In this episode of the Autism Little Learners podcast, I talked to Erin Forward, a speech pathologist specializing in trauma-informed feeding. Erin shares her journey and passion for working with neurodivergent children, emphasizing the importance of understanding trauma in feeding therapy. She discusses the principles of trauma-informed care, the nuances of each child's feeding experience, and the significance of building trust and engagement.

The conversation highlights the need for a shift in feeding therapy practices to better support children and their caregivers. Erin discusses the complexities of pediatric feeding disorders, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care and the role of caregivers in creating supportive mealtime environments. She highlights the need for understanding children's cues, the significance of allowing children to feel safe and in control during meals, and the necessity of slowing down to foster a positive feeding experience. The discussion also touches on the educational aspect of feeding and the importance of recognizing individual needs in children, particularly those with trauma or neurodiversity.

Bio

Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP, CLC is a speech-language pathologist and certified lactation counselor. Erin works as an SLP at a private practice She has advanced training in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, early language, AAC, and trauma, specifically for medically complex children. Erin holds an Expert DIR®Floortime Provider Certification and is a TBRI® Trained Practitioner. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor's degree in CSD and Psychology and graduated from the University of South Carolina with her Master's in Speech Pathology. She is the co-host of "First Bite: A Speech Therapy Podcast" with Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, where she shares her experiences and evidenced-based practices from her time working in early intervention/home health, NICU/PICU, GI clinic, and outpatient clinic settings. Erin truly values building relationships and helping a child be their authentic self.

Links

First Bite Podcast:  https://www.speechtherapypd.com/podcast?name=Firstbite

Erin Forward's Website & Course: https://www.erinforwardslp.com

Takeaways

·      Feeding therapy must be individualized for each child.

·      Trauma-informed care includes principles like safety and trust.

·      Children learn about food similarly to how they learn about toys.

·      Building trust with caregivers is essential for feeding success.

·      Children need to feel safe before they can explore new foods.

·      Engagement and communication can lead to feeding progress.

·      Understanding a child's unique cues is vital in therapy.

·      The relationship between therapist and child is key to success.

·      Feeding Matters is crucial for early identification of feeding disorders.

·      Understanding the psychosocial aspects of feeding is essential.

·      Children need to feel safe and in control during mealtime.

·      A dysregulated adult cannot help a dysregulated child.

·      Children should have access to their safe foods without earning them.

·      Caregivers must recognize their own feeding-related trauma.

·      Creating a safe mealtime environment is vital for progress.

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

Transitions are a natural part of any day—whether it’s moving from playtime to circle time, transitioning to lunch, or ending a fun activity to go home. While many children find transitions challenging, they can be particularly difficult for autistic kids. What may seem like a simple shift to others can feel overwhelming, disorienting, and even distressing for autistic kids.

Today I’m going to talk about why transitions are hard for autistic children and provide actionable strategies to support them. By understanding the underlying challenges and implementing thoughtful solutions, we can make transitions smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.

Takeaways

1. Autistic children thrive on routine and consistency.

2. Transitions can create anxiety due to unpredictability.

3. Sensory changes during transitions can be overwhelming.

4. Executive functioning challenges make shifting attention difficult.

5. Emotional attachments to activities can lead to distress during transitions.

6. Monotropism allows for deep learning and creativity.

7. Visual schedules can help children anticipate transitions.

8. Empathy and validation are crucial during difficult transitions.

9. Video modeling is an effective tool for teaching transitions.

10. Building predictable routines can ease transition anxiety.

Links

Video Modeling Guide:  www.autismlittlelearners.com/video

Blog post about video modeling: https://autismlittlelearners.com/autism-video-modeling/

Related podcast episode #15:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autism-little-learners-podcast/id1665404820?i=1000610719012

More information on Monotropism: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/monotropism-and-neurodiversity/id1729259545?i=1000659200713

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 episode of the Autism Little Learners podcast, Tara interviews Cari Ebert, a speech-language pathologist and advocate for neurodiversity-affirming approaches. They discuss the importance of recognizing autistic play as authentic play, the significance of deep interests in children's learning, and the need for meaningful connections between children and adults. Cari emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments that honor children's unique ways of learning and playing, and the necessity of presuming competence in autistic children. The conversation highlights practical strategies for educators and parents to foster engagement and connection with autistic children, ultimately celebrating their joy and individuality.

