The Autism Little Learners Podcast

Tara Phillips

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

  1. 1D AGO

    #174: What Echolalia Is Really Telling You: A Gestalt Language Processing Conversation with Nicole Casey, SLP (Encore)

    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 lifted from songs, shows, or meaningful moments — instead of starting with single words. These "gestalts" are not literal, but they carry deep meaning. And when we miss that meaning, we miss the child. Nicole walks us through what GLP is, how it differs from analytic language development, and how to recognize it even in non-speaking or minimally speaking children. We also get into something just as important: why connection, relationship, and presuming competence are the foundation that every strategy is built on. Without those, the techniques don't land. With them, even small shifts can transform a child's communication journey. This is a longer, story-rich episode — the kind of conversation where two SLPs who love this work just couldn't stop sharing examples. You'll hear about Toyota Tacomas, Downy Unstoppables, Peter the doll, "we all fall down," and a spin class playlist that included the Delta Airlines theme song. Every story carries a lesson worth holding onto. In This Episode, You'll Learn What gestalt language processing is and how it differs from analytic language development Why GLP is not a diagnosis, just another natural way of acquiring language How to identify gestalt language processors, including those who are non-speaking What echolalia, echopraxia, and "jargon" might really be telling us Why gestalts are non-literal and how to uncover what a child actually means How to use Nicole's free Gestalt Tracker to share insights across a team Why WH-question goals are often a poor fit for early-stage GLPs How presuming competence changes what we see, hear, and teach Why AAC systems weren't designed for GLPs and what that means for us How following a child's deep interests opens the door to language and connection Key Takeaways Echolalia is meaningful communication, not background noise Gestalts carry emotional and experiential context — they are not literal Identifying a GLP starts with tuning in, not testing Children feel safer and communicate more when they feel understood The way the lead adult treats an autistic child sets the tone for the entire classroom Relationship comes first; strategies work because of connection, not in spite of it Asking questions a child already knows the answer to is a real and valid form of connection Following the child's special interest is not a distraction — it's the path Progress isn't always measurable on a SMART goal; look for magic moments Presuming competence is the most important thing we can bring to every interaction Try This Listen for repeated phrases with the same intonation and write them down Ask the parent where a gestalt might have come from — they often know Present language from the child's perspective ("let's play" instead of "do you want to play") Replace "are you okay?" with the language the child actually needs ("that was scary") Use the child's favorite songs, shows, and interests inside your activities Share gestalts and their meanings across the whole team, including paras Record sessions (with permission) so you can catch what you missed Look for "magic moments" of connection as real data, not extra data When we slow down enough to believe that echolalia is meaningful, everything changes — for the child, for the team, and for us. Links: Nicole's Instagram (The Child Led SLP): https://www.instagram.com/thechildledslp/ Website: https://childled.org/ 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!

    1h 27m
  2. You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    1D AGO ·  BONUS

