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

Let’s be honest, back-to-school can feel overwhelming. There’s excitement, sure, but there’s also anxiety—both for kids and for parents and caregivers. For autistic kids, who often thrive on predictability and routine, this transition can feel extra big.

The good news? We can make it easier. There are small, proactive things we can do that help autistic children feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. 

Today, I’m sharing four strategies that I’ve seen work time and time again

Takeaways

• Preparing autistic children for back-to-school with small, proactive steps can reduce anxiety and build confidence.

• A visual countdown calendar and practice runs make new routines feel predictable and easier to manage.

• Reading a social story daily helps children understand what to expect, making the first day feel familiar and safe.

• Personalizing social stories with school photos and teacher pictures increases comfort and understanding.

• Sharing a Child Interest Survey or “All About Me” sheet helps teachers connect quickly and support each child’s unique needs.

• Knowing a child’s favorite toys or interests can ease transitions and spark engagement on day one.

• Comfort items like a small toy, family photo, or fidget tool can provide emotional security throughout the school day.

• Progress, not perfection, is the goal—small, consistent steps create smoother transitions and more positive school experiences.

Links

Free Story Library (Going To School Story): :https://autismlittlelearners.myflodesk.com/xo348maka7

Child Interest Survey: https://autismlittlelearners.myflodesk.com/xq5o4kiwzd

All About Me Forms: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-About-Me-Template-For-Special-Education-11899087

You may also be interested in these supports from Autism Little Learners:

1. Visual Support Starter Set 

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

In this powerful reflection episode, Tara shares one of the most impactful moments of her career—her conversation with Jordyn Zimmerman during the 2025 Preschool Autism Summit. Together, they unpack the importance of presuming competence, providing early AAC access, and creating neurodiversity-affirming learning spaces. Tara also shares emotional ripple stories from participants, illustrating how nearly 50,000 educators and therapists are creating waves of change for autistic children around the world.

Key Takeaways:

1. Presume competence—always. Speech is not the same as intelligence, and we must stop making assumptions based on verbal ability.

2. Non-speaking ≠ non-verbal. The term “non-verbal” implies a lack of language; “non-speaking” affirms that language exists, even without speech.

3. There are no prerequisites for AAC. Children do not need to match, point, or “behave” a certain way before receiving access to communication tools.

4. PECS is not a communication system. It is a requesting system and does not provide full language access.

5. AAC must include access to robust, literacy-based tools. Limiting a child to a core board or basic images restricts their ability to truly communicate.

6. Talking about students in front of them causes real harm. Many non-speaking students hear and understand far more than people assume.

7. Lack of access to communication is traumatic. It can lead to emotional and physical distress—and we have a responsibility to prevent that.

8. Real inclusion means access, not separation. Segregated classrooms limit growth and potential; all students deserve meaningful academic instruction.

9. Educators are making real-time ripples. From texting SLPs during the summit to creating team trainings, attendees are already pushing change.

10. Small shifts create big waves. With over 49,000 participants, the summit’s ripple effect may reach nearly half a million autistic children—and it all starts with choosing compassion over compliance.

Links

Jordyn’s Documentary: https://thisisnotaboutme.film/

Jordyn’s Website: https://www.jordynzimmerman.com/

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 encore episode of The Autism Little Learners Podcast, Tara reconnects with Cari Ebert, a respected speech-language pathologist and passionate advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practices. Together, they revisit a powerful conversation that redefines what play and connection can look like for autistic children.

Cari shares valuable insights into why autistic play is real, meaningful, and should be honored as such. She explains how deep interests can be a gateway to learning, joy, and communication—and how adults can build stronger relationships with children by embracing these passions. The episode also explores the idea of presuming competence and cultivating supportive environments where every child feels seen and valued.

Whether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or listening again, it’s packed with practical ideas and heart-centered strategies to help you support autistic children in ways that truly honor who they are.

Key Takeaways:

• Autistic children experience and express play in unique, valid ways.

• Deep interests are powerful tools for building trust and engagement.

• Connection and respect must come before compliance or correction.

• Play is not a prerequisite for learning—it is learning.

• Presuming competence opens the door to authentic communication.

• Environments that support individuality fuel growth and joy.

