Afleveringen

  • Today I’m talking to Laura Hayes. Laura is a speech/language pathologist who specializes in AAC and does a lot of work surrounding AAC for gestalt language processors. You are going to LOVE Laura and everything she shares when it comes to AAC. Be sure to head over and list now!

    Bio: Laura Hayes is a speech-language pathologist with over 15 years of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) experience in both school and medical settings. Laura has presented across state, national, and international conferences. She has been published and supported both inpatient pediatric and educational augmentative and alternative communication research. She currently hosts a podcast for her school district, titled: “Innovative AAC Solutions”. She authored an online course on gestalt language processing and AAC found at www.meaningfulspeech.com, and she has supported thousands of AAC device users in moving towards autonomous communication.

    In this episode, Tara speaks with Laura Hayes, an AAC expert and facilitator in St. Louis, about practical strategies for using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with young autistic children. Laura shares her journey into speech pathology and her inspiration from her sister with complex communication needs. Together, they dive into key topics around AAC, from presuming competence to the importance of modeling language and honoring all forms of communication.

    Topics Covered:

    Laura's Journey and AAC Innovations
    Learn about Laura’s early inspiration and her path into supporting AAC users, leading her to create the AAC Innovations platform to share insights and strategies.

    Common Missteps in AAC
    Laura explains why phrases like "say it on your talker" can hinder rather than help and offers compassionate alternatives to support autonomy in AAC users.

    The Power of Modeling and Autonomous Communication
    Why AAC users benefit from watching adults model language, and how this exposure supports authentic, autonomous communication development.

    Presuming Competence
    Discover the importance of believing in a child’s communication potential from the start, as Laura discusses setting high expectations and the positive impacts this mindset has on AAC users.

    Gestalt Language Processing in AAC
    Laura breaks down Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), explaining how some children learn language in chunks and the adaptations required to support them effectively in AAC.

    Connect with Laura Hayes:
    Follow Laura on Instagram at AAC Innovations for more tips, strategies, and resources. You can also reach her via email at [email protected] for specific questions.

    Resources Mentioned:

    Lily’s Voice – AAC devices for children in need.

    Meaningful Speech – Beginner's Guide to AAC and Gestalt Language Processing w/Laura Hayes: https://www.meaningfulspeech.com/offers/4boeFFJ9/checkout

    IG: @aacinnovations

    The Role Of Perception In AAC: https://praacticalaac.org/praactical/25191/

    Stimming And AAC: https://www.youtube.com/live/RY06z0WzlFk?si=nHzEbNBMybE1VTE-

    Key Takeaways:

    AAC support is ongoing and ever-evolving. Laura’s perspective reminds us that it's okay to learn as we go.

    Language development is unique to each child, and all communication attempts deserve validation.

    Microlearning AAC strategies can build confidence for educators and caregivers over time.

    You may also be interested in these supports:

    Visual Support Starter Set

    Visual Supports Facebook Group

    Autism Little Learners on Instagram

    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!

  • Today I’m talking to Katja Piscitelli, the Boho Speechie. Katja is a speech/language pathologist who specializes in gestalt language processing. She’s giving us so many tips and even some goal ideas! Don’t miss this episode, because Katja is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to supporting GLPs in your classroom, practice, or home!

    Today I’m talking to Katja Piscitelli, the Boho Speechie. Katja is a speech/language pathologist who specializes in gestalt language processing. She’s giving us so many tips and even some goal ideas! Don’t miss this episode, because Katja is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to supporting GLPs in your classroom, practice, or home!

    Bio: Katja Piscitelli is a pediatric speech therapist, owner of Total Spectrum Speech, and global presenter. Katja specializes in supporting gestalt language processors and AAC users and enjoys educating parents and therapists on this topic via social media as Boho Speechie, and on the podcast she co-hosts, the Great Language Partner.

