Teach Me To Talk the Podcast: Take 2

Do you ever feel like you're working harder than the child just trying to keep them engaged in therapy? Like you're constantly switching activities… trying to find something that works… and nothing really sticks? You're not alone.Most of us were trained to plan therapy by focusing on what a child can't do yet. But for many autistic toddlers and preschoolers, that approach can make sessions feel frustrating—for you and for them. In this episode, I’ll show you how shifting to a strengths-based approach can completely change how you select activities, keep children engaged, and help them make faster progress. Handouts mentioned in this podcast are included with purchase of CE credit for therapists Therapists - Earn .5 ASHA CEU for $5Parents pdf $5 for the show notesLINK HERE FOR CE CREDIT for this podcast: https://teachmetotalk.com/ceu_course/asha-ceu-course-0018-identifying-strengths-in-autistic-toddlers-and-preschoolers/LINK TO PURCHASE STRENGTHS SURVEY: https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-checklist/Join pediatric speech-language pathologist Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP from teachmetotalk.com for this podcast episode where you’ll learn:• What a “strength” really is (and why it’s more than just a skill)• How to identify a child’s strongest interests and abilities• Why starting with strengths makes therapy easier and more effective• How to “flip the script” from deficit-based planning• How to use strengths to teach every stage of early communicationTHE KEY SHIFTInstead of this:Goal = hardActivity = hardTry this:Goal = hardActivity = EASY (based on the child’s strengths)That’s how you build momentum.I created a simple tool to help you quickly identify a child’s top strengths so you can actually use them in therapy: STRENGTHS SURVEY https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-checklist/The 7 C's of Communication0016 The 7 C's of Communication Overview0017 Co-RegulationReady to go deeper?In my full course, I show you exactly how to:• turn strengths into therapy activities• choose which communication skills to target• build a complete, cohesive therapy planhttps://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-course-toddlers/Use the coupon code PODCAST20 to save 20% on this course!Have a question for Laura and Macy?Email [email protected] or [email protected] with the subject line PODCASTJoin Laura’s daily email for free therapy ideas: (near 50K subscribers!!)https://teachmetotalk.com/Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.comThe Late Talker Workbook NEW https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta...The Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/product/aut...Let's Talk About Talking https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let...Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui...Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun...Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the...Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys:https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmetotalkAmazon affiliates earn *teeny tiny* commissions from purchases. It's still a great way to support our work!**speech therapy toddlers, autism speech therapy, late talkers, strengths based therapy autism, early intervention speech therapy, toddler language delay, speech therapy activities autism, how to teach a toddler to talk, autistic toddlers communication, minimally verbal toddler, imitation skills speech therapy, joint attention autism, play based speech therapy, therapy ideas for toddlers, early language development autism, speech therapy tips parents, teach me to talk

If you’ve ever wondered “Why isn’t this child talking?”—this episode will give you the answer.In this Teach Me To Talk: Take 2 episode, speech-language pathologists Laura Mize and Macy Mize Usher break down the 7 C’s of Communication, the key pieces of early language development. These are the building blocks of a child’s early communication skills. These are the pieces we should be addressing when developing and planning treatment strategies for a child.Handouts mentioned in this podcast are included with purchase of CE credit for therapists Therapists - Earn .5 ASHA CEU for $5Parents pdf - $5 includes the show notes + 2 LINK HERE: https://teachmetotalk.com/ceu_course/...Whether you’re a parent of a late talker or a professional working in early intervention, this episode will help you:

• understand what really drives language development
• identify which foundational skills may be missing so that you can develop a great treatment plan
• learn how to support communication in everyday routines using these 7 areas

• The 7 areas of early language development:
• Why focusing only on words can slow progress
• How to recognize strengths and gaps in early communication
• Practical ways to build these skills through play and interaction

• Speech-language pathologists (SLPs)
• Early intervention providers, developmental therapists, OTs
• Parents of toddlers and preschoolers with speech delays
• Parents of autistic children