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing HAYDEN PANETTIERE: The Truth Behind the Headlines (Finally Telling Her Story In Her Own Words) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Sometimes the hardest part of healing isn’t what the world did to you, it’s unlearning the version of yourself you became just to survive it. Today, Jay sits down with Hayden Panettiere for a raw and powerful conversation where she shares the truth behind a life the world thought it knew, but never truly understood. What unfolds isn’t just a story about fame, it’s a powerful reckoning with identity, pain, and resilience. From losing the innocence of a normal childhood to carrying the emotional weight of growing up in the spotlight, Hayden shares how early success came with hidden costs, bullying, isolation, and a lifelong struggle to feel like she truly belonged. This conversation goes beyond the headlines and into the heart of a woman who has spent decades learning how to separate who she is from who the world decided she should be. As the conversation deepens, Hayden opens up about the hidden battles that shaped her adulthood, including addiction, postpartum depression, and the weight of living her trauma both privately and in public. She reflects on the surreal experience of playing a character whose struggles mirrored her own, where the line between performance and real life pain began to blur. Together, they unpack the patterns, the pressure to please, and the emotions she never had the space to process that kept her stuck in cycles she couldn’t break. Within it all, a powerful truth emerges: healing isn’t linear, and even in the darkest moments, there’s a quiet strength still fighting to rise. Through grief, loss, and unimaginable challenges, Hayden is learning to reclaim her voice, trust herself again, and step into a new chapter defined not by survival, but by intention. In this episode you'll learn: How to Heal When Your Identity Was Shaped by Others How to Rebuild Self-Trust After Years of Self-Doubt How to Break Free from Toxic and Abusive Cycles How to Cope with Anxiety That Feels Never-Ending How to Navigate Postpartum Depression Without Shame How to Stop Living for Approval and Start Living for Yourself How to Let Go of the Need to Fix Everyone How to Set Boundaries with People You Love How to Keep Going When Life Keeps Breaking You If you see parts of yourself in this story, the doubt, the pain, the patterns you wish you could break, know that you’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not stuck. Healing doesn’t happen all at once, and it doesn’t require perfection. This Is Me: A Reckoning is Hayden’s memoir where she shares a rare and intimate glimpse into her life behind closed doors, opening up about postpartum depression, addiction and recovery, trauma, domestic abuse, and loss. To get a copy, visit: https://www.amazon.com/This-Is-Me-A-Reckoning/dp/B0G7L8QSTK  With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe   Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast  Head to miraclegro.com to check out all of their easy-to-use products and start your growth journey today What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:53 A Childhood Memory That Shaped Your Strength 03:11 Realizing Your Childhood Wasn’t “Normal” 05:03 Feeling Too Much While Trying to Find Where You Belong 08:08 Turning Early Bullying into Inner Strength 12:12 Growing Up Before You Were Ready 14:55 The Moment You Stop Living for Your Family’s Expectations 18:09 Releasing the Need for Everyone’s Approval 22:33 Meeting Your Real Self For the First Time 24:42 Choosing Yourself and Finding Peace 27:07 Finding Strength When You Don’t Feel Safe 31:21 Learning to Rise After Betrayal 35:18 Learning to Trust Yourself Again After Being Let Down 37:04 Staying Steady When Everything Around You Isn’t 39:19 The Cost of Living for Applause 44:21 Letting Yourself Love Again 48:25 Finding Strength Through Anxiety 55:35 The Reality of Postpartum No One Talks About 01:00:27 Losing Everything You Built and Starting Again 01:03:52 The Truth About Postpartum Depression 01:07:41 Letting Go Even When It Hurts 01:14:57 Choosing What’s Best for Your Child 01:17:18 Staying Close Even When You’re Far Apart 01:21:16 Finding the Strength to Leave an Abusive Relationship 01:30:41 Rebuilding Yourself After Trauma 01:35:36 Finding the Courage to Ask for Help 01:37:46 Walking Away and Reclaiming Your Power Episode Resources: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/haydenpanettiere/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. MAY 5

    #173: Why Forcing Engagement Backfires (And What to Do Instead)