    In this episode, Katja and I talk about:

    What is gestalt language processing

    Stages of Natural Language Acquisition

    Examples of gestalts

    Strategies & practical tips for supporting gestalt language processors

    Importance of connection with autistic kids

    Examples of goals for GLPs

    Links Related To This Week’s Episode:

    Katja’s website: www.bohospeechie.net

    Boho Speechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/bohospeechie/

    Great Language Partner Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-great-language-partner-podcast/id1765331935

    You may also be interested in these supports:

    Visual Support Starter Set

    Visual Supports Facebook Group

    Autism Little Learners on Instagram

    Autism Little Learners on Facebook

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  • October is AAC Awareness Month and I am thrilled to have Angela Moorad, SLP, on the show today. We are going to be talking really specifically about how to use a split screen or a split view with AAC and another app or program, like YouTube or a book. Angela is going to show you step by step and what to do and how you can use these to enhance the communication of your child or students!

    Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP has 35 years of experience in AAC across the lifespan with a primary focus on ages birth to 21 years. She is the founder of OMazing Kids AAC Consulting, has done extensive beta testing and feedback for therapeutic, educational and AAC apps across the iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Chromebook, Windows and Web-Based platforms, is active on social media and in numerous AAC/AT related Facebook groups, and is the author of several in-depth AAC feature matching resources (including info about AAC features to support Gestalt Language Processors) + several other AAC related resources.

    Be sure to watch this episode on YouTube too, so you can see Angela demonstrate how to use a split view on a tablet: https://youtu.be/lFq7R-iBYbA

    In this episode, Angela Moorad and I talk about:

    How to use an AAC app side by side with another app or program

    Using a split view/split screen with an AAC app and YouTube

    Using a split view/split screen with an AAC app and Kindle

    There are no pre-requisites for a robust AAC device

    Links Related To This Week’s Episode:

    The best way to reach Angela is via Facebook messaging over on her OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

    Email at: [email protected]

    You can also connect with her on her blog, social media and TPT:

    Teachers Pay Teachers Store:

    https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

    YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

    Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

    OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

    AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

    GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group:

    https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

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

    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@omazingkidsaac

    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

    Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

    Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

    AppRaven AAC App Collections: https://bit.ly/AAConAppRaven

    Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com / Resource Links page:

    https://omazingkidsllc.com/omazing-kids-aac-resource-links

  • October is AAC Awareness Month, so I thought it was a perfect time to revisit my interview with Rachel Madel! Rachel is a speech/language pathologist and is a leading voice in the realm of Augmentative and Alternative Communication or AAC. In this episode, Rachel and I chat about AAC, modeling without expectation, and multimodal communication. You are going to want to share this episode with all of your colleagues. Let’s jump in!

    In this episode, Rachel Madel and I talk about:

    The definition of AAC

    Modeling without expectation

    Presuming competence

    Why kids don’t have to “prove they are ready” for AAC

    Different types of AAC

    How to get “buy-in” with AAC

    Links Related To This Week’s Episode:

    Rachel’s Free Resource Library

    AAC Ally Course

    Talking With Tech Podcast

    Rachel’s Instagram

    Rachel’s Website

    Rachel’s TikTok

    You may also be interested in these supports:

    Visual Support Starter Set

    Visual Supports Facebook Group

    Autism Little Learners on Instagram

    Autism Little Learners on Facebook

  • Welcome to today’s episode! I’m excited to introduce you to my mentor, Dr. Pamela Wolfberg, a pioneer in the field of autism and play. We dive into what defines true play for all children and why it’s so important to ensure that our autistic kids have the opportunity to play in ways that bring them joy. Dr. Wolfberg shares her insights on creating inclusive play environments that honor each child’s individuality and help them connect with others through authentic play experiences. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

    You will learn about:

    The definition of what true play is!