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Who This Is For:Ready to Go Deeper?This is the first episode in our 8 part series: The 7 C's of Communication: Developing Treatment Plans that WORK for Toddlers & Preschoolers with Language Delays. Check out the other episodes in this series.If you want a step-by-step system to apply this framework in real life with autistic kids, check out:https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-b...Have a question for Laura and Macy?Email [email protected] or [email protected] with the subject line PODCASTJoin Laura’s daily email for free therapy ideas: (near 50K subscribers!!)https://teachmetotalk.com/Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.comThe Late Talker Workbook NEW https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta...The Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/product/aut...Let's Talk About Talking https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let...Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui...Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun...Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the...Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys:https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmeto...Amazon affiliates earn teeny tiny commissions from purchases. It's still a great way to support our work!**Watch more videos and get free speech therapy ideas:https://teachmetotalk.comearly language development, late talker, toddler not talking, speech delay toddler, autism communication, prelinguistic skills, joint attention, speech therapy tips, early intervention speech therapy, how to help toddler talk, speech therapy for autism, teach me to talk, laura mize, 7 c’s of communication

How to Teach Late Talkers in Early Intervention | The Research-Based VAULT Method™ for Speech Therapy SuccessDoes your toddler or preschooler struggle to use words and still isn't talking? Do you want an effective, evidenced-based method for language therapy with toddlers?In this video, pediatric speech-language pathologists Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP and Macy Mize Usher, M.S., CCC-SLP from Teach Me To Talk or teachmetotalk.com, introduce the research-based VAULT Method™ — a powerful, practical framework for helping late talkers learn to communicate in early intervention speech therapy services. If you’ve ever wondered where to start with a late talker or felt unsure how to make real progress in speech therapy, this episode is for you. This method is built on decades of research and real-life clinical experience — giving you clear, effective, and connection-based strategies that truly work for toddlers with language delays. Laura Mize and Macy Mize Usher walk you through the research-based VAULT method (Vocabulary Acquisition and Usage for Late Talkers) — a powerful, evidence-based approach that boosts expressive vocabulary and communication in late-talking toddlers.If you’re a speech-language pathologist (SLP) working in early intervention, an educator, or a parent of a late-talker, this video is for you. The protocol is grounded in clinical research showing rapid gains in toddler vocabulary when implemented. You’ll learn how to:✅ Implement the method: clearly selecting target words, delivering high-intensity word input, and structuring sessions for maximum vocabulary growth✅ Use play-based, child-engaging activities that support late talkers and motivate communication✅ Recognize when this method is effective for late talkers and discover when to move on to another method✅ Track progress with measurable outcomes (e.g., weekly word gains) and use data to inform goals and family coaching✅ Honor strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming approaches while using this structured method for speech delay and late talkersThis is one of three plans Laura Mize breaks down in her therapy manual, The Late Talker Workbook, for how to treat receptive-expressive language delays in early intervention. Check it out here:https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the-late-talker-workbook/Earn .5 ASHA CEU for $5:https://teachmetotalk.com/ceu_course/asha-ceu-course-0013-research-based-therapy-method-for-toddlers-with-expressive-delays/Have a question for Laura and Macy?Email [email protected] or [email protected] with the subject line PODCASTJoin Laura’s daily email for free therapy ideas: (near 50K subscribers!!)https://teachmetotalk.com/Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.comThe Late Talker Workbook NEW https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta...The Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/product/aut...Let's Talk About Talking https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let...Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui...Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun...Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the...Learn about our Strengths-Based Approach for Helping Autistic Toddlers and Preschoolers Connect and Communicate:Shift from deficits-focused to strengths-based speech therapy — using goals and activities that build genuine connection while honoring neurodiversity.https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-course-toddlers/Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys:https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmetotalkAmazon affiliates earn *teeny tiny* commissions from purchases. It's still a great way to support our work!**Watch more videos and get free speech therapy ideas:https://teachmetotalk.com

