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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/

 

 

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

 

In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the significance of child-led play in supporting autistic children. She differentiates between child-led and play-based therapy, emphasizing the importance of intrinsic motivation and the child's experience. Nicole introduces the concept of the 'three freedoms' of play: the freedom to choose, change, and end, and how these principles can enhance therapeutic practices. She also shares practical strategies for identifying children's interests and fostering meaningful engagement through play.

Takeaways

• Child-led play focuses on the child's interests and motivations.
• Play-based therapy is often misrepresented as simply having toys available.
• The three freedoms of play are essential: to choose, change, and end.
• Intrinsic motivation is crucial for genuine play experiences.
• Play should not be dictated by adult expectations or structures.
• Understanding a child's unique play style is vital for effective support.
• All play is valid, regardless of how it looks to adults.
• Therapists should adapt their approaches to honor the child's experience.
• Engagement in play can reveal deeper interests and motivations.
• Redefining play can lead to more meaningful interactions with autistic children.

To Download the 3 Freedoms Visual and other helpful freebies, visit: https://www.childled.org/the-freebie-vault

 

In this episode, Jamie Burch, a neurodiversity affirming speech language pathologist, discusses the importance of understanding the double empathy problem in supporting autistic individuals. The conversation explores how traditional approaches to speech therapy can inadvertently harm autistic children by enforcing masking and non-preferred communication styles. Jamie emphasizes the need for a shift in perspective, advocating for authentic communication and the importance of educating both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals to bridge the empathy gap. The episode highlights the significance of listening to autistic voices and the role of parents and educators in fostering an inclusive environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the double empathy problem is crucial for effective communication.
• Community engagement can help bridge the gap in understanding autism.
• Masking can be harmful.
• Therapists should focus on affirming the unique communication styles of autistic individuals.
• Education about autistic culture is essential for neurotypical individuals.
• Social language therapy should not be deficit-based but rather affirming.
• Listening to autistic voices is vital for effective support.

Follow Jamie on instagram: 

inclusion.slp

Check out these articles ASHA articles written by Jamie:  https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.MIW.28112023.slp-neurodiverse-treatment.30/full/ https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.MIW.27112022.slp-antiableist-play.22/full/

To visit Jamie's website:

www.inclusiontherapyservices.com

To learn more about supporting autistic kids, as well as access Nicole and Katja's resources, courses, and more, visit our websites:

Visit Nicole's website: www.childled.org

The Great Language Partner Workbook is here! Learn more here!  Use code PODCAST at checkout for a discount!

Visit Katja's website: https://www.bohospeechie.net/

Get 25% off of the Pok Pok app !

 

neurodiversity, double empathy problem, speech therapy, autistic communication, inclusion therapy, AAC devices, social language, masking, advocacy, education

On todays show we get to chat with Jessie Mewshaw. Jessie is a speech-language therapist serving kids from 18 months through 18 years in Chapel Hill, NC. She has worked in early intervention, the public schools & clinical settings during her ten years in practice. Jessie is passionate about serving neurodivergent clients & has focused her work on gestalt language, PDA & AAC. She is a dedicated life-long learner with emphasis on learning from the communities she serves. Jessie is also the owner of the consultative business, Diverge Services, where she provides trainings, education & consultative services on all things neurodiversity. Jessie is a late diagnosed ADHDer & parent to two wonderful neurodivergent children.

 

In today's conversation, we talk about PDA and our role in supporting PDAers as SLPs: 

• What is PDA
• PDA vs normal avoidance of demands that all children experience
• What IS a “demand” (reframing it as an expectation)
• Neuroception and how it relates to PDA
• Signaling safety when interacting with autistic kids
• Supporting balances of power to avoid Equalizing behavior
• Accommodations we can provide to PDA kids
• What is the SLPs role in working with PDA kids?

 

To learn more about Jessie Mewshaw: 

Follow her on instagram: @miss_jessies_speech_world

Visit her website: www.divergeservices.com

 

To learn more about supporting autistic kids, as well as access Nicole and Katja's resources, courses, and more, visit our websites:

Visit Nicole's website: www.childled.org

The Great Language Partner Workbook is here! Learn more here!  Use code PODCAST at checkout for a discount!

Visit Katja's website: https://www.bohospeechie.net/

Get 25% off of the Pok Pok app !