    Monotropism and autistic play

    Research on autistic play

    Integrated Play Groups

    Examples from Integrated Play Groups

    Dr. Pamela Wolfberg’s Bio:

    Pamela Wolfberg, Ph.D., is a professor emerita who pioneered autism studies at San Francisco State University, while serving on the faculty in special education with the joint doctoral program at the University of California, Berkeley. Her life's work has been dedicated to supporting autistic individuals at the intersection of neurodiversity, peer socialization, play culture, and the arts. Drawing from her experiences as a scholar, educator, play therapist, and ally to the autistic community, she developed the Integrated Play Groups model and founded the Autism Collective for Peer Socialization, Play and Imagination. She leads an international agenda focused on research, training, and global outreach to promote social inclusion, play, and creative expression as essential human rights. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, books, and chapters, with many works translated into multiple languages. Her contributions have earned her numerous prestigious awards for scholarship and community service. In her free time, she and her partner of many years enjoy traveling and walking in nature with their dog, Yoko. She also loves collecting and making art, exploring various mediums such as drawing, painting, weaving, and crafting with textiles, wood, ceramics, and found objects.

    Dr. Pamela Wolfberg’s Website: http://www.wolfberg.com/

    Integrated Play Groups Field Manual (updated version coming in 2025): https://amzn.to/3XOzH2P

    Learners On The Autism Spectrum: https://amzn.to/4dteTUm

    Reimagining Autistic Children’s Independent and Social Play with Peers Journal Article (2023): https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07351690.2023.2185067

    Play & Imagination In Children With Autism: https://www.tcpress.com/play-and-imagination-in-children-with-autism-2nd-edition-9780807749418

    Uniquely Human Podcast (Barry Prizant)’s episode with Dr. Pamela Wolfberg: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uniquely-human-the-podcast/id1532460901?i=1000533302123

    You may also be interested in these supports:

    Visual Support Starter Set

    Visual Supports Facebook Group

    Autism Little Learners on Instagram

    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!

  • Today we’ll be exploring the importance of sensory play for autistic children and how it can help them regulate, explore, and learn. We’ll chat about how sensory differences—whether sensory seeking or sensory defensive—impact play and how we can create sensory bins that meet each child’s unique needs while fostering comfort and engagement. Let’s get started!

    You will learn about:

    Sensory differences in autistic kids

    What sensory play is

    How sensory play can be beneficial

    Ways to use sensory bins to encourage play

    Sensory Bin Ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/Littlebinsforlittlehands/sensory-bins/

    Sensory Bin Materials - Amazon List: https://amzn.to/3zi9mC4

    Jessie Ginsburg’s Book (Ready, Set, Connect): https://amzn.to/3ZCazPc

    Take Out The Toys Booklet: https://amzn.to/3zrTYTI

    Exploratory Play Blog: https://autismlittlelearners.com/exploratory-play/

    You may also be interested in these supports:

    Visual Support Starter Set

    Visual Supports Facebook Group

    Autism Little Learners on Instagram

    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!

  • This week, we are continuing our discussion on honoring autistic play, focusing on how to gently expand it using simple strategies. We’ll talk about how to start with activities the child already loves and introduce new ideas through modeling and imitation. The goal is to help children explore new ways to play while still feeling comfortable and understood. Let’s dive in and explore these techniques together!

    You will learn about:

    Why to gently expand the play of autistic children

    Ways to expand play through modeling

    Using visual supports for play

    Honoring autistic play

    Themed Play Visual Supports: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Autism-Play-Themed-Visual-Supports-For-Special-Education-8414926?st=37dec0cd2be145851805b8d1e34e52e3

    Research Article On Autistic Play: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/aut.2023.0008

    Bath Song On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVYXHMY7wvo

    Exploratory Play Toys - Amazon List: https://amzn.to/4cXs7Z7

    Functional Play Toys - Amazon List: https://amzn.to/3Tki6OI

    You may also be interested in these supports:

    Visual Support Starter Set

    Visual Supports Facebook Group

    Autism Little Learners on Instagram

    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!

  • In this week’s episode, we are talking about the unique ways autistic children play and why it's so important to respect and support their individual styles. Whether they enjoy repetitive actions or prefer playing alone, the ways they play are meaningful and important. We’ll also discuss how we can gently encourage new ways to play while honoring their preferences. You really don’t want to miss today’s episode. I’ll see you inside the show!