    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 nervous systems may already be overwhelmed. We walk through how traditional compliance-based approaches can unintentionally increase dysregulation and reduce trust, even when they are well-intentioned. Instead of focusing on how to get a child to participate, we reframe the question toward understanding what the child is communicating and what support they may need. You'll learn how to recognize disengagement as meaningful information, why regulation must come before learning, and how to shift toward connection-based strategies that actually support engagement over time. In This Episode, You'll Learn • Why disengagement is not defiance, but communication • What low engagement can look like across different children • Why increasing demands often leads to more resistance • How the nervous system responds to pressure (fight, flight, freeze) • What the "compliance trap" looks like in real classrooms • Why token boards and first-then systems can increase stress • The importance of presuming competence in every interaction • How ignoring communication can lead to escalation • Why regulation must come before participation • How deep interests can support meaningful engagement Key Takeaways • Disengagement is information, not a behavior problem • Pressure increases dysregulation, not participation • Fight, flight, and freeze are nervous system responses, not choices • Compliance-based strategies can unintentionally reduce trust • Communication should be honored in all forms • Regulation is a prerequisite for learning, not something to earn • Children would engage if they could, something is getting in the way • Deep interests provide a natural pathway into connection and learning • Small shifts in adult response can change the entire interaction • Connection builds engagement, not control When we stop trying to force engagement, we begin to understand it, and that's where meaningful learning starts. Try This • Pause instead of immediately prompting or redirecting • Ask what the child might be communicating in the moment • Observe signs of dysregulation before increasing demands • Lower the expectation to make the task feel doable • Replace questions with simple comments to reduce pressure • Sit beside the child and focus on connection, not performance • Follow the child's lead during play or interaction • Bring the child's deep interest into the activity instead of withholding it Often the most supportive shift is moving from control to curiosity. When we meet a child where they are, rather than pulling them toward compliance, engagement begins to grow in a way that feels safe, meaningful, and sustainable. Related Resources & Links Autism Little Learners Membership  www.autismlittlelearners.com/pod Child Interest Survey 3 Strategies To Foster Engagement In Autistic Preschoolers Play Based Learning, Engagement and Deep Interests

    19 min

  4. APR 28

    #172: What Are Deep Interests? (And Why the Name Matters)

    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 "deep interests," and why that language shift matters. We explore how deep interests are connected to monotropism, a different style of attention where focus goes deep instead of wide, and how that impacts learning, regulation, and engagement. Instead of viewing these interests as limiting or rigid, we'll reframe them as powerful entry points for connection, communication, and meaningful learning. You'll walk away with a clearer understanding of what deep interests are, why they matter, and how to begin noticing and supporting them in real classroom and therapy settings. In This Episode, You'll Learn • Why many professionals are shifting from "special interests" to "deep interests" • What monotropism is and how it shapes attention and learning • How deep interests support regulation and nervous system stability • Why deep focus is not a deficit, but a different processing style • How interests naturally expand over time when they are respected • The connection between flow states and learning in autistic children • Why removing an interest can disrupt regulation and engagement • How to begin identifying a child's deep interest through observation • The role families play in understanding a child's interests • Why unusual interests still hold meaning and value Key Takeaways • Deep interests are not a behavior to manage, they are a pathway to connection • Monotropic attention allows children to focus deeply rather than broadly • Interests often support regulation, not just engagement • Flow states provide intrinsic motivation without external rewards • Respecting interests supports communication and trust • Interests tend to expand naturally when they are honored • Removing an interest can unintentionally remove a regulation tool • The topic of the interest is less important than the relationship to it • Language shapes perception, and perception shapes support • Joy, focus, and regulation are valid and meaningful outcomes When we shift from redirecting interests to understanding them, we create space for deeper connection, stronger regulation, and more meaningful learning. Try This • Notice what the child returns to again and again • Observe what brings visible joy, calm, or focus • Watch what they choose during unstructured time • Ask families what their child talks about or seeks out at home • Follow the interest during play instead of redirecting away from it • Use the interest as a starting point for interaction and communication • Pause before labeling an interest as "too much" or "fixated" • Replace correction with curiosity in the moment Often the most supportive shift is not changing the child's behavior, but changing how we see it. Deep interests are not something to move children away from. They are often the clearest path into connection, regulation, and learning. Related Resources & Links Autism Little Learners Membership www.autismlittlelearners.com/pod Child Interest Survey

    16 min

  5. APR 21

    #171: From Exploratory to Functional Play (Without Forcing It)

