In today’s episode, I’ll be discussing Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) with Dr. Taylor Day. The conversation explores the drive for autonomy in children with PDA, the impact of the fight or flight response, and effective strategies for supporting these children in educational and home settings. Dr. Tay advocates for a nuanced approach to parenting and teaching that respects children's autonomy while maintaining necessary boundaries. Buckle up, because you are going to learn so much today! Bi...
Mar 11, 2025•44 min•Ep 113•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, I talked to Lauren Sharifi about Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), its definition, and subtypes. We also discussed the challenges faced by individuals with ARFID, particularly in educational settings. Lauren shares insights on identifying early signs of ARFID in children, the impact of sensory issues, and strategies for supporting children with ARFID in a way that respects their individual needs and experiences. The discussion emphasizes the importance of valida...
Mar 04, 2025•32 min•Ep 112•Transcript available on Metacast This episode explores the profound impact of stress on autistic children, emphasizing the need for compassionate approaches to behavior management. It highlights the importance of understanding behaviors as forms of communication, the necessity of self-advocacy, and the creation of supportive environments that cater to the unique needs of autistic individuals. The discussion provides practical strategies for educators and caregivers to foster emotional regulation, validate feelings, and promote ...
Feb 25, 2025•19 min•Ep 111•Transcript available on Metacast 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 i...
Feb 18, 2025•50 min•Ep 110•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Feb 11, 2025•21 min•Ep 109•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Feb 04, 2025•58 min•Ep 108•Transcript available on Metacast 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: Autism Little Learn...
Jan 28, 2025•13 min•Ep 107•Transcript available on Metacast 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 educa...
Jan 21, 2025•19 min•Ep 106•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Jan 14, 2025•18 min•Ep 105•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 07, 2025•21 min•Ep 104•Transcript available on Metacast 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 prof...
Dec 31, 2024•9 min•Ep 103•Transcript available on Metacast 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 p...
Dec 24, 2024•9 min•Ep 102•Transcript available on Metacast 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 betw...
Dec 17, 2024•49 min•Ep 101•Transcript available on Metacast In this celebratory 100th episode of the Autism Little Learners podcast, host Tara Phillips reflects on her journey of creating the podcast and the resources for autistic children. Joined by her husband Jason, they discuss the inspiration behind Autism Little Learners, the evolution of the podcast, and the impact it has had on listeners and the community. They share milestones, audience feedback, and future plans, including new projects and the importance of maintaining a personal life amidst th...
Dec 10, 2024•37 min•Ep 100•Transcript available on Metacast Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Christina from Twinning with Autism , an inspiring advocate and mother of three autistic children. Christina shares her family's journey with authenticity, humor, and compassion, offering valuable insights into parenting, advocating, and navigating the world of autism. In this episode, we dive into her experiences raising twins diagnosed at 18 months, her journey as a self-diagnosed autistic adult, and the critical lessons she's learned about fostering acceptance...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr•Ep 99•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we’re diving into such a fun topic: the power of music in language development, especially for children who are Gestalt language processors. My guest, Victoria Matkowski, is a dedicated pediatric speech-language pathologist with several years of experience, and she’s here to share her unique approach to helping young children communicate by tapping into the natural rhythms and melodies they’re drawn to. If you’ve ever wondered why so many autistic kids seem to connect with music or how yo...
Nov 26, 2024•28 min•Ep 98•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we welcome Sarah Habib, founder of The Calm Caterpillar , who shares her journey in creating tools that help children, both neurotypical and neurodivergent, manage big emotions. Sarah’s calm corner kits and sensory aids are transforming classrooms and homes by fostering emotional regulation and reducing disruptions. Hear how she’s making a difference nationwide, including her inspiring work in Uvalde, Texas. Tune in to learn more about building compassionate, neurodiversity-affi...
Nov 19, 2024•31 min•Ep 97•Transcript available on Metacast Is PECS out as an AAC tool for autistic kids? Today, we’re diving into a hot topic in the world of autism and communication: the Picture Exchange Communication System, or PECS. Over the years, PECS has been widely used as a way for autistic children to communicate, but as new research and insights have emerged, there’s been a lot of conversation—some of it controversial—around its effectiveness and limitations. In this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by two speech-language pathologists, Pauli...
Nov 12, 2024•54 min•Ep 96•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode, I’m talking to Clay Hadden. You might know him on Instagram or YouTube as Mister Clay. Clay is a speech/language pathologist and he runs a popular YouTube Channel where he offers several videos that combine music and visuals to work on language skills in a super fun way. Clay also just published his first children’s book. In this interview we chatted about his new book…which I LOVE, as well as using video modeling for young autistic kids. Jump in and listen now! Bio : Clay Ha...
Nov 05, 2024•39 min•Ep 95•Transcript available on Metacast 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 inte...
Oct 29, 2024•48 min•Ep 94•Transcript available on Metacast 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 m...
Oct 22, 2024•46 min•Ep 93•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Oct 15, 2024•59 min•Ep 92•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Oct 08, 2024•49 min•Ep 91•Transcript available on Metacast 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 epi...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep 90•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Sep 24, 2024•16 min•Ep 89•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Sep 17, 2024•14 min•Ep 88•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Sep 10, 2024•14 min•Ep 87•Transcript available on Metacast 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 tru...
Sep 03, 2024•44 min•Ep 86•Transcript available on Metacast 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 proces...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep 85•Transcript available on Metacast 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. ...
Aug 20, 2024•41 min•Ep 84•Transcript available on Metacast 