    You will learn about:

    Autistic play Definition of play Respecting play differences Expanding play in a gentle way Creating an environment inclusive of all play

    Peer Play And The Autism Spectrum Book: https://amzn.to/3Tdt6NG

    Dr. Pamela Wolfberg: http://www.wolfberg.com/

    Research Article On Autistic Play: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/aut.2023.0008

    You may also be interested in these supports:

    Visual Support Starter Set

    Visual Supports Facebook Group

    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.

    Be sure to subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes. Plus, leave a rating & review on iTunes
.this will help other educators and parents find this podcast!

    CLICK HERE to leave a review on iTunes, then scroll down to “ratings and reviews” and click “write a review”. THANK YOU!

  • I had the honor of talking to Jessie Ginsburg, the Sensory SLP last spring and I’m so thrilled to bring the conversation back to you! We talked about the connection between sensory and communication and how the two can create increased engagement and progress for autistic children.

    We also chatted about Jessie’s book, “Ready, Set, Connect”. If you don’t have your copy yet, grab it today! THIS is the information that you need if you want to start your new school year off with strategies that truly place compassion over compliance.

    Topics Discussed:

    Combining sensory input with communication

    Authentic connections with autistic kids

    Sensory avoiders and sensory seekers

    Seesaw analogy and optimal learning zone

    The importance of a proactive approach to regulation

    Jessie’s book titled “Ready, Set, Connect” is published!

    Jessie Ginsburg is a sensory trained speech-language pathologist, CEO of Pediatric Therapy Playhouse, a top-rated clinic in Los Angeles, and author of Ready Set Connect: A Sensory-Based Approach to Accelerate Connection and Communication in Autistic Children. Through her international publications and talks, and her global Inside Out Sensory Certificate Program, Jessie inspires a new way of thinking about supporting communication development in Autistic children.

    Book: www.readysetconnectbook.com

    Sensory Course: www.sensoryslp.com

    Making the Shift Live Show: www.youtube.com/c/SpeechDudeJessieGinsburg

    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.

    Be sure to subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes. Plus, leave a rating & review on iTunes
.this will help other educators and parents find this podcast!

    CLICK HERE to leave a review on iTunes, then scroll down to “ratings and reviews” and click “write a review”. THANK YOU!

  • Welcome back to our special Back to School series, where we're revisiting some of the most popular and impactful episodes to help you gear up for the new school year. These episodes have resonated with so many educators and parents, and we're excited to share them with you again.

    I'm thrilled to bring back an engaging and super informative conversation with speech/language pathologist Nicole Casey. Nicole's passion for working with autistic children and her deep dive into gestalt language processing make her an amazing guest. In this extra-long episode, we share stories, examples, and insights that will leave you inspired and informed. Nicole's enthusiasm and expertise shine through, and I'm sure you'll love her as much as I do by the end of this episode.

    Topics Discussed:

    What gestalt language processing is and how it differs from analytic language processing

    Key indicators that a child might be a gestalt language processor

    Examples of gestalts

    Free resource to help track a child’s gestalts

    Real life stories about GLPs and how connection makes a huge difference

    Where to start with gestalt language processors and strategies to use

    Bio:

    Nicole Casey is a speech-language pathologist specializing in working with gestalt language processors and AAC users in her pediatric private practice, Connections Speech Pathology. Nicole's approach is as dynamic as it is effective, blending evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of each individual's unique strengths and needs. As a neurodiversity-affirming clinician, Nicole has seen the transformative power of a child-led, play-based approach on her clients and their families. Her goal is to remind all that connection is the key to communication and that all kids have limitless potential when they have communication partners who believe in them.

    Links

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectionsspeechpathology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

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

    Website: https://www.connectionsspeechpathology.com/

    Free Gestalt Language Tracker: https://connectionsspeech.myflodesk.com/summit

    The Great Language Course:

    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.

