Let Them Lead: The Child-Led Autism Podcast

Nicole Casey
  • 5.0 (64)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Hosted by Nicole Casey, speech-language pathologist and founder of The Child-Led SLP, Let Them Lead is the go-to podcast for professionals and caregivers who want to support autistic kids with respect, trust, and connection. Each week, we explore child-led, neuroaffirming approaches to communication, play, and therapy—centered around the belief that autistic kids deserve communication partners who honor and support them holistically. Whether you're navigating gestalt language processing, AAC, sensory differences, or just want to break free from compliance-based systems, you're in the right place. You'll hear honest conversations, practical strategies, and plenty of real-life examples to help you unlearn old habits and confidently support the kids you love or work with. No behavior charts. No rigid protocols. Just curiosity, compassion, and the freedom to follow your autistic child's lead.

  1. JAN 27

    37. The Slippery Slope Fallacy & How It Shows Up When Supporting Autistic Students

    Grab your ticket to Coaching Week: Unlearning Control HERE!     In this episode, Nicole Casey explores the slippery slope fallacy, particularly in the context of child-led therapy and autism support. She discusses how the fear of losing control can lead to compliance-based approaches that hinder genuine connection and learning. By challenging these misconceptions, Nicole advocates for a more relationship-centered approach that honors children's autonomy while maintaining necessary boundaries. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, she emphasizes the importance of rethinking rules and understanding the true nature of learning and communication. takeaways The slippery slope fallacy is a cognitive distortion that assumes one small step will lead to a complete loss of control. Control is often mistakenly equated with safety in educational settings. Child-led therapy is about building relationships, not about permissiveness. Honoring a child's autonomy does not mean abandoning structure or boundaries. Many rules in educational settings may not serve the child's best interests and should be questioned. The slippery slope fallacy can lead to harmful advice that restricts children's interests. Personal experiences can help illustrate the impact of slippery slope thinking in parenting and education. Boundaries in child-led therapy should be intentional and proactive, not reactive. Rethinking compliance culture is essential for fostering genuine communication and connection. Saying yes to a child's interests can lead to more meaningful learning experiences. keywords: slippery slope fallacy, child-led therapy, compliance culture, boundaries, control, autism support, education, mental health, parenting, communication

    51 min

  2. JAN 20

    36. Is Push-In Therapy Best Practice for Autistic Kids?

    Grab the free Rubric Quickstart here!   In this episode, Nicole Casey delves into the ongoing debate between pull-out and push-in therapy for autistic students in school settings. Drawing from her extensive experience, she discusses the effectiveness of both models, emphasizing the importance of individualized approaches and collaboration with teachers. Nicole shares personal anecdotes that highlight the impact of classroom environments on therapy outcomes and advocates for systemic changes to better support educators and students alike. The conversation encourages professionals to speak up and engage in meaningful discussions to improve therapy practices. Takeaways The debate between pull-out and push-in therapy is ongoing. Individualized approaches are crucial for effective therapy. Collaboration with teachers enhances therapy outcomes. Classroom environment significantly impacts therapy effectiveness. Advocacy is essential for systemic change in education. Research supports both therapy models, but context matters. Therapists should consider the child's needs first. Burnout among teachers affects student support. Effective therapy requires a supportive classroom environment. Therapists must communicate barriers to administration.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Debate 02:56 Exploring Pull-Out vs Push-In Therapy 05:03 Personal Experiences in Therapy Settings 08:35 Research Insights on Therapy Models 11:02 Individualized Approaches in Therapy 12:30 Collaboration with Teachers 13:23 Challenges in Push-In Therapy 14:07 Classroom Dynamics and Their Impact 20:02 Successful Collaborative Experiences 22:56 Understanding Burnout in Educators 27:08 The Effectiveness of Push-In Therapy 30:44 Advocating for Better Support 36:26 Finding Balance in Therapy Models     autism, therapy, education, push-in therapy, pull-out therapy, speech therapy, collaboration, classroom environment, individualized education, advocacy