Takeaways:

1. Autistic children have different ways of learning and playing.

2. Play is a spontaneous activity and should be honored as such.

3. Deep interests can be leveraged to create meaningful connections.

4. Creating a supportive environment is crucial for learning.

5. Presuming competence in autistic children is essential.

6. Connection leads to meaningful communication.

7. Reflecting on practices helps improve outcomes for children.

8. Expanding play schemes can enhance engagement.

9. Individualized approaches are necessary for effective learning.

10. Autistic joy should be celebrated and honored.

Links:

Cari's free handout "Autistic Play Is Authentic Play": https://cariebert.com/freebie

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

Tara shares her journey of founding Autism Little Learners, a platform dedicated to supporting educators and parents of young autistic children. Inspired by personal loss and a professional gap in resources, she creates engaging materials and training to empower those working with autistic children. The conversation highlights the impact of the pandemic on education, the importance of community and collaboration, and the personal motivations that drive her mission.

Takeaways:

1. Autism Little Learners was founded in response to personal loss.

2. There was a significant gap in resources for young autistic children.

3. The pandemic highlighted the need for accessible educational materials.

4. Creating free stories during the pandemic helped many families.

5. Training for educators and parents is essential alongside resources.

6. The Autism Little Learners membership provides community support.

7. Courses developed include Potty Train with Compassion and Visual Schedules Made Easy.

8. Collaboration with other professionals enhances the community's impact.

9. Family support has been crucial in Tara's journey.

10. The mission is to create compassionate classrooms for autistic children.

Links:

Autism Little Learners Membership: www.autismlittlelearners.com/member

Potty Train With Compassion Course: https://autismlittlelearners.lpages.co/potty-train-with-compassion/

Visual Schedules Made Easy Course: https://autismlittlelearners.lpages.co/visual-schedules-made-easy-course/

Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/autism-little-learners

Get on the Preschool Autism Summit Waitlist: https://autismlittlelearners.myflodesk.com/spxk8iqd9s

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

This episode focuses on the significance of predictable routines for autistic preschoolers, emphasizing how they can reduce anxiety, build independence, and strengthen connections. Tara shares practical strategies for implementing these routines in the classroom, including the use of visual schedules and transition objects. The discussion also covers the importance of flexibility within routines, real-life examples of predictable routines, and tips for overcoming common challenges faced by educators and caregivers.

Takeaways

1. Predictable routines help reduce anxiety for autistic children

2. Routines provide a sense of control and empowerment

3. Visual schedules can significantly improve task compliance

4. Transitions are often the most challenging parts of the day

5. Using songs and cues can help signal transitions effectively

6. Building routines into transitions can ease the process

7. Morning and end-of-day routines are crucial for stability

8. Flexibility within routines is important for adapting to changes

9. Involving children in creating routines fosters engagement

10. Routines can transform the classroom environment and children's lives

Links

Visual Supports Starter Set (with the all-done bucket): www.autismlittlelearners.com/visuals

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

Submit a question for the Q&A episodes.  Ask me anything and tune in to see if your question is featured on the show!

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 focuses on strategies for supporting emotional and sensory regulation in young autistic preschoolers. It emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive classroom environment, utilizing sensory tools, and the role of co-regulation with adults. The discussion also highlights the need for tailored interventions and integrating regulation strategies throughout the day, as well as specific approaches for sensory seekers and avoiders. Finally, it addresses the long-term benefits of developing regulation skills in children.

