The NeuroAffirm Podcast
The NeuroAffirm Podcast is hosted by Jessie and Chris, a married couple of speech-language pathologists from California who are raising five boys. Each weekly episode explores neurodiversity-affirming approaches to supporting Autistic children. Topics center on strengthening social-emotional development, self-regulation, and communication in Autistic students. The show is aimed at parents, educators, and therapists looking for practical, respectful strategies.
Episodes
Ep. 125 How to Run Successful Social Groups
Want to learn how to target social goals without promoting masking?
Join Jessie + Chris for a free 90 minute masterclass where they'll share how to work on inferencing, self-advocacy, perspective taking, conversation skills and more!
https://www.neuroaffirm.com/social-skills-masterclass
Ep. 124 Building Rapport Isn’t Enough...How Therapists Become Part of the Intervention
Building rapport is important...but rapport isn’t the end goal. It’s the beginning of the therapeutic relationship.
In this episode, I’m breaking down the difference between rapport and the therapeutic relationship and exploring an idea that can completely shift the way we think about therapy: the therapist is part of the intervention.
We’ll talk about what it actually means for a child t
Ep. 123 Not Seeing Progress in Speech Therapy? Start Here.
Ready to actually start making progress with your autistic clients?
I'm going to show you steps you can take to build regulation, engagement and motivation in a live training on Substack.
Click here to join Substack as a paid subscriber and get access to this training plus my full training archive: https://substack.com/@sensoryslp
Ep. 122 Screen Time Considerations for Autistic Kids
Are screens good or bad for autistic kids? Why are transitions away from the iPad so difficult? And what does the research actually say about screen time and autism?
In this live discussion, pediatric speech-language pathologists Jessie & Chris Wenger explores the complex relationship between screen time, sensory regulation, and autism—without the guilt or fear-based messaging.
We cov
Ep. 121 The Biggest Sensory Mistakes SLPs Make
On this episode, Jessie covers the biggest sensory mistakes SLPs make!
This episode was the Pre-Party for our free training, the Sensory Intensive for SLPs.
While the Sensory Intensive has ended, you can check out our other sensory trainings for SLPs here: Sensory Training for SLPs
Ep. 120 Why Anxiety is So Common in Autism (And What Actually Helps)
Anxiety is incredibly common in autistic people. But what if we're asking the wrong question? Instead of asking, "How do we reduce anxiety?" maybe we should be asking, "What is this anxiety trying to tell us?"
In this episode, we'll explore why anxiety shows up so often alongside autism and why many traditional approaches miss the mark.
You'll learn:
Why anxiety rates are signif
Ep. 119 From Behavior Therapist to NeuroAffirming SLP: Lessons that Shifted My Practice
On this episode, you'll learn:
Why behavior-focused approaches often miss the deeper reason a child is struggling
The questions that helped me move beyond compliance and toward a neuroaffirming perspective
How my experiences as a behavioral therapist influenced the philosophy behind my book
How to begin shifting from behavior management toward connection, regulation, and meaningful e
Ep. 118 My Best Tips for Parent Coaching in Therapy
Fast track your session progress with my Top Tips for Parent Coaching Webinar!
If you want to learn how to:
Get coaching buy-in from families
Implement a simple 5 step parent coaching session structure
Adjust your coaching based on the parent's unique personality
Generate follow through from families
Then click below to grab my Top Tips for Parent Coaching webinar:
https://www.sensorys
Ep. 117 How to Build Real Connection with Autistic Kids
Join me on Substack here! https://substack.com/@sensoryslp
If building therapy around relationship, safety, and connection resonates with you, and you want to go deeper… Join me on Substack as a paid subscriber to get access to my Ready Set Connect Book Club Kit, which includes:
🎧 Ready Set Connect Audiobook - narrated by me so you can listen on the go.
