Welcome back to the Autism Little Learners Podcast! Today we’re diving into one of the most powerful strategies for supporting communication in young autistic children—modeling AAC.

Just like children learn spoken language by hearing it all around them, AAC users need to see and hear their language modeled on their device or core board. In this episode, we’ll talk about what modeling AAC is, why it matters, and how you can start using it in your daily routines—even if you don’t have a high-tech device yet.

We’ll also bust some common myths, share practical tips for modeling without expectation, and explore how modeling goes far beyond just requesting—it’s about helping kids express their feelings, build confidence, and connect with the people around them.

So let’s jump in and discover how you can make communication accessible, joyful, and empowering through the simple practice of modeling AAC.

Takeaways:

• There are no prerequisites to robust AAC—all children deserve access to communication right now.

• Modeling AAC means pairing spoken words with symbols on a device or core board to show how language works.

• Modeling without expectation is key—input matters more than immediate output.

• Consistent modeling builds language growth, confidence, and autonomy for AAC users.

• Myths debunked: AAC doesn’t stop speech, it doesn’t confuse children, and you don’t need to be a tech expert to model.

• Start small: choose one routine (like snack or play) and model 1–2 high-frequency core words.

• If you don’t have a device yet, you can begin with core boards to give children access now.

• Remember, progress over perfection—every modeled word is a seed planted toward communication success.

Links & Related Podcast Episodes: 

• Free core board: www.autismlittlelearners.com/visuals

• Episode #96: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autism-little-learners-podcast/id1665404820?i=1000676636848

• Episode #24: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autism-little-learners-podcast/id1665404820?i=1000618489743

Today on the Autism Little Learners Podcast, I’m joined by Julia DeNey, founder of Sensational You—a brand dedicated to creating adaptive clothing for children with sensory differences. Julia’s journey is such an inspiring one. She started in the world of fashion, but it was her time working in special education that opened her eyes to just how much sensory needs can impact a child’s ability to learn and thrive.

Sensory friendly clothes can make everyday life easier for autistic kids. In this episode, learn how adaptive clothing supports comfort, confidence, and learning. I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation!

Takeaways

• Julia's background in fashion led her to create Sensational You.

• Sensory needs can significantly impact children's learning.

• Adaptive clothing can help minimize sensory irritations.

• Real-life feedback from families is crucial for product development.

• The importance of understanding dysregulation in children.

• Innovative designs include built-in sensory tools.

• Community support has been vital for Sensational You's growth.

• The future vision includes a wider range of sensory-friendly products.

• Adaptive fashion should be accessible in mainstream stores.

• Sensory-friendly solutions are becoming more recognized in society.

Bio & Links

Julia DeNey studied Fashion Design at Cornell University and later worked as a special-education paraprofessional with autistic students. Combining her design expertise with her classroom experience, she founded Sense-ational You, an adaptive clothing brand that supports individuals with autism, ADHD, and sensory sensitivities.

https://shopsenseationalyou.com/

https://shopsenseationalyou.com/pages/back-to-school-sensory-checklist

https://www.instagram.com/senseational_you/

https://www.tiktok.com/@senseational_you

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sensational You

02:52 The Journey from Fashion to Sensory Solutions

05:49 Understanding Sensory Needs in Education

08:40 Innovative Adaptive Clothing Designs

11:31 Real-Life Impact of Sensory Clothing

14:15 Feedback and Community Support

17:19 Future Vision for Sensational You

20:15 Conclusion and Resources

You may also be interested in these supports:

• Visual Support Starter Set: www.autismlittlelearners.com/visuals

• Visual Supports Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3922278281209994/

• Autism Little Learners on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/autismlittlelearners

• Autism Little Learners on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autismlittlelearners/

If you’re enjoying the Autism Little Learners Podcast, I’d love for you to leave a rating and review—it helps more educators and parents find these conversations and join our community.

In today’s episode of the Autism Little Learners Podcast, I’m joined by Sofia Dumery, Senior Vice President of Design at Melissa & Doug® Toys. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into creating timeless, high-quality toys that truly support children’s development, you’re going to love this conversation. We dive into the importance of open-ended play, how toys can spark language and connection, and why durability, inclusivity, and sustainability matter so much in toy design. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or therapist, you’ll come away with fresh inspiration for using play as a powerful tool for learning and connection.

Sofia also explains Melissa & Doug’s commitment to inclusivity, durability, and safety, including their extensive testing process and collaborations with occupational therapists. We discuss how sensory elements and realistic designs make their toys appealing to children of all abilities, while also easing fears and building confidence. Finally, we highlight surprising ways their toys have been used in therapy and at home, and how play—when led with joy and creativity—strengthens relationships and creates rich learning opportunities.