• Reflecting on our practices helps us better support each child.

Bio: Cari Ebert, MS, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist in private practice in the Kansas City, Missouri area. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1993 and her master’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1995. Cari is a therapist, consultant, author, product developer, and nationally recognized speaker who gets paid to do what she loves most—TALK! She has an animated personality, and this translates to a high-energy speaking style. Cari has an Autistic son, allowing her to engage audiences both as a professional and as a parent of a neurodivergent child.

Website: www.cariebert.com

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

In this episode, I’m sharing something really exciting with you—a sneak peek into the upcoming Preschool Autism Summit, happening July 14–16, 2025! You’ll get to hear short clips from some of our amazing presenters, and I’ll pop in between each one to give you a little intro and context.

These speakers are bringing so much heart, wisdom, and practical support to the table. Whether you're a special educator, SLP, OT, or a parent, you’re going to walk away from the summit feeling more confident, more supported, and ready to take action.

🎉 And hey—if you’re listening before July 17th, 2025, you still have time to grab your free ticket or upgrade to the All-Access Pass, which gives you access to all 25+ presentations for a full year, plus some amazing bonuses!

Grab your free ticket here: www.preshoolautismsummit.com

Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram to be the first to know about events like the Preschool Autism Summit: http://www.instagram.com/autismlittlelearners

Have an awesome day!

Tara

Hi there, and welcome back to the Autism Little Learners podcast! I’m Tara Phillips, and today I’m joined by speech-language pathologist Alexandria Zachos for an amazing conversation all about Gestalt Language Processing.

We talk about how our understanding of language development has evolved, the real struggles around prompt dependence, and why a child-led approach is so important—especially for Gestalt language processors. Alexandria shares so many helpful insights, including how we can better support these communicators by building authentic connections and honoring all the ways they express themselves.

Whether you’re a therapist, teacher, or parent, this episode is packed with practical strategies to encourage spontaneous language and support meaningful communication. I’m so excited for you to hear this one!

Takeaways

• Gestalt Language Processing is a natural way of developing language.

• Many SLPs are unaware of Gestalt Language Development despite its long history.

• Prompt dependence often stems from traditional teaching strategies.

• Child-led therapy is essential for fostering spontaneous communication.

• Silence can be a powerful tool in therapy sessions.

• Acknowledging all forms of communication builds trust with children.

• Using a child's Gestalt can enhance engagement and communication.

• Therapists should focus on the child's interests to promote language use.

• It's never too late to shift from prompt dependence to child-led approaches.

• Building authentic relationships is key to effective communication.

Bio

Alexandria Zachos is the founder, clinical director, owner, and senior speech-language pathologist with Social Butterfly Inc. and Meaningful Speech® She has been a practicing SLP for 21 years and has worked extensively with gestalt language processors since 2016, utilizing Blanc's Natural Language Acquisition protocol. She educates SLPs, parents, and related professionals through her social media platforms, podcasts, blogs, and her internationally acclaimed courses on http://Meaningfulspeech.com/. When she's not wearing her SLP hat she enjoys reading fiction, walking in the woods and spending time with her husband and daughters around Chicagoland.

Links

• Meaningfulspeech.com for everything!

• https://www.meaningfulspeech.com/free-resources for our free masterclass, free AAC+GLP beginner's guide, our blog, research & resources, podcasts, interviews, and webinars

• http://meaningfulspeech.com/course for our internationally acclaimed original GLP + child-led course (now over 30+ PDH and all USA SLPs need for their 3-year ASHA cycle!)

• http://meaningfulspeechregistry.com/ to find a local SLP who has GLP knowledge and can see your child locally. SLPs are invited to join after taking our course and passing the multiple choice and written exam with 80% or higher (feedback provided!). Must be able to take private clients. Not a list of those who have taken the course!

• http://meaningfulspeech.com/AAC-course for a direct link to our AAC+GLP course. Our instructor, Laura Hayes, is an AAC specialist and will teach you how to modify any AAC system for the GLP. We also have bonus modules showing specific recommendations for most AAC apps/devices currently being sold or offered for free.

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, I had the absolute honor of speaking with Dr. Barry Prizant—renowned speech-language pathologist and author of the best-selling book Uniquely Human. We talked about how the field of autism education is shifting away from compliance-based approaches and moving toward more compassionate, relationship-centered models. 