📘 Ready Set Connect Guidebook - a&
Ep. 116 Why Routines Don’t Always Work for Autistic Kids
Check out Jessie's full Sensory Based Routines Training on her Substack: https://sensoryslp.substack.com/p/engaging-the-most-difficult-to-engage?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true
Many SLPs are taught that routines are a cornerstone of language development, especially for younger autistic children. But routines designed for neurotypical children often fall short
Ep. 115 The Biggest Sensory Challenges + Solutions for SLPs
One of the biggest myths in our field is that “sensory” and “speech” live in different lanes. In reality, how a child processes sensory input directly impacts how they attend, regulate, move, and communicate.
On this episode, we'll talk about what sensory-informed speech therapy really looks like in real-world settings, how to support regulation without stepp
Ep. 114 Natural Language Acquisition & Gestalt Language Development with SLP Marge Blanc
In this episode, we're sitting down with Marge Blanc to trace the full history of Gestalt Language Processing and Natural Language Acquisition – from the earliest research, through Marge Blanc’s landmark 2005 case study, to the years of research that shaped the NLA framework used today.
On this episode, you'll learn:
Where Gestalt Language Processing research began – and what the origina
Ep. 113 My Top 3 Activities for Autistic Toddlers & Preschoolers
Ready to join us in the NeuroAffirm Academy & get access to our BRAND NEW NeuroAffirm Library? Click here to learn more: http://neuroaffirmacademy.com/
On this show, I'm sharing my three go-to activities that balance regulation, engagement, and skill-building – plus tips for adapting them so they stay fresh, flexible, and effective for every child.
On this episode, you'll learn:
Ep 112 Why Team Collaboration Breaks Down & How To Fix It This Year
Join us in the NeuroAffirm Academy to get a full training on my exact step-by-step process for training teams! http://neuroaffirmacademy.com/
Team collaboration can feel impossible – especially on teams supporting autistic kids. People often resist change, not because they’re difficult, but because they don’t feel safe, understood, or aligned.
In this show, we break down why collaboratio
Ep. 111 Strategies to Prioritize in the New Year (And What To Let Go Of)
This episode is about resetting your priorities for the new year in a way that’s sustainable, values-driven, and actually realistic, especially for therapists who give a lot of themselves to their work.
Instead of chasing goals, productivity hacks, or “new year, new you” pressure, we’ll focus on how to clarify what truly matters, identify what’s draining your time and energy, and intentio
Ep. 110 The Great GLP Debate Explained: Should We Use the Natural Language Acquisition Framework?
Recently, there has been a surge of conversations and debates surrounding gestalt language processing (GLP) and the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) Framework. Between ASHA presentations, published responses, social media discourse, and growing criticism of NLA, many clinicians are left wondering: “Is GLP valid?”, “Does the research support it?”, and “Am I doing something wrong if I don
Ep. 109 Go From Survival Mode to Learning Mode with a Trauma-Informed Approach
Trauma-informed care isn’t just about avoiding harm – it’s about intentionally creating therapy experiences where autistic kids feel safe, respected, and in control. Because trauma isn’t always a “big event.” It’s often subtle, ongoing, and woven into traditional compliance-based approaches.
On this episode, you'll learn:
What the core principles of trauma-informed therapy are and how to
Ep. 108 Why Trauma-Informed Therapy is a Non-Negotiable for Autistic Kids
Trauma doesn’t always look like abuse - it can be subtle, ongoing, and systemic. And for autistic kids, many “traditional” or compliance-based therapy approaches can actually retraumatize the very children we’re trying to support.
In this episode, we'll break down how familiar methods like suppressing stims, forcing eye contact, withholding AAC, or correcting natural autistic communicatio
Ep. 107 Supporting Attention & Executive Functioning in Autistic Kids ft. Tera Sumpter SLP
On this episode of the NeuroAffirm Show, we'll dive into strategies to strengthen foundational skills that make attention, focus, and daily planning easier, explore practical ways to support kids in staying on track, and share tips for building routines that actually stick.
Joined by Tera Sumpter, an SLP who specializes in executive functioning, this episode will give you actionable
Ep. 106 Supporting Parents Facing Burnout Hosted by Celina Wright SLP Ft. Casey Mouton LMFT
In this episode, we'll dive into strategies to prevent and address parental burnout, explore self-care practices that actually work, and share ways to build a supportive network for families.