    Be sure to subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes. Plus, leave a rating & review on iTunes
.this will help other educators and parents find this podcast!

    CLICK HERE to leave a review on iTunes, then scroll down to “ratings and reviews” and click “write a review”. THANK YOU!

  • Welcome back to our special Back to School series, where we're revisiting some of the most popular and impactful episodes to help you gear up for the new school year. These episodes have resonated with so many educators and parents, and we're excited to share them with you again.

    The conversation around hand-over-hand prompting has been gaining traction, with many questioning its impact on bodily autonomy and neurodiversity affirmation. In this episode, I am joined by occupational therapist Dr. Diamond Rashad, who brings valuable insights into this important topic. Her expertise and clear articulation make this episode a must-listen for anyone working with young autistic children. We'll dive into the nuances of physical prompting and explore alternative strategies that honor each child's autonomy.

    Topics Discussed:

    Bodily autonomy and agency

    Hand-over-hand prompting

    Alternatives to hand-over-hand prompting

    Asking for consent

    What to do when kids aren’t initiating

    Links:

    Website: www.adimeinot.com

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/adimeofot

    Freebie (discount code: littlepod) :

    https://drdime.ck.page/products/hand-over-hand-tip-sheet?promo=LITTLEPOD

    Bio:

    Dr. Diamond Rashad (she/her), is a neurodivergent pediatric occupational therapist, disability advocate, and doula who resides in Georgia. She has worked as an occupational therapist for eight years and has experience working from a trauma-informed lens with children, adolescents, and young adults with differences in sensory integration, executive function, feeding & mealtime participation, and supporting Autistic clients and their families. She is the founder of Emira’s Mamas & "A Dime of OT"; she is passionate about supporting birthing parents from pregnancy to postpartum, diversity and inclusion in allied health settings, social-emotional support & co-regulation, and advocacy for culturally responsive, equitable care.

    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.

    Be sure to subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes. Plus, leave a rating & review on iTunes
.this will help other educators and parents find this podcast!

    CLICK HERE to leave a review on iTunes, then scroll down to “ratings and reviews” and click “write a review”. THANK YOU!

  • Welcome back to our special Back to School series, where we're revisiting some of the most popular and impactful episodes to help you gear up for the new school year. These episodes have resonated with so many educators and parents, and we're excited to share them with you again.

    Teaching autistic preschoolers with a strength-based approach can make a world of difference in their learning experience. Instead of focusing on what a child can't do, strength-based learning emphasizes their strengths, passions, and interests. In this episode, we'll compare strength-based learning to the traditional deficit-based approach and highlight the power of positive relationships in the classroom. With real-life examples, I'll provide you with practical strategies to implement a strengths-based approach.

    Topics Discussed:

    Strength-based approach to learning

    Deficits-based approach

    Value of positive relationships

    Examples of strength-based approaches

    Links Mentioned In This Episode:

    Child Interest Survey

    The Strengths Based Guide To Supporting Autistic Children by Claire Hill

    Learn Play Thrive Blog Post

    Strength based approach video

    Tot Tube

    Put in barn on Amazon

    Video of put in barn activity on Instagram

    Related Podcast Episodes To Listen To:

    #58 Play-based learning for preschool autistic children

    #50 3 ways to follow the lead of an autistic child

    #36 Activities for children who dump and throw toys - Tips for expanding exploratory play

    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 likeminded educators and parents who want to take action and implement visuals at home or at school.

    Be sure to subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes. Plus, leave a rating & review on iTunes
.this will help other educators and parents find this podcast! CLICK HERE to leave a review on iTunes, then scroll down to “ratings and reviews” and click “write a review”. THANK YOU!

  • Welcome back to our special Back to School series, where we're revisiting some of the most popular and impactful episodes to help you gear up for the new school year. These episodes have resonated with so many educators and parents, and we're excited to share them with you again. Let's dive into the first one!

