You want to help your autistic students or child thrive — but it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. Whether you're wondering how to build connection, teach communication, navigate sensory needs, or support your paras… you're in the right place.
Welcome to The Autism Little Learners Podcast, where compassion meets practical strategy. Host Tara Phillips, a speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience, brings you neurodiversity-affirming insights, step-by-step tips, and real-world examples that help you feel confident, prepared, and inspired to support young autistic children.
This show is relaxed, upbeat, and packed with actionable ideas you can use right away — whether you're a special educator, SLP, general education teacher, paraprofessional, parent, grandparent, or anyone who loves a young autistic child.
Each episode explores topics like:
Teaching communication and AAC in natural, joyful ways
Using visual supports and routines to create predictability
Fostering co-regulation and independence
Understanding sensory needs and reducing stress
Supporting paraprofessionals with clarity and compassion
Building strong, trusting relationships with autistic kids
Tara's approach is rooted in connection over compliance — helping you see each child's strengths, honor their communication style, and create an inclusive environment where everyone can succeed.
Subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast and join the movement toward more compassionate, affirming early childhood education.
Connect with Tara:
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/autismlittlelearners
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/autismlittlelearners
🌐 Website: autismlittlelearners.com
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In this episode, we're talking about something so many of us were taught to do with the best of intentions, but that can quietly work against us: prompting. Because when nearly every interaction becomes a question, a direction, or a cue, communication can actually shrink instead of grow. I'll walk you through what happens when a child learns that communication only ever shows up after an adult prompts them, and how that can lead to waiting, shorter responses, or disengaging altogether. This conv...
In this episode, we're talking about echolalia, what it really is, what it's doing, and why so many autistic children communicate this way. For years, many educators and therapists were taught to reduce echolalia or move children "past it." But research, autistic voices, and deeper understanding of gestalt language processing have helped shift that thinking in important ways. Echolalia is not meaningless repetition. It is communication. Today's conversation explores: what echolalia actually is t...
In this episode, we're talking about something that often gets overlooked in early language development: symbolic sounds and exclamatory words. The "vrooooms," "uh-ohs," "wheees," and "mooos" that many children use before traditional words are not meaningless sounds. They are real communication. This conversation explores why these early sounds matter so much, especially for autistic preschoolers, minimally speaking children, and children just beginning their communication journey. We'll talk ab...
In this episode, we bring everything together and move into the how. After exploring what deep interests are and why forcing engagement backfires, we now look at how to actually incorporate a child's deep interests to support meaningful learning. If you've ever planned a thoughtful activity only to watch a child walk away, this conversation will help you shift how you approach teaching. Instead of trying to pull children into activities that don't feel meaningful to them, we explore how to bring...
In this encore episode, we're revisiting one of the most meaningful conversations from the early days of the podcast — a wide-ranging chat with speech-language pathologist Nicole Casey about gestalt language processing, echolalia, and what it really takes to support autistic communicators. What if the words a child is repeating aren't random? Gestalt language processing (GLP) is a natural way of acquiring language where children begin with whole strings of intonationally-defined language — often...
In this episode, we gently shift how we understand one of the most common challenges in classrooms and therapy spaces: low engagement. When a child walks away, refuses, shuts down, or pushes materials aside, it can feel confusing and frustrating, especially when you're trying to help them learn. But what if disengagement isn't defiance? This episode explores why forcing engagement through prompting, token systems, and increased demands often backfires, especially for autistic children whose nerv...
In this episode, we explore a powerful shift in how we understand one of the most recognizable traits in autistic children: their deep interests. If you've ever watched a child return to the same topic, object, or activity again and again with intense focus, you may have wondered whether it's something to redirect or expand. But what if the interest isn't the problem? This episode walks through why many educators and autistic adults are moving away from the term "special interests" and toward "d...
In this episode, we continue the play series by talking about the gentle bridge from exploratory play into functional play. If a child loves dumping toys, spinning wheels, dropping objects, or lining things up, it can be tempting to rush toward "using the toy the right way." But functional play grows best when it feels safe, connected, and joyful. This episode explores how to support the shift from sensory-driven exploratory play into one-step and early multi-step functional play without turning...