Hosted by Celina Wright & Casey Mouton, both clinicians and parents of disabled children, this episode will give you actionable insights you can use right away.
On this episode, you'll learn:
Ho
Ep. 105 Using AI to Build Connections with Your Students [Quick Tip]
In this quick tip show, Chris, aka Speech Dude, will dive into how SLPs can use ChatGPT to save time, generate creative therapy ideas, and support neurodiversity-affirming practices.
Whether you’re curious about AI or looking for practical ways to integrate it into your sessions, this episode is packed with insights and demos you can start using immediately.
Want to learn more about using
Ep. 104 Why We Shouldn't Eliminate Echolalia Hosted by Melanie Weber
Want to learn more about supporting language development in autistic trainings? Catch trainings with Melanie & Jessie inside the NeuroAffirm Therapy Academy: http://neuroaffirmacademy.com/
Today we're talking about how to decode the meaning behind repeated phrases and understand what autistic kids are really trying to say. “What if the words we’ve been trying to quiet are actually th
Ep. 103 Sensory-Based Halloween Activities for Your Speech Groups
Get all of these activities in our NeuroAffirm Academy! https://neuroaffirmacademy.com/
Learn how to design sensory-friendly Halloween sessions that build regulation and language.
Are you overwhelmed trying to plan fun, themed sensory activities?
This week on our live show, we’re diving into sensory-friendly Halloween sessions that actually work.
Join us to learn how to plan ready-to-use
Ep. 102 The Truth About Early Intervention & Autism
To get our "When to Refer" packet, plus tons of trainings, monthly live calls, and an incredible community, join us in the NeuroAffirm Academy: https://neuroaffirmacademy.com/
Did you know that only 15% of autistic preschoolers receive early intervention before age 2?
That number should shock us all. Because the truth is, early intervention changes everything.
Every $1 invested in early
Ep. 101 The Power of Strengths and Advocacy Ft. Autistic Adult Kyle Manske
Want a Strengths Assessment you can use with your clients - the kind of tool that helps families and teachers focus on possibilities instead of limits?
Join the NeuroAffirm Academy to get the brand new Strengths Assessment we just released!
https://www.neuroaffirmacademy.com/
We're so excited to welcome Autistic Adult Kyle Manske to the show!
When Kyle was three, schools and doctors told
Ep. 100 NeuroAffirming Goal Writing Masterclass + 100th Episode Celebration
Do you feel stuck with writing neurodiversity affirming goals that actually work in practice?
Then tune in for this special goal writing masterclass!
On this episode, we're diving into:
✔️ How to align goals with a child’s authentic communication style.
✔️ Why traditional goals often backfire and how to reframe them.
✔️ A powerful framework for writing goals rooted in access and advocacy.
![[Bonus Episode] Neurodiversity Affirming Ways to Prevent Dysregulation - Sensory Mini Course Day 3](https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/podcasts/thumbnails/2147498549/episodes/d1fb5e6-b0e7-6527-f12c-1ee62cbf6be_ff17c292-e96c-49f3-851d-d2fedf0cb75c.png)
[Bonus Episode] Neurodiversity Affirming Ways to Prevent Dysregulation - Sensory Mini Course Day 3
Are you ready to transform your speech sessions with your autistic clients?
On the final day of the Sensory Mini Course for SLPs we're focusing on preventing dysregulation before it starts—in a way that is neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based.
In this episode, we'll explore:
✔️ Proactive strategies that honor a child’s sensory and emotional needs.
✔️ Practical tools to create
![[Bonus Episode] Proactive Sensory Strategies For Your Speech Sessions - Sensory Mini Course Day 2](https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/podcasts/thumbnails/2147498549/episodes/bbce231-cfe5-5d55-0752-a7e21124528_ff17c292-e96c-49f3-851d-d2fedf0cb75c.png)
[Bonus Episode] Proactive Sensory Strategies For Your Speech Sessions - Sensory Mini Course Day 2
Are you ready to transform your speech sessions with your autistic clients?