    As we head back into the classroom, understanding the developmental stages of play is crucial for supporting our young autistic students. In this episode, we explore the concept of "exploratory play"—a stage where children might dump toys, throw objects, or mouth everything. Instead of seeing these actions as a lack of play skills, we'll discover how they are part of a natural developmental process. Join me as I discuss how "put in" and "take out" activities can guide children in this exploratory stage toward more functional play. Let's get started!

    Topics Discussed:

    Exploratory play

    Put in activities

    Take out activities

    Suggestions for types of activities to use

    Next steps to expand

    Links Mentioned In This Episode About Visual Supports:

    Take Out The Toys Booklet

    Put In & Take Out Toys List On Amazon

    Themed Play Visual Supports

    Podcast Episode About Exploratory Play

    Blog Post About Exploratory Play

    The Hanen Centre

    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 school.

    Be sure to subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes. Plus, leave a rating & review on iTunes
.this will help other educators and parents find this podcast! CLICK HERE to leave a review on iTunes, then scroll down to “ratings and reviews” and click “write a review”. THANK YOU!

  • As we head into August and gear up for the new school year, we thought it would be the perfect time to revisit some of our most popular episodes. These episodes have resonated deeply with our listeners and are packed with valuable insights that will be incredibly helpful during this back-to-school season.

    Today, we're kicking things off with an episode that offers five essential tips to support coregulation and self-regulation with young autistic children. These strategies are designed to create a supportive and nurturing environment, helping our little learners thrive both in and out of the classroom. Let's dive in and refresh our knowledge on these key techniques!

    We hear the term self-regulation all the time. But, we need to remember an important step of co-regulation. This episode will walk you through 5 tips for moving from co-regulation to self-regulation. You can grab the calming kit here.

    In This Episode You Will Learn:

    5 tips for moving from co-regulation to self-regulation

    About what co-regulation is

    About what self-regulation is

    Visual supports that can encourage self-regulation

    Links Mentioned In This Episode About Co-Regulation & Self-Regulation:

    Adapted Book Library

    Visual Support Starter Set

    Visual Supports Facebook Group

    Autism Little Learners on Instagram

    Autism Little Learners on Facebook

    Adapted Books Blog

    5 Fidget Toys For Self Regulation Blog

    Co-Regulation And Autism Blog

    Children’s Book List For Self-Relation

    DIY Calming Tent

    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.

    Be sure to subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes. Plus, leave a rating & review on iTunes
.this will help other educators and parents find this podcast!

    CLICK HERE to leave a review on iTunes, then scroll down to “ratings and reviews” and click “write a review”. THANK YOU!

  • Welcome to another episode of the Autism Little Learners podcast! Our membership community is filled with passionate educators, therapists, and parents all dedicated to creating compassionate and engaging environments for young autistic learners.

    Today, I’m excited to introduce you to two extraordinary members of our community who are making a tremendous impact in their own unique ways. Joining me are special education teacher and parent Laura Wing and special education teacher Jordan Daddow. Laura and Jordan consistently go above and beyond to support others in our membership community, and I'm delighted to share their stories with you today.

    In this episode, we’ll explore their journeys, discuss the challenges they’ve faced, celebrate their successes, and delve into the strategies that have truly made a difference in the lives of the children they support. Whether you’re an educator, therapist, or parent, you'll find inspiration and practical insights from their experiences.

    Topics Discussed:

    The members discuss their experiences with the Autism Little Learners Membership

    Links:

    Autism Little Learners Membership Information & Waitlist: https://autismlittlelearners.lpages.co/autism-little-learners-membership/

    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.

    Be sure to subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes. Plus, leave a rating & review on iTunes
.this will help other educators and parents find this podcast!

    CLICK HERE to leave a review on iTunes, then scroll down to “ratings and reviews” and click “write a review”. THANK YOU!

  • As many of you know, our Autism Little Learners membership is a supportive community of educators, therapists, and parents dedicated to fostering compassionate, approaches and engaging environments for our young autistic learners.

