Welcome to *Permission to Play* — a podcast for parents, teachers, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and paraprofessionals who want to unlock meaningful communication with autistic children and minimally speaking communicators.

In our very first episode, hosts Cherie Somers, Alicia McManaman, and Jordan Wright-Gonzalez share their experiences in schools, clinics, and homes, where so many professionals feel stuck in systems that prioritize compliance over true connection. If you’ve ever felt ineffective, discouraged, or overwhelmed when working with autistic students, you’re not alone.

We’ll explore how playful, creative strategies rooted in connection-first communication can spark progress, reduce frustration, and transform how you reach and teach autistic learners. You’ll discover why play is not wasted time but a powerful, strategic tool that helps unlock joint attention, communication, and learning.

Whether you’re an SLP looking for practical strategies, a special education teacher struggling to meet goals, or a parent searching for hope and support, this episode will inspire you to rethink old rules, trust your instincts, and embrace the joy of playful connection.

You can find us on Instagram @connectspeech to learn more!