Day 2 of the Sensory Mini Course for SLPs is all on sensory strategies for your speech sessions.
In this episode, we’re diving into:
✔️ How to use sensory strategies effectively in speech sessions (without turning you into an OT).
✔️ The 2 types of kids who benefit from sensory strategies —those wh
![[Bonus Episode] Supporting Kids With Challenging Behaviors - Sensory Mini Course Day 1](https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/podcasts/thumbnails/2147498549/episodes/3a212f-3deb-2a05-634-a0fc627f453_Making_the_Shift_Podcast_Art_11_.png)
[Bonus Episode] Supporting Kids With Challenging Behaviors - Sensory Mini Course Day 1
Are you ready to transform your speech sessions with your autistic clients?
This special bonus episode kicks off our Sensory Mini Course for SLPs — and it’s all about a topic we get asked about constantly: how to support “challenging” behavior through a neuroaffirming lens.
In this episode, we’ll break down:
✔️ Why kids struggle with regulation using the iceberg analogy—because behavior i
Ep. 99 The Brain Science Behind Communication
Why "Just Use Your Words" Doesn't Work... and What to Do Instead!
Tell me if this sounds familiar...
You’re working with a neurodivergent student, and then suddenly, they shut down.
Their words? Gone.
They can’t communicate, and you’re left thinking, “What happened?!”
Maybe you prompted them to just tell you using their words... but nothing happened.
Sound familiar?
Here’s the reality - d
Ep. 98 Neurodiversity & the Autism Cure Debate
There’s a debate that keeps popping up in autism conversations, often whispered like a secret...
"But what about autistic people who suffer? Shouldn’t they have the option to remove their autistic traits?”
It’s a question rooted in misunderstanding. And it’s time to set the record straight.
On this episode, we're diving into:
✔️ Why the autism “cure” narrative is harmful and how it negati
Ep. 97 Autism, ADHD, or Both? Understanding the Key Differences & Overlaps
Autism vs. ADHD: What’s the Difference?
Is it ADHD? Is it autism? Or both?!
So many parents, educators, and even professionals struggle to tell them apart.
And no wonder - there’s a LOT of overlap! But understanding the key differences is essential for supporting our neurodivergent kids in the best way possible.
On this episode, we're diving into:
✔️ The core traits of ADHD & autism (
Ep. 96 When to Desensitize vs Accommodate Sensory Needs
Are we expecting kids to “tough it out”… when they really need support?
If you’ve ever wondered whether you should help a child adjust to sensory challenges or adjust the environment to support them, you’re not alone.
Sensory overwhelm, meltdowns, and shutdowns aren’t random—they’re a direct response to an environment that isn’t working for a neurodivergent brain.
But how do we actually c
Ep. 95 Why High & Low Functioning Labels Are Harmful
"But they seem so high-functioning…"
That one phrase has left countless Autistic individuals without the support they desperately need.
Meanwhile, those labeled “low-functioning” often have their autonomy dismissed before they even get a chance to show what they’re capable of.
These labels? They don’t help—they harm.
They misrepresent abilities, erase real struggles, and hold back progres
Ep. 94 How to Help Autistic Children with their Emotions
Have you ever wondered why some kids struggle to understand their own emotions?
The answer might be in their interoception—the body’s hidden sense that helps us recognize hunger, thirst, pain, and even emotions.
On this episode of Making the Shift, we’re diving into how interoception affects emotional awareness and expression.
Whether you’re a parent, therapist, or educator, this episode
Ep. 93 Four Powerful Strategies to Support Emotional Regulation
Big emotions can feel overwhelming—for kids and adults.
Here’s the thing: emotional regulation isn’t just about the child—it starts with YOU.
On this episode, we're diving into:
✔️ Why your emotional state impacts theirs—and how regulating yourself first helps kids regulate, too.