    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 it into a power struggle. Instead of forcing imitation or moving too quickly into adult-led teaching, we'll walk through how to build from what the child already loves by using regulation, connection, and one small expansion at a time. This conversation is especially helpful for educators, therapists, and caregivers supporting autistic children who are ready for the next layer of play but still need the sensory and emotional safety of familiar patterns. In This Episode, You'll Learn • What functional play looks like in practical, classroom-friendly terms • Why cause and effect is often the first bridge out of exploratory play • Why rushing the shift into functional play can create stress and resistance • The simple framework: Regulate → Connect → Expand • How to expand dumping, spinning, and "put in" play patterns • Readiness signs that tell you a child may be ready for one-step play • Why building multiple one-step actions makes pretend play easier later • How to keep functional play playful instead of turning it into drill work • Why goals should guide exposure rather than create performance pressure • How small expansions support long-term sequencing and symbolic play Key Takeaways • Functional play is the next natural layer after exploratory play • Cause-and-effect toys and routines often create the safest bridge • Regulation and connection need to come before expansion • One small variation is more effective than pushing a full new skill • Readiness cues help us know when the stretch is safe • One-step actions become the building blocks for multi-step and pretend play • Joy and emotional safety keep the brain open for learning • Development unfolds in layers and cannot be rushed When we focus on small bridges instead of big leaps, play expands in a way that feels safe and sustainable. Try This • Identify one exploratory play pattern the child already loves • Join the action before offering a new idea • Add one simple cause-and-effect variation • Model one clear one-step action like push, drop, or press • Pause and wait without adding pressure • Track which one-step actions the child enjoys repeating Sometimes the most meaningful progress comes from one tiny bridge built on something the child already trusts. Related Resources & Links Autism Little Learners Membership www.autismlittlelearners.com/pod Play and Learn Functional Play and Autism Play-Based Learning for Autistic Children Honoring Diverse Styles of Play Fine Motor and Sensory Bins Gently Expanding Autistic Play: Tips For Parents and Educators Visual Support Starter Set  Visual Supports Facebook Group Functional play is not about replacing exploratory play. It is about building on the sensory and emotional safety that exploratory play already provides. When we honor the stage and expand gently, new layers of learning unfold naturally.

    8 min

  6. APR 14

    #170: Exploratory Play Is Not a Problem to Fix

    In this episode, we continue the play series with an important reframe for educators, therapists, and caregivers: Exploratory play is not a problem to fix. It is a stage to understand. When a child dumps toys, spins wheels, mouths objects, drops items, or repeats the same action over and over, it can be easy for adults to feel pressure to stop it. But what if the behavior isn't the problem? This episode explores why exploratory play is a foundational stage of development, especially for young autistic children, and how repetitive sensory-driven play often supports regulation, motor planning, focused attention, and early cause-and-effect learning. Instead of rushing children into more "functional" play, we'll walk through how to understand the sensory and developmental purpose behind exploratory play and how to gently shape it into the next stage without removing what already feels safe. This conversation is especially helpful for classrooms and therapy spaces where dumping, dropping, spinning, and repetitive object play can feel chaotic but are actually providing important information to the child's nervous system. In This Episode, You'll Learn • Why exploratory play is a real developmental stage, not a behavior problem • What children are learning when they dump, spin, drop, or mouth objects • Why autistic children may remain in this stage longer • The difference between safe boundaries and eliminating play entirely • Why adult anxiety around "stuck" can lead to premature redirection • How exploratory play naturally becomes functional play through cause and effect • Why repetitive play often supports nervous system regulation • Supportive classroom shifts that make exploratory play feel safer and more intentional • How to expand exploratory play without taking away the joy Key Takeaways • Exploratory play is sensory-driven learning • Repetition helps the nervous system gather information and build predictability • Dumping, spinning, dropping, and mouthing are forms of information gathering • Regulation often needs to come before more complex play can emerge • Boundaries can shape play safely without removing the sensory experience • Cause-and-effect routines create a natural bridge into functional play • Classroom environments feel calmer when exploratory play is planned for • The goal is to respect the stage, not rush past it When we stop trying to "fix" exploratory play, we make space for regulation, connection, and authentic development. Try This • Observe what sensory pattern the child is repeating • Ask what need the repetitive action might be meeting • Create safe dumping, dropping, or spinning spaces in the classroom • Add one small cause-and-effect variation like a ramp, tube, or drop zone • Use boundaries that shape safety without removing the experience • Plan sensory-rich play intentionally into the classroom day Often the most supportive shift is moving from correction to curiosity. Exploratory play is not something children need to be rushed out of. It is a sensory-rich stage that supports regulation, learning, and development. When we respect it as the foundation it is, the next stage of play unfolds much more naturally. Related Resources & Links Autism Little Learners Membership www.autismlittlelearners.com/pod Play and Learn Functional Play and Autism Sensory Play and Autism Play-Based Learning for Autistic Children Honoring Diverse Styles of Play