This episode challenges the common perception of exploratory play, like dumping and spinning, as problematic behaviors. It argues that such actions are crucial sensory-driven learning for young children, particularly autistic children, supporting regulation, motor planning, and cause-and-effect understanding. The discussion offers a neuro-affirming perspective, advocating for gentle expansion and safe boundaries instead of premature redirection, highlighting how respecting this foundational stage fosters natural development and calmer environments.
In this episode, we continue the play series with one of the most common questions educators and caregivers ask: How do I help expand play without taking over? It can be tempting to jump in quickly when a child is lining up cars, spinning wheels, dumping toys, or repeating the same action over and over. But meaningful play growth does not come from control. It comes from connection. This episode explores how to gently widen play skills while still honoring autistic play as meaningful, sensory-ri...
In this episode, we begin a brand new series all about play with a foundational idea that challenges many traditional beliefs: Autistic play is real play. Not practice play. Not "pre-play." Not something that needs to be fixed before it counts. For many years, educators and caregivers were taught that certain types of play were more valuable or developmentally appropriate than others. But when we assume that only certain forms of play "count," we risk missing the meaning behind what children are...
Your visual schedule helps students understand the structure of the day. But what helps them understand what's happening inside each activity? In this episode, we explore mini-schedules, a visual support that breaks down the steps within an activity so students can see what they are doing right now, how much there is to do, and when the activity will end. Even when a daily visual schedule is working well, some moments of the day can still feel unpredictable or overwhelming. Mini-schedules provid...
What if the reason a visual schedule "isn't working"… isn't because the child can't use visuals. What if the real issue is that one small piece of the system needs adjusting? In this episode, we walk through the most common reasons visual schedules fall apart in classrooms and therapy spaces. From schedule length to symbol clarity to how the schedule is introduced, small adjustments can make a big difference. Instead of abandoning visual schedules altogether, this episode offers a troubleshootin...
Many visual schedules fail not because children don't respond to visuals, but because the chosen symbols are too abstract and lack meaning. This episode explores the continuum of symbols, from abstract clip art to concrete functional objects, and provides practical guidance on identifying when a symbol isn't connecting. By responsively adjusting symbol selection – potentially moving to real photographs or tangible objects – educators can significantly improve clarity, reduce anxiety, and support smoother transitions for autistic children. The key is prioritizing a symbol's meaning and functionality over its aesthetic appeal.
What if the reason a visual schedule "isn't working" isn't because the child can't handle it — but because we've accidentally made it too big… or too small… or too adult-centered? In this episode, we'll unpack one of the most common questions educators ask: "How long should a visual schedule be?" And the answer isn't about minutes. It's about nervous systems. Together, we explore how schedule length impacts regulation, why longer isn't always better, and how to adjust visual supports in ways tha...
What if AAC feels heavy in your classroom, not because you're doing it wrong — but because you've been carrying pressure that was never meant to be there? In this episode, we reflect on what unfolded during AAC Bootcamp and explore the invisible weight educators, SLPs, and caregivers often carry when supporting AAC users. From second-guessing modeling to worrying about prompt dependency, progress monitoring, and team hesitation, this conversation gently reframes what AAC is actually meant to be....
For years, autistic play has been misunderstood, redirected, or even discouraged. But what if the very things we've been trying to "fix" are actually authentic expressions of joy, regulation, and connection? In this replay of my powerful conversation with nationally recognized pediatric SLP, speaker, and neurodiversity-affirming advocate Cari Ebert, we explore why autistic play is real play — and why honoring it changes everything. Together, we unpack deep interests, regulation-first teaching, e...
This episode delves into supporting autistic children through disrupted routines by prioritizing regulation and emotional safety. It explains why predictability and co-regulation are foundational for learning, communication, and engagement, offering practical strategies for educators and caregivers to reduce cognitive load and address behaviors as communication rather than defiance. The discussion covers visual tools, sensory supports, and the importance of adult regulation.
In this episode, we're talking about what truly changes when AAC is modeled all day—not just during instruction, but during play, routines, transitions, and real-life moments. So often, AAC is treated as something that happens only at the table or during therapy. But when modeling AAC becomes part of the entire day, communication shifts from a task to a relationship. This episode explores how modeling AAC without expectation builds regulation, engagement, trust, and spontaneous communication ove...