✔️ The secret to helping kids feel safe before addressing behavior with simple co-regulation techniques that w
Ep. 92 Eye Contact & Autism: Do's & Don'ts
Join us for the upcoming free live week long event full of neurodiversity affirming strategies for SLPs: https://www.sensoryslp.com/the-speech-shift
On this episode of Making the Shift, we’re tackling something BIG: eye contact.
We’ve all seen goals like:
✔️ Look for three seconds
✔️ Make eye contact 5 times in a 3-minute period
✔️ Display appropriate social skills, like eye contact, dur
Ep. 91 What Are Signs of Autism in Toddlers?
On this week's episode of Making the Shift, we’re talking about common Autistic characteristics—and we’re not calling them red flags!
No doom-and-gloom, no labels—just real, relatable traits we see every day in our clinic. Whether you're a parent or a therapist, this show will help you understand those early signs of autism.
On this episode, we're diving into:
✔️ Communication differences
Ep. 90 Extreme Makeover: Sensory Gym Edition
What if you could create the ultimate sensory gym for your clinic—one that’s fun, functional, and tailored to your space?
On this episode of Making the Shift, we’re taking you behind the scenes of our brand-new sensory gym. You’ll hear all about the process, the tools we used, and the vision that brought it all together!
We're diving into:
✔️ The planning and challenges we face
Ep. 89 My Go-To Strategy for Starting Speech Sessions with a Regulated Child
Want to kick off your speech sessions on the right foot?
On this episode, I’m sharing my go-to strategy for getting your clients regulated in the first few minutes—so the rest of your session can be a total win!
This is the game-changing routine you’ve been waiting for.
We're diving into...
✔ The number one thing I start every session with...
✔ The perfect sensory input to calm “Tigg
Ep. 88 Neurodiversity Affirming Counseling for Autism, ADHD, & PDA with AuDHDer & LCSW Sam Marion
What does it mean to be a neurodiversity affirming social worker?
Social workers are a crucial part of any team supporting neurodivergent individuals. With two primary paths—supporting nonprofits that serve the community or running a clinical practice providing direct care—social work is deeply rooted in social justice, advocating for equity and access for all individuals.
On this episode
Ep. 87 Child-Led Therapy for Gestalt Language Processors
On this episode, we’re diving deep into child-led therapy with none other than Nicole Casey, known as The Child Led SLP on Instagram. Nicole has built a reputation for championing this transformative approach and helping SLPs make the shift to empowering, child-centered practices with their gestalt language processors. Join us for this must-watch conversation and learn how to transform yo
Ep. 86 Speech Therapy Goals That Should Be Canceled
Keep or Cancel: Are These Goals ND Affirming?
This week on our live show, we’re diving into therapy goals for Autistic kids. I'm going to read real therapy goals and decide in real time whether to keep them or cancel them. If you’re ready to level up your goal-writing game and make sure your goals truly support the kids you work with, you won’t want to miss this.
On this episode, we're di
[Quick Tip] Helping Dysregulation Due to Video Games
Today we are talking about what to do when video games are very overstimulating for kids. Do we let them play or not? How do we make it fair for the rest of the family? Here are a few things to consider about planning for video game use, helping in the moment of dysregulation, and setting kids up for success in the future.
Ep. 85 Sensory Classroom Tour
Every week, we're flooded with DMs from SLPs and therapists asking the same thing, “how can I pull off sensory-based sessions if I don’t have a fancy gym?” And here’s the kicker—you don’t need one! Yes, sensory gyms are amazing, but when you know why each tool works, you can get creative and recreate that magic with stuff you already have. So even if you an SLP at a school, you can have s
[Quick Tip] Meaningful Parent Coaching & Collaboration...But With Boundaries
As therapists we give and we give and we give! But as the famous saying goes, you can't pour from an empty cup. Here are some boundaries I have personally put into place over the years, and that we have adopted into our clinic, to help us work meaningfully with parents and other professionals...while also keeping our cups full!
[Quick Tip] TD Snap for Gestalt Language Processors
A few weeks ago I saw my friend Alex Zachos (meaingfulspeech) post a video on how to program TD Snap for gestalt language processors. We use many different programs in our clinic, but we had never actually purchased the monthly subscription for TD Snap! But after that video, I was sold. Here's how we set up our clinic device with TD Snap for our GLPs.