    38 min

  3. JAN 13

    35. The Use of Control in Autistic Support

    Join the waitlist for my upcoming coaching week: Unlearning Control!   In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the harmful effects of control in supporting autistic children, particularly through the lens of instructional control. She emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships rather than relying on manipulative tactics that prioritize compliance over connection. Through personal anecdotes and critical analysis of common practices, Nicole advocates for a shift towards a child-led approach that fosters trust and autonomy.   Takeaways: The episode addresses the harmful effects of control in autism support. Nicole emphasizes the need for genuine relationships over manipulation. Instructional control is framed as a way to gain compliance from autistic children. Control can lead to a lack of trust and autonomy in children. The concept of pairing is critiqued as a manipulative tactic. Compliance is often prioritized over authentic communication. Real connection does not require control or manipulation. Nicole shares personal experiences to illustrate her points. The episode calls for a shift towards child-led approaches. Mindset is crucial in fostering a supportive environment for autistic children.

    41 min

  4. JAN 6

    34. Better Goal Writing Begins With Our Mindset (It's Not Woo!)

    Grab the FREE Quickstart to Rubric-Goal Writing resource here!   In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses her journey with goal writing, particularly for autistic students. She shares her struggles with traditional goal writing methods and introduces rubric-based goals as a more effective alternative. The discussion emphasizes the importance of mindset shifts in approaching goal writing, the need to question established norms, and the significance of aligning goals with personal and professional values. Nicole encourages educators and therapists to embrace new methods that better serve their students and themselves, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and effective practice. Takeaways Goal writing can be challenging for many professionals. Rubric-based goals provide a clearer framework for writing effective goals. Mindset plays a crucial role in how we perceive our abilities as goal writers. It's important to question traditional methods and seek better alternatives. Communication should be viewed as a personal expression, not just a metric of accuracy. Professionals are often not given the right tools for effective goal writing. Embracing ease in goal writing can lead to better outcomes for students. Collaboration and feedback from peers can enhance goal writing practices. Aligning goals with personal values can reduce burnout and increase job satisfaction. Educators should advocate for individualized approaches to goal writing.   Chapters 00:00 The Struggle with Goal Writing 10:37 Mindset Shifts in Goal Writing 22:16 Questioning the Status Quo 36:55 Aligning Goals with Values     goal writing, rubric goals, autistic students, mindset shifts, education, therapy, communication, child-led approach, professional development, IEPs

    39 min

  5. 12/30/2025

    33. The First 3 Communication Functions I Support With Autistic Students

    In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the challenges faced by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) when supporting autistic students, particularly the difficulty of starting communication support without knowing the child well. She emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to identify key communication functions, such as asking for help, protesting, and directing actions. Nicole advocates for a child-led approach that empowers students to communicate authentically and autonomously, moving beyond traditional methods that may hinder their development. The conversation highlights the significance of rubrics in goal setting and the need for a supportive environment that fosters trust and communication. Takeaways The system has flaws that impact how we support autistic students. It's challenging to write an IEP without knowing the child. A structured approach can simplify the process of supporting communication. Starting with requesting is common but not always the best approach. Protesting is a crucial skill for safety and autonomy. Communication should empower the child, not just be a performance. Directing actions helps children feel powerful in their communication. Child-led approaches foster authentic communication. Rubrics can help target a variety of communication skills. Building a communication ecosystem is essential for growth.   Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Challenges of Supporting Autistic Students 05:18 The Importance of a Systematic Approach 20:07 Identifying Key Communication Functions 23:37 Rethinking Strategies for Asking for Help 28:17 Creating Supportive Environments for Communication 39:37 The Importance of Protesting and Rejecting 46:05 Empowering Children Through Directing Actions 48:28 The Role of Requesting in Communication 56:04 Building a Communication Ecosystem     autism, communication, support, IEP, SLP, rubrics, child-led approach, education, special education, neurodiversity