In their premiere podcast, pediatric speech-language pathologists Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP and Macy Mize Usher, M.S., CCC-SLP from teachmetotalk.com discuss how they recognize the characteristics of a child with autism and how to share that information with a parent or caregiver. How to Talk to Parents About Autism as an SLP | Speech Therapy Tips for Early InterventionHow do you have “the autism talk” with parents — without causing fear, confusion, or defensiveness? In this episode, pediatric speech-language pathologists Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP and Macy Mize Usher, M.S., CCC-SLP from Teach Me To Talk share clear, compassionate strategies for discussing autism concerns in toddlers and preschoolers.If you’re a speech-language pathologist, early interventionist, teacher, or SLP student, and you’ve ever wondered how to tell a parent you suspect autism, this video will give you confidence, language, and structure for having that important conversation in a supportive, neurodiversity-affirming way.You’ll learn how to:✅ Recognize and discuss early autism characteristics during speech therapy sessions✅ Use strengths-based, family-centered language that builds trust with parents✅ Balance honesty with empathy when discussing possible autism characteristics✅ Know when and how to recommend an autism evaluation✅ Support parents emotionally and professionally after the discussion✅ Communicate within your scope of practice while collaborating with the care teamWhether you’re new to early intervention or a seasoned SLP, you’ll gain practical tools to make “the autism talk” easier, more effective, and more meaningful for families.Have a question for Laura and Macy?Email [email protected] or [email protected] with the subject line https://teachmetotalk.com/ceu_course/asha-ceu-course-0012-how-to-talk-to-parents-of-toddlers-about-autism/Join Laura’s daily email for free therapy ideas:https://teachmetotalk.com/Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.comThe Late Talker Workbook NEW https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta...The Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/product/aut...Let's Talk About Talking https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let...Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui...Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun...Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the...Earn .5 ASHA CEU for $5:https://teachmetotalk.com/ceu_course/...Learn about our Strengths-Based Approach for Helping Autistic Toddlers and Preschoolers Connect and Communicate:Shift from deficits-focused to strengths-based speech therapy — using goals and activities that build genuine connection while honoring neurodiversity.https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-b...Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys:https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmeto...Amazon affiliates earn *teeny tiny commissions from purchases. It's still a great way to support our work!*Watch more videos and get free speech therapy ideas:https://teachmetotalk.com#speechtherapy #autism #teachmetotalk #speechpathology #slp #earlyintervention #autismredflags #autismdiagnosis #slpconversation #parentcoaching #autismacceptance #neurodiversityaffirming #speechtherapist #autismtalk #speechtherapyfortoddlers #helpingtoddlerscommunicate #strengthsbasedtherapy #slpcommunity #speechtherapytips #communicationdevelopment

In their premiere podcast, pediatric speech-language pathologists Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP and Macy Mize Usher, M.S., CCC-SLP from teachmetotalk.com answer a therapist's questions about helping an autistic toddler participate in speech therapy sessions. Does your toddler or preschooler struggle to stay engaged or calm during play? In this video, pediatric speech-language pathologists Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP from Teach Me To Talk and Macy Mize Usher, M.S., CCC-SLP from Teach Me To Talk, share practical, evidence-based tips for helping children with characteristics for autism learn to connect, play, and communicate.If you’ve ever chased a toddler for ten minutes and wondered how to turn that energy into real communication — this video is for you!Have a question for Laura and Macy? Email them at [email protected] or [email protected] with the subject line PODCAST. Join Laura's daily email here: https://teachmetotalk.com/CEU credit info - get .5 CE credit for $5 at this link: Check out our new Strengths-Based Approach for Helping Autistic Toddlers and Preschoolers Connect and Communicate:In this new course, A Strengths-Based Approach for Helping Autistic Toddlers and Preschoolers Connect and Communicate, we're going to help you shift from being deficits-focused to strengths-based selecting therapy goals and activities that encourage genuine connection and communication in autistic toddlers and preschoolers, while honoring neurodiversity and aligning with current best practices.https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-course-toddlers/Check out our Amazon Storefront for reccommended Toys for Speech Therapy:https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmetotalk?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_CH0N1N3RWGEYWMXSNMSK You’ll learn how to:✅ Turn high-energy play like chasing and tickling into meaningful social games✅ Support regulation and transitions between active and calm play✅ Encourage participation when a child resists lap games or sitting activities✅ Handle meltdowns and screaming when routines or favorite activities are delayed✅ Use simple, connection-based strategies that build engagement and languageThese techniques work for SLPs in early intervention and for parents at home who want to help toddlers and preschoolers learn to understand and use language.🔗 Watch more videos and get free therapy ideas at teachmetotalk.com