About Sofia Dumery

As Senior Vice President of Design at Melissa & Doug®, Sofia Dumery oversees the creation of all toys and ensures those toys deliver on the brand's mission to ignite imagination and wonder in all children so they discover their passions and their purpose. She leads a team across blue-sky innovation, product, and licensing design. The team is committed to ensuring its inclusive, open-ended products help kids of all abilities build confidence and develop essential skills.

In addition to setting the product's vision and strategy, Sofia is responsible for all new toy innovations, working with independent inventors, external partners, and in-house creative team. She holds 17 patents and is always searching for breakthrough innovations. Sofia works closely to ensure toys not only meet children's play patterns and market expectations but also deliver on key sustainability goals.

Prior to joining Melissa & Doug® in 2011, Sofia was Design Director at Callaway Arts & Entertainment. There, she built the product strategy and growth of Sunny Patch, at that time an exclusive line for Target.

Sofia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Columbia College, Columbia University, and a Masters in Industrial Design from Pratt University. She, her daughter and their cat Kiwi live in Westport, Connecticut. When it comes to play, Sofia's passions include biking, camping, and reading.

About Melissa & Doug®

From classic wooden toys to realistic pretend play sets, Melissa & Doug® products inspire creative thinking through screen-free, open-ended play! We make well-crafted toys that are developed with care to be passed down from generation to generation or shared family to family. When kids play with Melissa & Doug® toys, anything is possible!

Melissa & Doug® Links:

Website: https://www.melissaanddoug.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaAndDoug/

Takeaways

1. Purposeful, open-ended play matters – Melissa & Doug focus on toys that encourage imagination, creativity, and engagement rather than passive entertainment

2. Classic play patterns never go out of style – Blocks, pretend play, and exploratory play still hold the same developmental value they did generations ago

3. Toys support language development – Hands-on play is deeply connected to building speech, language, and social skills, making it especially valuable for young learners

4. Designing with inclusivity in mind – Melissa & Doug avoid rigid age labels, build toys with realistic details, and create open-ended opportunities for all children to play at their own level

5. Durability and quality are key – Toys are tested extensively (even “gorilla tested”) to ensure they perform well, reducing frustration and supporting consistent learning experiences

6. Neurodiversity is part of the mission – The company researches child development, collaborates with occupational therapists, and designs toys that avoid overwhelming sensory input while still providing tactile experiences

7. Realism helps children learn about their world – From the dentist set to ice cream counters, realistic details prepare kids for real-life experiences and help ease fears Sustainability and safety are priorities – Melissa & Doug use FSC-certified wood, focus on long-lasting design, and test rigorously to meet the highest safety standards

8. Unexpected ways toys are used – From sensory bins with puzzle pieces to elderly adults using Water Wow! for calming effects, Melissa & Doug toys support creativity across ages and abilities

9. Play builds connection – When adults model joy, silliness, and curiosity with toys, it deepens relationships with children and enriches their learning

You may also be interested in these supports

1. Visual Support Starter Set 

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

By popular demand, we’re bringing back one of the most impactful episodes! This conversation dives into the powerful link between stress and behavior in autistic children, and why compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming approaches make all the difference.

You’ll discover how to reframe behavior as communication, support self-advocacy, and create environments that reduce stress and meet the unique needs of autistic children. Whether you’re an educator, therapist, or parent, this episode offers practical tools you can use right away.

Key Takeaways:

1. Stress and behavior are closely linked for autistic children.

2. Environments that increase stress can make behaviors harder.

3. Behavior is communication—understanding it is essential.

4. Compassionate approaches focus on unmet needs, not compliance.

5. Compliance-driven methods can harm emotional well-being.

6. Self-advocacy is critical for safety and empowerment.

7. Protests and refusals are valid forms of communication.

8. Predictable routines can ease anxiety.

9. Co-regulation helps children manage emotions.

10. Communication tools empower autistic children to thrive.

Resources & Links:

Research article #1: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6061115/

Research article #2: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3245359/

Calming Kit for preschoolers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calm-Down-Kit-For-Calming-Corner-In-Special-Education-8140160

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set 

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

Hi friends, welcome back to the Autism Little Learners Podcast. I’m Tara, a speech-language pathologist who has spent over 25 years working with young autistic children and their families.

Today, we’re going to talk about a topic that brings up a lot of feelings for educators, therapists, and parents: the Picture Exchange Communication System, or PECS. Specifically, why PECS isn’t enough for preschoolers.

