The Autism Little Learners Podcast Tara Phillips

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 oth

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/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! 
 

This week’s guest is Destiny Huff and I had the best time talking to her about IEP accommodations and modifications that are neurodiversity-affirming.  I know that we are all trying to write IEP’s that are strengths-based and ND affirming, so you are definitely going to want to carve out the time to listen to this episode! 
We also chat about how we can partner with advocates like Destiny, vs seeing them as an adversary.  There is so much packed into this week’s show, so head over and listen to it TODAY!
Topics Discussed:
Accommodations vs modifications on IEPs
Examples of neurodiversity-affirming IEP accommodations
Challenging behavior and FBA’s vs. accommodations
How to learn more about what a child responds best to at home
Seeing an advocate as a partner vs an adversarial
Bio:
Destiny Huff, MS, LPC, CPCS is a late-diagnosed Autistic-ADHD military spouse, doctoral candidate, and mother of two neurodivergent boys. She runs a private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapist (TF-CBT) in the Mental Health field. She also runs Destiny Huff Consulting and is a Neuroaffirming Special Education Parent Advocate and IEP Coach who helps parents advocate for their neurodivergent learners at the IEP table and provides training on Autism, ADHD, and neuroaffirming practices to organizations.
Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinyhuff_iep_advocate/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086179467473
Website: https://www.destinyhuffconsulting.com/
Click Here For Neuroaffirming Accommodations Freebie 
 
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!

Are you struggling with potty training your autistic child or your students?  Whether you are a parent or a special educator, this episode is going to give you so many ideas to get started.  I’m talking to Molly Johnson, and potty training autistic kids is her jam.  I feel so lucky that I got to talk to her and that I get to share the conversation with you.  Molly is a wealth of knowledge and full of actionable ideas for parents and educators.  Let’s get started!
Molly Johnson is an autism consultant with 10+ years of experience working with autistic children. She transitioned from being an autism teacher in the public school system to consulting with parents from all over the world after seeing a need for parent support.
Molly holds a bachelor’s degree in special education, a master’s degree in educational administration, and a master's degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders. As an autism consultant, she has combined her passion for collaborating with parents and classroom experience to support parents with skill development, like potty training and improving challenging behavior.
Molly's website:https://www.theautismconsultant.us
Molly's Instagram (The Autism Consultant): https://www.instagram.com/theautismconsultant/
Topics Discussed:
Common pitfalls in potty training autistic kids
Collaborating with parents during the potty training process
Modeling and play to introduce the concept of using the toilet.
How to individualize strategies for potty training
Visual schedules and toilet training
Creating a positive and supportive environment for children to learn and succeed in mastering potty training
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!

You guys…I’m so thrilled to introduce you to today’s guest on the Autism Little Learners Podcast!  Her name is Kayla Castro and she specializes in assisting parents of autistic kids plan amazing vacations!  She’s a special needs travel agent and I’ll let you in on a secret….Kayla is sharing so many tips today that blew my mind!  If you are a special educator, you are going to want to share this episode with families asap!  Join Kayla and me inside of episode 72 today!
Kayla Castro is a Certified Autism Travel Professional, a Special Education Educator, but more importantly a fellow Autism mom. Kayla lives in Orlando FL with her husband (veteran), 13 year old son, (ASD) and 9 year old son (neurotypical). Kayla is a dedicated individual with a deep passion for supporting the autism community through her role as a special needs travel agent. Her commitment stems from a desire to create inclusive and accessible travel experiences, ensuring individuals with autism and their families can explore the world comfortably and confidently. Kayla's expertise lies in crafting customized itineraries, considering sensory-friendly locations and accommodations, and providing resources to make travel a positive and enriching experience for the entire family. 
Topics Discussed:
Parents' biggest travel fears with their autistic child
The most difficult part of traveling with an autistic child
The #1 most inclusive vacation destination
How you can make a Disney vacation work
Top tips for flying with an autistic child
Website: specialkindofmagic.com
Instagram: @special.kind.of.magic
Facebook: Kayla Castro Travel Advisor
Other Links You May Be Interested In:
Flying Social Story 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!

When I say that you are in a for a treat today, I mean it!  I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to talk to Abbey Romeo and her mother Christine, both of whom were featured on the Netflix show Love On The Spectrum U.S. 
On this special episode, Abbey shares her journey of growing up autistic, discussing the challenges she has faced and how she has learned to navigate them.
Christine offers her perspective as Abbey’s mother, detailing the support she has provided and the unique experiences they have encountered together. They explore the process of receiving Abbey's diagnosis, emphasizing what strategies have been beneficial and what have not.  After you listen to this episode, you are going to want to head over to YouTube and watch it there too!
Bio: Abbey was diagnosed with autism at 2.5 years old. Now at 25, she’s thriving and was blessed with great therapists and years of supportive services: Speech, occupational therapy, adaptive PE, and many more programs that have helped her get to where she is today.
She has worked so hard to be able to feel like she has a voice. That’s why she chose a logo with a mermaid. 
“In The Little Mermaid when Ariel gets to dry land, she’s no voice. And that’s how I feel. Sometimes I can’t get my words out.” – Abbey
Topics Discussed:
Autism characteristics that Abbey displayed at 2 years old 
What types of services Abbey received during the early childhood years, elementary years, and secondary years
Advice from Christine for parents navigating the journey of having an autistic child
Christine and Abbey discuss the strategies and therapies that helped Abbey over the years
Links:
Website: https://madebyabbey.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hatsbyabbey/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hatsbyabbey?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@AbbeyRomeo
Love On The Spectrum (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/title/81338328
Watch this episode on YouTube on the Autism Little Learners channel.
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!