Dr. Prizant shared powerful insights about emotional regulation, storytelling, and the importance of truly listening to the lived experiences of autistic individuals. We also explored topics like non-speaking communication, the SCERTs model, and how collaboration among educators and families can create lasting change. This conversation left me feeling inspired and hopeful about the future of autism education, and I just know you will feel the same!

Bio

Barry M. Prizant, PhD, CCC-SLP is recognized as among the world’s leading scholars on autism and as an innovator of respectful, person- and family-centered approaches. He is Director of Childhood Communication Services, Adjunct Professor of Communicative Disorders at the University of Rhode Island, and has fifty years of experience as an international consultant and researcher. Barry has published five books, 150 articles/chapters, and is co-author of The SCERTS Model, now being implemented internationally. He was a two-time featured presenter at the UN World Autism Awareness Day, with more than 1000 presentations internationally. Barry’s book Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism (2022) is the best-selling book on autism since 2015, published in 26 languages and ranked by Book Authority as #1 of the “100 best books on autism of all time”. Barry co-hosts a podcast, Uniquely Human: The Podcast, with his friend, Dave Finch, an autistic audio engineer.

Dr. Barry Prizant’s Links:

Website: https://barryprizant.com/

Uniquely Human Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uniquely-human-the-podcast/id1532460901

Uniquely Human Book: https://amzn.to/4e5VWZN

The Scerts Model Books: https://amzn.to/4kFpbF5

DRBI (Developmental Relationship-Based Intervention) Interview: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uniquely-human-the-podcast/id1532460901?i=1000711834231

Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): https://autisticadvocacy.org/

Amy Laurent Ted Talk “Compliance Is Not The Goal”: https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_laurent_compliance_is_not_the_goal_letting_go_of_control_and_rethinking_support_for_autistic_individuals?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

Thinking Person’s Guide To Autism: https://thinkingautismguide.com/

David Finch Website: https://davidjfinch.com/

Ros Blackburn & Sigourney Weaver Interview: https://uniquelyhuman.com/2021/04/23/logically-illogical-an-interview-with-ros-blackburn-with-special-guest-sigourney-weaver/

Takeaways

• Dr. Barry Prizant has a rich background in speech language pathology and autism advocacy.

• His book 'Uniquely Human' emphasizes storytelling and compassionate approaches to autism.

• Connecting with families and understanding their experiences is crucial for professionals.

• Reflective practice is essential for educators to improve their connections with students.

• Changing the narrative around autism is vital for acceptance and understanding.

• Evidence-based practices must consider the lived experiences of autistic individuals.

• Understanding autistic behaviors as human responses can lead to more effective support.

•  Evidence-based practice includes more than just peer-reviewed research.

• Parents' intuitions should be respected in therapeutic settings.

• Behavior analytic approaches often overlook emotional and social development.

• Compliance-based methods can lead to the dehumanization of autistic individuals.

• Building trust is essential for effective communication with children.

• Listening to autistic voices is crucial in shaping educational practices.

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, I sit down with Alex Lamoreaux—a mom of three, including two autistic boys—to talk about her personal and powerful journey with autism. From receiving a late diagnosis herself to navigating complex medical advice, Alex shares how she shifted from fear to confidence in parenting. 

We dive into what it really means to trust your gut as a parent and honor the unique needs of each child. This heartfelt conversation explores the emotional ups and downs of advocating for autistic kids and highlights the power of intuition, self-advocacy, and community. You won't want to miss Alex’s inspiring and relatable story.

Bio

Alex Lamoreaux is a late-diagnosed neurodivergent mom of three young boys and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in addiction recovery and trauma treatment. After two of her sons were diagnosed with autism, she dove into learning—and unlearning—what it really means to support autistic children. Now in the thick of parenting and advocacy, Alex shares practical, real-life insights with honesty and heart, hoping to spark connection and offer support to fellow parents on similar journeys.

Alex’s TikTok Account

https://www.tiktok.com/@alex.lamx?_t=ZT-8xBXQBH46la&_r=1

Takeaways

• Late diagnosis can provide clarity and reduce shame over past differences.