[Quick Tip] Ready Set Connect...A Sneak Peek into My Best Selling Book
Today I am giving you a sneak peek inside my best selling book! To grab the book & the free bonuses that come along with it, go to: https://www.sensoryslp.com/ready-set-connect-book or to leave an Amazon review, go to: https://www.amazon.com/shop/sensory.slp/photo/amzn1.shoppablemedia.v1.2c470e70-8257-4ae7-bf01-47efaaa2851e?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfphoto_34PE2SAV5NEY6Q5PZX1P
[Quick Tip] The Most Effective Way to Get Teams on Board with a NeuroAffirming Approach
Today I'm sharing the two biggest mistakes we make when trying to get others on board with neurodiversity affirming practices...and the ONE strategy I recommend that is extremely effective! To get access to more NeuroAffirming resources for training teams, make sure to join us in the NeuroAffirm Therapy Academy: https://www.sensoryslp.com/neuroaffirm-therapy-academy
[Quick Tip] Getting Started with a Sensory Gym
Getting started with a sensory gym doesn't have to be as hard or expensive as you think. Here are some easy ways I created mine - with options for every budget! We're using Summit Sensory Gym to build out our new gym - and you can find more information about them here: https://www.summitsensory.com/ Find my Amazon storefront with fun toys and tools here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/sensor
[Quick Tip] The Time I Was Asked to be on the Real Housewives...
Phone rings...I pick up...it's one of the producers of the Real Housewives. Yes - true story! Let me tell you what happened here (after the panic subsided...) If you are wanting to specialize in neurodiversity affirming practices, then sensory regulation is one of the core pillars you have to master! Let's knock that pillar out together in just 2 days at our upcoming event, the Inside Out
[Quick Tip] Is it Neurodiversity Affirming to Use the Word "Scripting"?
This episode idea came from a text I received from a colleague who was asking if there was a more affirming word for scripting. The good news is that we can continue to use the word scripting - however, it's not just WHAT we're saying but HOW we're saying it. And sometimes that makes all the difference. Let's talk about it.
[Quick Tip] How to Do Child-Led Therapy When Compliance-Based Approaches Have Been Ingrained in Our Kids
It's not uncommon we meet kids who have compliance-based approaches ingrained into them. They come into our sessions and automatically feel dysregulated because so much of their therapy has felt like "work" in the past...and in many cases, have actually been traumatic for them. How can we help our kids understand that we're not that type of therapist? And they don't have to be on guard wh
[Quick Tip] How I Became the Most Effective SLP for Autistic Kids (& a Special Invitation for You!)
Today we're talking about the core pillars of being the most effective, neurodiversity affirming SLP. There's so much to know...where should we start?! I'm sharing exactly what accelerated my transformation as a therapist, and what propelled the progress in my clients. If you are ready to become the most effective, affirming SLP then we would love to see you at our upcoming event: Inside
[Quick Tip] When Kids Come Off "Rude"
Recently someone ask a question in an online group to help one of her students who was coming off "aggressive" or "rude" because of the way he was talking to others. She wanted to know if it was neurodiversity affirming to help this child use more "positive" language. There are a few ways you can support the child here in ND affirming ways...let's talk about them! P.s. If you want to lear
Ep. 84 Let's Talk About PECS
PECS is often an AAC system that's recommended for Autistic kids. But is it neurodiversity affirming? On this episode of Making the Shift, we talk about what PECS is, how it works, and what we need to consider when determining if it's a good option for AAC.
If you are a therapist in need of training on how to implement AAC in your sessions, we have a special emphasis on using AAC in our l
[Quick Tip] How to Embrace Special Interests & See More Progress
So often, kids are shut down when talking about their special interests. But what if we embraced them instead? Here's a heartwarming story about a 7 year old I worked with and how I embraced his passion, which led to more communication and conversation than I had ever seen from him.