Takeaways:

1. The classroom environment plays a critical role in supporting regulation.

2. Minimizing sensory overload is essential for autistic kids.

3. Calming corners can help children manage sensory input and emotions.

4. Visual supports enhance communication and reduce behavioral challenges.

5. Sensory tools can help children achieve an optimal level of arousal.

6. Co-regulation involves adults modeling calmness to help children.

7. Understanding each child's unique sensory needs is crucial.

8. Integrating regulation strategies throughout the day is important.

9. Heavy work activities can help sensory seekers feel centered.

10. Helping autistic preschoolers develop regulation skills leads to lifelong benefits.

Links:

Calming Kit Visuals

Addressing Sensory Needs for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Classroom - Sage Journals Article

Mindfulness & Regulation With Sarah Habib

Rethinking Hand Over Hand Prompting With Dr. Diamond Rashad

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 episode of the Autism Little Learners podcast, Tara Phillips discusses the importance of setting meaningful intentions for the new year rather than rigid resolutions. She emphasizes the significance of connection, flexibility, and growth as key areas to focus on in 2025. The episode includes a reflective activity to help listeners identify their guiding word, a small action, and an achievable goal for the year ahead, encouraging a gentle and process-oriented approach to personal and professional development.

Free Setting Intentions PDF: www.autismlittlelearners.com/intention

Takeaways:

Setting intentions is about aligning actions with values.

Intentions are more flexible than rigid resolutions.

Connection is foundational in education and caregiving.

Flexibility is essential in adapting to challenges.

Growth can be simple and incremental.

Reflecting on your 'why' can guide your intentions.

Small, consistent actions can lead to meaningful change.

Trusting your instincts is crucial in goal setting.

Engaging with the community enhances support and motivation.

Starting today with small steps can lead to significant progress.

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 Christmas Eve episode of the Autism Little Learners podcast, host Tara Phillips emphasizes the importance of celebrating small wins in our lives, particularly in the context of working with young autistic children. She reflects on how these small moments of progress can lead to significant changes and shares inspiring stories from the Autism Little Learners community. Tara encourages listeners to take time to reflect on their own wins and offers practical tips for maintaining a positive mindset as they head into the new year.

Free Gratitude PDF: www.autismlittlelearners.com/gratitude

Takeaways:

The power of celebrating small wins is often overlooked.

Small acts of care and compassion can lead to big impacts.

Reflecting on positive moments can significantly increase happiness.

It's important to appreciate what has worked, not just what needs improvement.

Sharing success stories reinforces the importance of small victories.

Every choice made in the classroom contributes to making a difference.

Taking time to reflect can shift your mindset positively.

Progress can be a series of small steps, not just big leaps.

Creating a record of growth helps in remembering positive moments.

Community support is vital in celebrating and sharing wins.

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 conversation, TaraPhillips and Amy Zembriski discuss the intricacies of Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) in children, particularly autistic kids. They explore the differences between GLP and analytic language processing, the importance of presuming competence, and the role of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in supporting these children. The discussion emphasizes the need for meaningful communication opportunities, building relationships, and effective collaboration between speech-language pathologists and special education teachers. Amy shares practical strategies for AAC programming and modeling communication without pressure, highlighting the importance of understanding each child's unique needs and preferences.

Takeaways:

1. Gestalt Language Processing involves repeating chunks of language heard.

2. Children using GLP often have rich intonation and delayed echolalia.

3. Presuming competence is crucial for supporting GLPs.

4. AAC access is essential for communication development for many children.

5. There is no one-size-fits-all AAC system for GLPs.

6. Modeling communication should be done without expectation.

7. Creating meaningful opportunities enhances learning.

8. Building safety and trust is foundational in therapy.

9. Effective collaboration between SLPs and educators is vital.

10. Empathy and understanding are key in supporting AAC users.

Bio:

Amy is a certified speech-language pathologist with an extensive background working in a variety of settings, including acute care, skilled nursing facilities, schools, early intervention, and private practice. Additionally, she has had past experience working as an adjunct professor supervising graduate students during their diagnostic clinical practicum. Specializing in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and gestalt language processing, Amy offers expert support for families with autistic children. Her passion lies in educating and empowering families through neurodiversity-affirming practices, fostering an inclusive and progressive approach to speech therapy.

Links: 

Website: https://www.speech-therapy-connections.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyz.theslp/

Free Resources From Amy:

WeaveChat Guide (How to guide with getting started with this free app)

https://speechtherapyconnections.myflodesk.com/weavechataac

The Script Keeper (Supporting GLPs in early stages) https://speechtherapyconnections.myflodesk.com/ub8furzpiv

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