In this episode, we're unpacking a common—and harmful—myth in autism and AAC support: the idea that communication must be earned. You'll hear why treating AAC as a reward makes regulation harder, not easier—and how unconditional access to communication supports regulation, trust, and participation, especially during autism meltdowns. This episode reframes AAC as access, not a behavior strategy, and offers practical ways to support communication during real-life moments of distress. In this episo...
In this episode, we're talking about the powerful connection between AAC and dysregulation—and why regulation is access to communication. So often, AAC is treated as a skill kids are expected to use only when they're calm and regulated. But when a child is dysregulated, overwhelmed, or in survival mode, accessing any form of communication—spoken or AAC—is incredibly hard. This episode reframes AAC as an access tool, not a reward, and explores what it really means to support communication during ...
In this special episode, Tara sits down with her friend and collaborator Sarah Habib from The Calm Caterpillar to share some exciting news—you're hearing it here first! Together, they've written a brand-new book, The Mindfulness Guide for Neurodivergent Learners , and this conversation takes you behind the scenes of how it came to life and why it's so needed. This episode is a must-listen for educators, therapists, and parents who want practical, neurodiversity-affirming strategies to support re...
This episode delves into the transformative power of visual schedules for autistic preschoolers. Through a compelling classroom story, it illustrates how these simple tools provide clarity and predictability, drastically reducing anxiety and making transitions smoother. The discussion highlights why visuals are more effective than spoken language, fostering a sense of safety, building independence, and ultimately decreasing challenging behaviors by meeting a child's needs.
Dr. Barry Prizant discusses the vital shift in autism education from compliance-based methods to compassionate, relationship-centered models. He shares insights from his book, "Uniquely Human," emphasizing the power of storytelling and understanding autistic behaviors as meaningful human responses rather than symptoms. The conversation highlights the importance of reflective practice, honoring individual communication, and the evolution of evidence-based practice to include lived experiences and parental intuition. This episode offers hope for a future in autism education rooted in trust, co-regulation, and authentic connection, introducing new initiatives like DRBI.
This episode is back as a replay because the conversation is still incredibly relevant—and the questions around PECS and AAC haven't gone away. In this episode, we take a thoughtful, nuanced look at the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and its role in supporting autistic communication. While PECS has been widely used for decades, growing research, lived experience, and neurodiversity-affirming practice are prompting professionals to ask deeper questions about autonomy, flexibility, a...
Dr. Taylor Day delves into Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), explaining it as a profile within autism characterized by a strong drive for autonomy and nervous system responses to demands. She highlights why conventional behavior-based approaches often fail for children with PDA, advocating instead for flexible, trust-based environments. The episode offers practical insights for parents and educators, focusing on understanding the "why" behind behavior and prioritizing connection to support long-term well-being.
This episode features Autistic SLP Andi Putt, who provides practical, neuro-affirming advice on how to talk to children about autism. She advocates for starting these conversations early to empower autistic children, enhance their self-concept, and improve mental health, using individualized, strengths-based language. The discussion also covers strategies for helping peers understand differences through empathy, avoiding common adult mistakes, and leveraging resources to foster inclusive environments and reduce bullying.
In today's episode of The Autism Little Learners Podcast, I'm diving into one of the most meaningful parts of working with autistic preschoolers: connection. When we lead with compassion, honor sensory needs, and truly celebrate each child's unique way of being, we create the emotional safety that helps them learn, communicate, and thrive. I'm sharing why stepping out of "teacher mode," validating autistic play, and tapping into deep interests are essential for forming authentic relationships. I...
This week, we're bringing you an encore episode featuring Sarah Habib, founder of The Calm Caterpillar — and it's one worth revisiting. Sarah's work has made a powerful impact on classrooms and families across the country, helping children (both neurodivergent and neurotypical) learn to regulate big emotions with simple, practical tools. In our conversation, Sarah shares how her calm corner kits, sensory supports, and breathing tools have transformed daily routines, reduced classroom disruptions...
Welcome back to the Autism Little Learners Podcast! Today, we're talking about something that often gets overlooked when we think about AAC and autism—teaching and honoring protests. So often, AAC is used mostly for requesting items. But communication is about so much more. Autistic children need to know how to use their AAC systems for autism to say no, stop, don't like, all done, or help. In this episode, I'll share why honoring protest is essential, what the difference is between acknowledgin...