[Quick Tip] The Autistic Perspective that Will Change Your Life
Today I'm sharing one of the most powerful and hardest things you will ever hear - an excerpt from the famous article written by Autistic advocate Jim Sinclair in 1993. This changed my life and I hope it will bring you a new perspective too.
[Quick Tip] Three Tips for Using AAC in Your Sensory-Based Sessions
Using AAC in a sensory-based sessions can feel tough if you're not an octopus...but I will tell you there are ways to make it easy and successful! Today I'm sharing 3 ways you can use AAC in your sessions, even if you have kids who you need to be super hands-on with! To learn more about implementing AAC in your sensory-based sessions, make sure to join us for our LAST free training of the
[Quick Tip] Do All Autistic Kids Need Therapy?
Hot topic here...does an autism diagnosis automatically mean a child needs therapy? Here's my (maybe unique) opinion on the matter P.S. If you are a parent struggling to find neurodiversity affirming care, make sure to check out our brand new NeuroAffirm Directory - we've got incredible providers of all types from all over the world...it's growing every day! P.P.S. If you're a provider an
Ep. 83 How We Started Our Private Practices at 26 Years Old ft. Jena Castro Casbon
A few weeks ago I posted about how I started my private practice right after my CF, and so many of you said HOW? TELL ME YOUR WAYS! And that's exactly what we're doing on this episode.
I've invited my good friend Jena Castro Casbon, known for her Start Your Private Practice Program (for beginners) and Grow Your Private Practice Program (for establish practices looking to grow), and of cou
[Quick Tip] Why Do Autistic Kids Fall Through the Cracks on Speech & Language Screenings?
I had an interesting experience at a recent preschool screening, where had I just followed "the standard screening procedure", I would have missed referring this child for a developmental evaluation. Today I'm walking you through 2 simple ways you can change your screening procedures so that we don't let Autistic kids fall through the cracks. If you want access to the Strengths-Based Auti
[Quick Tip] How to Help Autistic Toddlers Through Tough Times & Big Emotions
How do you help Autistic toddlers when they're having a tough time...for example when you tell them "no"...which results in hitting and scratching?! I saw this question pop up in a large online group & wanted to provide some guidance about how we can help in the moment, as well as what proactive strategies we can use to help our kids maintain a more balanced state of regulation throug
[Quick Tip] My Step-By-Step Process for Preschool Screenings
I have been doing preschool screenings for over 10 years, and in this episode I am sharing with you my exact step-by-step process. Screenings can be overwhelming and intimidating because it is a lot more work than just showing up at a school...in fact most of the work comes before and after. But I have refined my screening process over the year and made it so easy and smooth, so I'm excit
[Quick Tip] AAC Doesn't Hinder Speech & Language Development
Busting one of my favorite myths today! Great news - AAC does not hinder speech and language development...it actually promotes it! This is a great short mini episode to share with anyone who wants to learn more.
Ep. 82 How EVERY Professional Can Support Sensory Regulation
If a child has sensory differences, EVERY person working with that child should be supporting the child's sensory regulation! But how? Each professional has different goals, which means that we might support sensory regulation in our kids for different reasons. And today, we're going to talk about those reasons. We're covering how sensory can be supported by: OTs, PTs, SLPs, feeding thera
[Quick Tip] Saying Goodbye to Functioning Labels & What To Say Instead
Today we're talking about why we should move away from functioning labels and what to say instead. I'm also sharing a powerful concept I learned that changed everything for me.
[Quick Tip] Bringing Up Autism Fail
Recently I posted about how we talked to a family about autism in our clinic and they decided to leave. I got 90% support and 10% ripped to shreds. Today I'm giving you the arguments from each side and telling you about why these conversations NEED to happen online & why they matter.
[Quick Tip] Why Do Kids Plateau in Speech Therapy?
Quick tips coming at you for this first ever mini episode! On this episode we are talking about why kids plateau in their language development & how we can help. If you haven't yet checked out my best selling book, Ready Set Connect, you can grab it at: www.readysetconnectbook.com
Ep. 81 A Game-Changer for Neurodiversity Affirming Providers
I’ve got something BIG to share with you—something that’s about to revolutionize the neurodiversity affirming world!