    59 min

  6. 12/23/2025

    32. Helping the Helpers: What Teams Really Need to Support Autistic Kids Well

    In this episode, Nicole Casey emphasizes the critical importance of collaboration among professionals supporting autistic students. She discusses the need for empathy, trust, and understanding within teams, particularly focusing on the roles of paraprofessionals and support staff. Nicole shares practical strategies for building relationships, advocating for change, and fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being of both students and staff. The conversation highlights the systemic challenges faced by educators and the necessity of a team-centered approach to effectively support autistic students. Takeaways Collaboration is essential for supporting autistic students. Support staff need empathy and understanding from professionals. Building trust within teams enhances collaboration. Generosity and service are key values in education. Human connection is vital for effective teamwork. Practical strategies can improve support for colleagues. Advocating for systemic change benefits everyone in education. Self-care is important for professionals in high-stress environments. Paraprofessionals play a crucial role in student support. Creating a culture of trust leads to better outcomes for students. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Collaboration in Supporting Autistic Students 02:50 Understanding the Role of Support Staff 06:09 Building Trust and Empathy in Teams 08:40 The Impact of Systemic Issues on Support Staff 12:02 The Value of Generosity and Service 14:54 Creating a Supportive Environment for Team Members 17:45 The Need for Human Connection in Professional Relationships 20:44 Practical Strategies for Supporting Colleagues 23:37 Advocating for Team Morale and Culture 26:31 Balancing Self-Care with Team Support 29:51 The Role of Presence and Action in Team Dynamics 32:46 Understanding the Challenges Faced by Support Staff 35:37 The Importance of Listening and Empathy 38:22 Future Directions for Team Support and Collaboration       autism, collaboration, support staff, education, empathy, trust, teamwork, communication, advocacy, self-care

    41 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    31. Eye contact, Quiet Hands, and Calm Body – The Trifecta of Harm

    In this conversation, Nicole Casey challenges traditional notions of attention and connection in learning, particularly for autistic students. She emphasizes the importance of accommodating diverse sensory needs and creating an engaging learning environment that allows students to feel regulated and at ease, thus enhancing their ability to learn and engage. Takeaways We need to rethink how we understand connection and attention. Attention doesn't mean sitting still; it can look different. Accommodating a child's sensory system is crucial for learning. Creating an engaging environment helps students feel regulated. Students are more likely to engage when they feel at ease. We should challenge traditional teaching methods that require stillness. Learning can be more effective when students are allowed to move. Understanding neurodiversity is key to effective teaching. Teachers should think outside the box for engagement strategies. A calm environment is essential for accessing learning. Chapters 00:00 Revisiting Eye Contact and Engagement 01:13 The Holy Trinity of Harm: Eye Contact, Calm Body, Quiet Hands 02:12 Empowering Autistic Students Through Understanding 02:14 Encouraging Growth and Change in Practices     autism, learning, attention, connection, sensory system, education, engagement, teaching strategies, neurodiversity, classroom management

    39 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    30. Building Yes Spaces So Autistic Kids Can Truly Lead

    In this episode of Let Them Lead, Nicole Casey discusses the concept of "yes spaces" in therapy and educational settings, emphasizing their importance for both autistic students and educators. She explains how creating environments where children can explore safely without constant redirection fosters authentic communication and co-regulation. Nicole shares practical tips for setting up yes spaces, highlighting the balance between freedom and safety, and the benefits for both students and educators. Takeaways: Creating yes spaces allows children to explore safely. Yes spaces reduce the need for constant redirection. They foster authentic communication and co-regulation. Yes spaces benefit both students and educators. Balance between freedom and safety is crucial. Yes spaces are not about chaos but thoughtful design. Boundaries are built into the environment, not enforced. Yes spaces make therapy feel lighter and freer. They help educators focus on connection, not crisis management. Yes spaces support nervous system regulation for all. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Yes Spaces 00:03:00 Benefits of Yes Spaces 00:06:00 Creating a Yes Space 00:09:00 Balancing Freedom and Safety 00:12:00 Practical Tips for Yes Spaces 00:15:00 Conclusion and Reflections   yes spaces, child-led therapy, autism, co-regulation, educational environments

    34 min
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5
out of 5
64 Ratings

About

Hosted by Nicole Casey, speech-language pathologist and founder of The Child-Led SLP, Let Them Lead is the go-to podcast for professionals and caregivers who want to support autistic kids with respect, trust, and connection. Each week, we explore child-led, neuroaffirming approaches to communication, play, and therapy—centered around the belief that autistic kids deserve communication partners who honor and support them holistically. Whether you're navigating gestalt language processing, AAC, sensory differences, or just want to break free from compliance-based systems, you're in the right place. You'll hear honest conversations, practical strategies, and plenty of real-life examples to help you unlearn old habits and confidently support the kids you love or work with. No behavior charts. No rigid protocols. Just curiosity, compassion, and the freedom to follow your autistic child's lead.

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