    Today, I'm thrilled to introduce two incredible members of our community who have been making a significant impact in their own unique ways. I’m talking to special education teacher Jona Lourenco, and parent and childcare provider Lily Hamilton. These two always go above and beyond supporting others in our membership community and I’m so happy to share them with you today

    In today's episode, we'll be diving into their journeys, discussing the challenges they've faced, the successes they've celebrated, and the strategies that have made a real difference in the lives of the children they support. Whether you're an educator, therapist, or parent, you'll find inspiration and practical insights from their stories.

    Topics Discussed:

    The members discuss their experiences with the Autism Little Learners Membership

    Links:

    Autism Little Learners Membership Information & Waitlist: https://autismlittlelearners.lpages.co/autism-little-learners-membership/

    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.

    Be sure to subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes. Plus, leave a rating & review on iTunes
.this will help other educators and parents find this podcast!

    CLICK HERE to leave a review on iTunes, then scroll down to “ratings and reviews” and click “write a review”. THANK YOU!

  • Today I’m talking to Stefanie from Lilly’s Voice. Stefanie started this non-profit because after jumping through hoops to get her daughter, who is autistic and non-speaking, an AAC device, she decided to support other parents trying to do the same. She now provides AAC devices AND TRAINING for families who have been denied by insurance or can’t afford the outrageous out-of-pocket costs of acquiring an AAC device. I’m partnering with Lilly’s Voice during the Preschool Autism Summit and a portion of the proceeds will go to Lilly’s Voice and directly fund AAC devices for kids ages 2-18 who need them. I’m so honored to introduce Stefanie
 from Lilly’s Voice.

    Topics Discussed:

    AAC devices and accessibility

    Training for parents on AAC devices

    How to apply for an AAC device

    Lilly’s Voice non-profit

    Links:

    Lilly’s Voice: https://www.lillysvoice.org/

    Click here to get your free ticket to the Preschool Autism Summit

    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.

    Be sure to subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes. Plus, leave a rating & review on iTunes
.this will help other educators and parents find this podcast!

    CLICK HERE to leave a review on iTunes, then scroll down to “ratings and reviews” and click “write a review”. THANK YOU!

  • Have you grabbed your free ticket to the Preschool Autism Summit yet? In today’s episode, I’m going to share all things summit with you. How it came to be, when it’s taking place, who is speaking at the summit, and what they will be talking about. Plus, I’ll tell you how to snag your free ticket today! I’ll see you inside the show!

    Topics Discussed:

    Preschool Autism Summit

    How it came to be

    Who is speaking at the summit

    What the topics are

    How to get your ticket to the Preschool Autism Summit

    Links:

    Click here to get your free ticket to the Preschool Autism Summit

    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.

    Be sure to subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes. Plus, leave a rating & review on iTunes
.this will help other educators and parents find this podcast!

    CLICK HERE to leave a review on iTunes, then scroll down to “ratings and reviews” and click “write a review”. THANK YOU!

  • I have to say that this episode was such a pleasure to record. I was lucky enough to meet a young woman named Lindsay and chat with her and her mom. You see, Lindsey is autistic and struggled with things like communication and social interaction as she grew up.

    She endured bullying and isolation. She is a testimant to perservernce. In one word, she’s amazing. I can’t wait to share her story and tell you what she is doing now, as a 30-year-old autistic woman. You are definitely going to want to listen right away.

    Topics Discussed:

    Autistic child and adult lived experience

    Reflections from the mom of an autistic woman

    Autism and bullying

    Autism and employment

    Lindsey's bio:

    I was diagnosed with autism at 28 months. I was non-verbal and had severe tantrums. My family was given very little hope of me having a bright future. When I was 17 years old, I got the opportunity to see a presentation given by Temple Grandin, an activist and person living with autism. After she was done speaking, I went up to her and said, "I have autism, too." She replied,"Great. Now what are your strengths and goals? Do that."