Now, before I dive in, I want to be clear—PECS is not evil. It’s not “bad.” For many kids, it has opened the door to communication, and that’s something to celebrate. But PECS, on its own, isn’t enough. Our preschoolers need more than compliance-based exchanges to build rich, lifelong communication.

Takeaways

• PECS was created in the 1990s to teach kids to request items using pictures.

• Traditional PECS training often emphasized compliance over authentic communication.

• Rigid use of PECS protocols sometimes caused frustration and meltdowns in children.

• PECS has major limitations, including prompt dependency and a narrow focus on requests.

• Research shows PECS helps with requesting, but not broader communication or social connection.

• Evidence-based practice must balance research, clinical experience, and client perspectives.

• Autistic adults report that PECS can restrict autonomy, dignity, and language development.

• PECS can be a stepping stone, but should not be the final communication system.

• Robust AAC systems provide greater vocabulary, flexibility, and authentic language use.

• Communication should always prioritize connection, not compliance.

Resources & Links:

Jordyn Zimmerman’s Article:  https://communicationfirst.org/slps-as-aac-gatekeepers/

Julie Roberts Article: https://therapistndc.org/the-problem-with-pecs/

Research Article: https://pure.psu.edu/en/publications/a-review-and-analysis-of-the-picture-exchange-communication-syste

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set 

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

I’ve got a short and sweet episode for you today!  I’ll be sharing 3 tips for introducing a morning meeting or circle time to young autistic children in a self-contained preschool classroom.  If you are an educator working in that setting, you don’t want to miss this episode!

Topics Discussed:

• Preparing and getting organized before starting a circle time for young autistic children in a special education preschool classroom

• Using visual supports, such as a visual mini-schedule, and all done bucket during group time

• Using songs to signal the end of group time

Links Mentioned In This Episode About Visual Supports:

• Visual Supports Starter Set

• Blog Posts Related To “Routines”

• What My Preschool Autism Classroom Looked Like

Save your seat at my upcoming Circle Time Masterclass here.

Other Links You May Be Interested In:

• Autism Little Learners on Instagram

• Autism Little Learners on Facebook

You can also join my free Visual Supports Facebook Group to “hang out” with like-minded educators and parents who want to take action and implement visuals at home or at school.

Welcome back to the Autism Little Learners Podcast. I’m Tara, and I’m so glad you’re here today. If you’ve been following along, this is Part 2 of our series on potty training autistic children with compassion.

In our last episode, we talked about why potty training can be harder for autistic kids, how to prepare the environment, and how to build comfort and readiness before we ever expect a child to actually use the toilet. We also talked about some of the common pitfalls to avoid—like forcing kids to sit on the toilet every 10 minutes, or relying on outdated “3-day potty training” advice that just doesn’t work for many of our kids.

If you missed that episode, I highly recommend going back to listen first, because it really sets the foundation for everything we’ll talk about today.

In this episode, we’re moving into the “how.” We’ll go over practical strategies for implementation, how to track progress and make adjustments, and we’ll spend some time troubleshooting common challenges—things like fear of flushing, withholding, resistance, and nighttime dryness.

This episode is going to be full of tips you can use right away, so let’s dive in.

Takeaways

• Potty training is not linear—setbacks are normal, and small steps forward are worth celebrating.

• Visual supports like cue cards, schedules, and step-by-step sequences give structure and predictability.

• Pairing bathroom trips with natural routines (after meals, before leaving the house, before bed) helps build consistency.

• Incorporating a child’s special interests into social stories, visuals, or play makes potty training more engaging.

• Tracking data helps you see patterns and know whether strategies are working or need to be adjusted.

• Fear of flushing can be reduced by covering sensors on automatic toilets or using noise-reducing headphones.

• Resistance behaviors like excessive flushing or playing in toilet water can be redirected to alternative sensory activities.

• Withholding urine or bowel movements is often about anxiety or routine preference—focus on relaxation, stability, and medical checks if needed.

• Nighttime dryness is a separate developmental milestone and often comes much later—don’t let it overshadow daytime progress.

Resources & Links:

Free Potty Training Guide: www.autismlittlelearners.com/toilet

Potty Training Course: www.autismlittlelearners.com/pottycourse

Potty Training List In Tara’s Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/45TD6lX

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set 

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

In this special two-part series we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges many parents and educators face—potty training autistic children. I’ll be sharing compassionate, practical strategies that take into account sensory differences, communication needs, and interoception, so you can feel more confident guiding your autistic child or students. Whether you’re just getting started or stuck somewhere in the process, this series will give you the tools and encouragement you need.