• Parents often feel overwhelmed by the amount of information available.

• Shifting from panic to empowerment is crucial in parenting.

• Each autistic child is unique and requires different interventions.

• There is no one-size-fits-all approach to autism.

• Trusting parental instincts is essential for effective parenting. You do not have to fill your child's day with therapy.

• Trust your gut feelings about your child's needs.

• Parents often know their children best, despite professional opinions.

• Medical professionals may not always have the latest information on autism.

• Advocating for your child can be challenging, but it is essential.

• Bringing a list to meetings can help parents stay focused.

• Cognitive dissonance is common when navigating medical advice.

• Parents should feel empowered to change providers if necessary.

• Finding clarity amidst overwhelming information is crucial for parents.

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

Welcome back to the Autism Little Learners Podcast!

If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of this conversation on autism and water safety yet, be sure to go check that out first—it’s episode #125. In that episode, I sat down with Dayna Harvey, a certified swim instructor who specializes in working with autistic children, and Andy Roszak, an emergency preparedness expert with experience at FEMA and the CDC. Together, we shared eye-opening statistics and essential first steps families can take to begin protecting their children around water.

In this episode—Part 2—we’re diving even deeper. You’ll hear more from Dayna and Andy about why swim lessons alone aren’t enough, how to use visual supports to reinforce water safety, and the critical role of community awareness in preventing drowning.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, or therapist, this conversation is full of actionable strategies and resources to help keep autistic children safe. Let’s get started.

Bio

Andy Roszak, JD, MPA, EMT-Paramedic is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Childhood Preparedness, where he leads efforts to strengthen emergency planning, disaster recovery, and resilience across early childhood and community-based settings. With more than 20 years of experience in public health, emergency management, and health policy, Andrew has worked at the local, state, federal, and nonprofit levels-supporting initiatives that help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises.

Andy is a frequent contributor and subject matter expert for Sesame Street in Communities, where he supports efforts around preparedness, disaster response, and resilience for families and caregivers. A former firefighter, paramedic, and hazardous materials technician, he has also served as a Health Policy Fellow in the U.S. Senate, a senior advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and as a Senior Preparedness Advisor supporting Super Bowl 46 and the Indianapolis 500.

Andy is an award-winning author of the Preparing for the Unexpected book series, and his work has been recognized by organizations including the Red Cross, the City of El Paso, and Sesame Street, where he was named a Sesame Street Hero. His focus is on practical, real-world strategies to help individuals, organizations, and communities be better prepared for whatever challenges may come. Andy is the proud father of two daughters, aged 1 and 4.

Dayna Harvey is a Water Safety and Drowning prevention educator as well as a Swim Lesson Teacher, who specializes in working with children with autism and their parents. She has been teaching swim lessons for the past 35 years and is certified through the Red Cross as well as a program called AutismSwim.

Dayna is on a MISSION to educate and empower parents with information, strategies and hands on tools to help them keep their children safer in and around water because we MUST eradicate childhood drowning. The autism community saw more drownings in 2024 than in any year prior and that has intensified Dayna's commitment to reach more parents with her message and her methods.

Dayna and the Waiting Whale kids, who she created to help engage both parents and children in the education process, have developed the "Where there is water, I will WAIT!" program and The Waiting Whales - Water Safety Kit

Water Safety With Miss Dayna Links:

www.WaterSafetyWithMissDayna.com

www.Facebook.com/WaterSafetyWithMissDayna

www.Instagram.com/WaterSafetyWithMissDayna

Miss Dayna’s Water Safety Kit:

https://watersafetywithmissdayna.com/water-safety-kit

Institute For Childhood Preparedness Links:

https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/

Free Safety-Related Social Stories:

https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/printables

Takeaways

• Water safety is crucial for all children, especially autistic children.

• Visual cues and predictable routines enhance learning for children.

• Creating a waiting area can significantly reduce drowning risks.

• Parents must be fully attentive when children are around water.

• Consistency in teaching water safety is key to success.

• Using a water safety kit can help establish safe practices.

• Children can learn to wait before entering water environments.

• Swim lessons should focus on both water safety and swimming skills.

• Parents should evaluate their home environment for water hazards.

• Empowering parents with knowledge is essential for preventing drownings.

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