    There was a point in high school when I would come home and just do art naturally, and the more I drew, the more I wanted to create. I am the proud Illustrator for Koda The Fluff. I'm inspired by so many passions in life and when I think of something, I just want to draw it. Like the movie Titanic, the character Betty Boop, or my favorite artist of all time, Frida Kahlo, whose portrait I draw over and over again. Despite growing up with autism, I am fortunate to have strong support from my family and the inspiration that Temple gave me to do more with my life.

    As my mom would say, "There were a lot of ups and downs," so it inspired us to tell our family story in a book I co-wrote with my aunt Linda Wagner, Autism: A Family Lives Beyond the Label. Each of us contributed our own perspective in hopes it will support other families. We also have a Little Lindsey series of biographical children's books. Little Lindsey Gets a Haircut, Little Lindsey is a Picky Eater, Little Lindsey Makes a Friend, and Little Lindsey Goes to Therapy, a Sibling Story.

    My second language is Spanish. I was so happy to be hired by Target to support them as one of their Spanish-speaking team members. The experience at Target has been good for me. I've found everyone to be very inclusive and they work with me on anything I need.

    I'm glad to say I'm a proud University of WI-River Falls Associate of Arts and Sciences graduate. I've had many opportunities to present and share my story of autism with interested audiences, and have met and interacted with so many different people. Three years ago, I bought a house with my sister Brittany.

    These, and all the experiences I have along the way, provide me with the inspiration to continue to live up to my strengths and goals.

    Links:

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

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

    Website: https://autismlm.com/

    Purchase Lindsey’s Book(s): https://autismlm.com/autismlm-store/ols/categories/book

    Koda The Fluff: https://www.kodathefluff.com

    Video of Lindsey’s work at Target: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lmx1j707qyq468shs63u0/Lindsey-at-Target-FINAL.m4v?rlkey=v0qyyvueuzqehp8j6e5pw1sm6&e=2&st=4a1znbh5&dl=0

    Lindsey’s family story: https://autismlm.com/autismlm-store/ols/products/autism-a-family-lives-beyond-the-label-the-lindsey-moreland-story

    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.

    Be sure to subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes. Plus, leave a rating & review on iTunes
.this will help other educators and parents find this podcast!

    CLICK HERE to leave a review on iTunes, then scroll down to “ratings and reviews” and click “write a review”. THANK YOU!

  • Nicole Casey is a speech/language pathologist who, like me, has a passion for working with autistic kids. In recent years she has taken a deep dive into learning more about gestalt language processing. The thing about Nicole is that she doesn’t hold back and her love for what she does shines through.

    During this podcast interview, we started sharing stories and examples with each other and the next thing we knew it was an hour and 20 minutes later!! So, this podcast episode is extra long
but in all the best ways. You are going to love Nicole as much as I do after listening today. Let’s jump in!

    Topics Discussed:

    What gestalt language processing is and how it differs from analytic language processing

    Key indicators that a child might be a gestalt language processor

    Examples of gestalts

    Free resource to help track a child’s gestalts

    Real life stories about GLPs and how connection makes a huge difference

    Where to start with gestalt language processors and strategies to use

    Nicole's Bio:

    Nicole Casey is a speech-language pathologist specializing in working with gestalt language processors and AAC users in her pediatric private practice, Connections Speech Pathology. Nicole's approach is as dynamic as it is effective, blending evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of each individual's unique strengths and needs. As a neurodiversity-affirming clinician, Nicole has seen the transformative power of a child-led, play-based approach on her clients and their families. Her goal is to remind all that connection is the key to communication and that all kids have limitless potential when they have communication partners who believe in them.

    Links:

    Nicole's Instagram (Connections Speech Pathology: https://www.instagram.com/connectionsspeechpathology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

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

    Website: https://www.connectionsspeechpathology.com/

    Free Gestalt Language Tracker: https://connectionsspeech.myflodesk.com/gestaltmeaningtracker

    The Great Language Course: https://connectionsspeech.myflodesk.com/

    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.

    Be sure to subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes. Plus, leave a rating & review on iTunes
.this will help other educators and parents find this podcast!