And it’s finally time to share it with you.
This is going to be an absolute game changer for any neuroaffirming provider who wants to connect with other providers and find your ideal clients.
Introducing...NeuroAffirm. The world’s first searchable directory of vetted ND aff
Ep. 80 Neurodiversity Affirming Social Stories
I get asked a lot if I use social stories in my sessions and if social stories are neurodiversity affirming. And the answer to that is... It depends. Social stories were created by Carol Gray in the 90s and they are a social learning tool developed to help autistic individuals better understand social situations, expectations, and behaviors. But while they were created to be used positive
Ep. 79 Sensory Breaks for the Classroom
One of the biggest questions therapists and teachers have is how to accommodate sensory needs in group settings. Obviously we need to do that. But trying to consider the preferences of every child in the classroom can feel daunting and sometimes near impossible. And I get it. But what if I told you there is actually an easy solution. If we actually take a proactive approach to planning ou
Ep. 78 Designing The Perfect Clinic Space
My clinic, Pediatric Therapy Playhouse, is turning 11 years old!! I seriously can't believe it. One of the biggest lessons I've learned in my 11 years as a clinic owner has been how to make a clinic space that works best for me and my business. I recently moved into a new clinic after being in our previous space for over 5 years. And you may be shocked to hear this, but I actually moved i
Ep. 77: Supporting Autistic Play Development
What does "functional play" really mean? Should we be teaching a child how to play? Is there a right and wrong way to play? These are all questions that come up when talking about Autistic play. I've always said "play = what is fun for the child." But should we be helping kids expand their play skills? What if a child only wants to play alone? We're going to answer these questions and mor
Ep. 76: How We Can Do Better For Autistic Kids
Recently, a parent of a 9-year old Autistic boy shared with me that her son threatened to take his life multiple times. He was so sad that at 9 years old, he did not want to live anymore. And that got me thinking… How is it that we’ve missed the mark that badly when it comes to supporting Autistic children? How is it, that even though there are loads of options for therapy for neurodiverg
Ep. 75: ABA & Neurodiversity Affirming Practices
We need to talk about behavioral therapy... You may not know this but when I was in grad school, I was hired as a 1:1 behavioral support therapist for a little girl in a private school. ABA is a very common intervention that's recommended for Autistic kids. Some from the field say they're shifting to neurodiversity affirming practices. With extreme views on this controversial subject...an
Ep. 74: Are You Actually Neurodiversity Affirming? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions
Are you actually neurodiversity affirming? The term "neurodiversity affirming" has become such a buzzword. Therapists are advertising themselves as "ND Affirming Therapists". And maybe that is you. But are you actually ND Affirming? It’s easy to say that you follow a certain belief system, but to actually walk the walk and utilize that approach is completely different. So on this episode
Ep. 73: The Problem With Social Skills Training
Chris's ND Affirming Activity Book is out NOW! Click below to grab it: https://www.speechdude.com/book
The problem with traditional social skills training is that it focuses on teaching autistic individuals to mimic neurotypical behaviors and suppress their autistic traits. And this comes at a significant cost to the autistic individual's self-esteem. By encouraging masking, or hiding on
Ep. 72: How Do You Transition Autistic Kids?
If you work with kids, you know how hard transitions can be. For some kids, hearing a statement like “In five more minutes, we’re going to line up and go back to class” might not be a big deal. But those of us who work with Autistic children understand that some kids can experience more difficulties transitioning than others. I get asked at least once a week how to handle transitions. So
Ep. 71: When Kids Aren’t Picking Up On AAC
When you’ve introduced AAC…but you feel like there’s no progress…what should you do? Sometimes just getting a device in a child’s hand feels like a major win. But what do you do when you’ve been trying and trying with little success? AAC can be so overwhelming as it is, and when we aren’t seeing progress, it can feel defeating. Is it worth continuing? Or time for something else? This week
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