Takeaways

• Potty training autistic children is not a sprint—it’s a marathon (or at least a half-marathon). Progress looks different for every child.

• Sensory sensitivities, interoception challenges, and communication differences are three of the biggest reasons potty training can be harder for autistic kids.

• Collecting baseline data (when accidents happen, how often they go) helps you build a roadmap for success.

• Making the bathroom inviting and sensory-friendly is a first step—soft lighting, calming colors, and incorporating favorite characters can reduce anxiety.

• Visual supports (bathroom symbols, step-by-step sequences, cue cards) build predictability and reduce uncertainty.

• Exposure without pressure is key—start with goals like entering the bathroom or sitting on the toilet fully clothed.

• Modeling helps—siblings, parents, dolls, or stuffed animals can demonstrate potty routines in a playful way.

• Social stories provide a predictable narrative that prepares children for what happens during potty time.

• Imitation skills (like copying silly faces or clapping) build the foundation for imitating potty routines later.

• Avoid common pitfalls: don’t put kids on the toilet every 10 minutes, don’t force long, stressful sits, and don’t expect “3-day training” timelines to work for every child.

Resources & Links:

Free Potty Training Guide: www.autismlittlelearners.com/toilet

Potty Training Course: www.autismlittlelearners.com/pottycourse

Potty Training List In Tara’s Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/45TD6lX

Fostering positive relationships with autistic preschoolers is incredibly important. In this episode, I talk about emotional safety, understanding sensory needs, and the role of co-regulation in supporting self-regulation. The discussion highlights the need to step out of traditional teacher roles, validate autistic play, and harness deep interests to create meaningful connections. Core values such as compassion over compliance and honoring neurodiversity are explored, along with strategies for creating joyful, neuroaffirming classrooms. The conversation concludes with a focus on the long-term impact of connection and the importance of empowering educators and caregivers.

Takeaways:

• Positive relationships create emotional safety for children.
• Understanding sensory needs is crucial for connection.
• Co-regulation supports self-regulation in children.
• Stepping out of teacher mode fosters authentic connections.
• Autistic play is valid and meaningful, reflecting unique interactions.
• Deep interests can be a doorway to connection.
• Compassion over compliance is essential in education.
• Creating joyful, neuroaffirming classrooms enhances learning.
• Presuming competence in communication builds trust.
• Connection lays the foundation for long-term success.

Links:

Episode 90: Autism & Play Culture with Dr. Pamela Wolfberg https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autism-little-learners-podcast/id1665404820?i=1000671411034

Blog: Strength-Based Approach For Teaching Autistic Children: https://autismlittlelearners.com/strength-based-approach/

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set 

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

Today’s episode is an encore of my conversation with Andi Putt, an incredible speech-language pathologist, and autism advocate. As we head back to school, it’s the perfect time to revisit this discussion on talking to kids about autism—whether it’s peers, siblings, or the autistic child themselves. Andi shares practical, positive strategies to start these conversations early and empower kids with understanding and empathy. 

Have you ever wondered how to talk to children about autism? In today’s episode, I had the honor of talking to Andi Putt about the importance of early conversations about autism, and how to empower autistic children through understanding their identity. We also talk about the significance of normalizing these conversations among peers and Andi offers some effective ways to explain autism to children. This episode is one that you are going to want to share with everyone you know! 

Takeaways

• Advocacy for autism should start early and be ongoing

• Understanding autism can empower children and improve mental health

• Conversations about autism should be age-appropriate and continuous

• Normalizing discussions about autism helps reduce stigma

• Children are often more accepting of differences than adults expect

• It's important to recognize individual needs in educational settings

• Open communication about autism can foster understanding among peers

• Language around autism should be positive and supportive

• General discussions about autism can help reduce bullying

• Empathy is crucial in understanding children's reactions

• Celebrating differences fosters a more inclusive environment

• Resources can help parents and educators communicate about autism

• Open conversations can lead to greater understanding among peers 

Bio:

Andi Putt, also known as Mrs. Speechie P, is an Autistic Speech Language Pathologist specializing in team-based Autism evaluations and neuro-affirming support. She is dedicated to empowering families and helping Autistic children understand and embrace their authentic selves while also advocating for each individual’s unique needs. When she’s not advocating for others, you can find her indulging in a good book, planning her next travel adventure, procrastinating literally anything, or enjoying time with her family.

Links: 

Andi’s website: https://www.mrsspeechiep.com/

Andi’s resources for talking to children about autism: https://www.mrsspeechiep.com/shop-all

Andi’s IG account (@mrsspeechiep): https://www.instagram.com/mrsspeechiep/?hl=en

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set 

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook