AAC devices. Rachel encourages clinicians to empower themselves and others in the field to utilize AAC effectively and to advocate for their students' communication needs.

This conversation delves into the complexities of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) learning, emphasizing the importance of patience, modeling language, and understanding the intentions behind children's use of AAC devices. The speakers share personal anecdotes and insights on how to effectively support children in their communication journey, highlighting the need for building connections and relationships among parents, educators, and therapists. They also discuss upcoming projects aimed at enhancing AAC resources for various audiences.

Key Takeaways:

• AAC is becoming more accessible and widely recognized.
• The importance of starting AAC early cannot be overstated.
• Clinicians should feel empowered to trial AAC without being specialists.
• Collaboration among professionals is crucial for successful AAC implementation.
• Parents play a vital role in advocating for their child's AAC needs.
• Assessment processes need to be more thorough and individualized.
• Motivation is key in assessing a child's readiness for AAC.
• There is no perfect AAC system; consistency is what matters.
• Gatekeeping access to AAC is a significant issue that needs addressing.
• Communication needs are complex and require a team approach. AAC learning takes time, often longer than expected.
• Parents should be patient and allow exploration with AAC devices.
• Modeling language is crucial for effective communication.
• It's important to create opportunities for meaningful language use.
• Understanding the child's intent can improve AAC usage.
• Creating positive experiences with AAC can enhance engagement.
• Future resources for AAC will cater to parents and educators.

 

To learn more from Rachel Madel, visit her here: 

Website: www.rachelmadel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelmadelslp/

Rachel's AAC Courses: https://rachelmadelslp.thinkific.com/

 

 

Register for the FREE Play Conference here:  https://nicolec24--otholly.thrivecart.com/2025/

 

In this episode of the Great Language Partner podcast, Nicole and Katja welcome Emily Byers Chaney, a speech-language pathologist, to discuss the importance of a neurodiversity-affirming approach in therapy. They explore the concepts of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, the significance of understanding Gestalt language processing, and the impact of reward systems on autistic learners. The conversation emphasizes the need for therapists and parents to focus on the child's interests, autonomy, and the creation of engaging learning environments to foster genuine motivation and connection.

To Connect with Emily: 

Visit her website: https://www.ndaffirmingslp.com/

Follow on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ndaffirming.slp/