    9 min

  7. APR 7

    #169: Expanding Play Without Taking It Over

    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-rich, and deeply connected to regulation. Instead of redirecting repetitive or exploratory play too quickly, Tara walks through how to observe first, join gently, and add one small playful variation that keeps the child in the driver's seat. This conversation is especially helpful for educators, therapists, and parents supporting autistic children who are moving from exploratory play into functional and early pretend play. In This Episode, You'll Learn • Why exploratory play is a real and important developmental stage • The difference between expanding play and taking over play • How to use Observe, Wait, Listen before stepping in • Why joining repetitive play builds connection and trust • How to add one small variation without disrupting regulation • Ways to move from dumping and dropping into functional cause-and-effect play • How to layer actions to support more flexible play • Why repetitive play often serves emotional safety and predictability • How pretend play grows naturally from functional play • Why exposure matters more than enforcement Key Takeaways • Exploratory play lays the foundation for communication, regulation, and cognition • Expansion works best when adults observe before stepping in • Joining first communicates safety and respect • One small playful variation is more effective than a full adult-led storyline • Cause-and-effect routines create a natural bridge into functional play • Pretend play develops more easily when earlier stages are honored • Regulation cues help us know when the stretch is too big • The goal is to widen possibilities, not control outcomes When we expand from the child's existing play pattern, we support flexibility without disrupting joy. Try This • Observe the child's current play pattern before adding anything • Join the play by imitating their action first • Add one small variation like a sound effect, pause, or simple cause-and-effect moment • Expand one action into a second step, like car down ramp → crash • Think in layers by expanding toys, actions, and then combinations • Watch regulation cues to decide whether to keep stretching or step back Sometimes one small shift is all it takes to open the door to deeper connection and more flexible play. Related Resources & Links Autism Little Learners Membership www.autismlittlelearners.com/pod Play and Learn Functional Play and Autism Sensory Play and Autism Play-Based Learning for Autistic Children Honoring Diverse Styles of Play Expanding play is not about changing how autistic children play. It is about honoring what already feels safe and joyful, then gently widening what feels possible one small step at a ti

    10 min

  8. MAR 31

    #168: Autistic Play is Real Play

    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 already doing. This episode explores how autistic play often supports regulation, focus, and connection, and why honoring it is the starting point for building relationships and expanding play in meaningful ways. In This Episode, You'll Learn • Why traditional ideas about "correct play" can limit our understanding of autistic children • The qualities that actually define play, including intrinsic motivation and joy • How monotropic focus can support deep engagement and regulation • Why repetitive play, lining up toys, scripting, and sensory exploration can all be meaningful forms of play • How regulation and nervous system needs influence how children play • Why interrupting play too quickly can lead to dysregulation • The difference between correcting play and joining play • Simple ways adults can gently expand play without disrupting it • How visual supports can offer play ideas without creating pressure • Why people games can be powerful when children aren't interested in toys yet Key Takeaways • Play is defined by its qualities, not by how it looks • Autistic play often supports regulation, focus, and sensory organization • Repetition and deep focus are not deficits — they can represent engagement and immersion • When adults dismiss a child's play, they miss opportunities for connection • Joining a child's play builds trust and opens the door for expansion • Expansion should be offered gently rather than demanded • Visual supports can make play possibilities visible without forcing participation • People games create shared joy and connection even without toys When we shift from correcting play to understanding it, we create space for authentic connection. Try This • Observe a child's play without interrupting and look for signs of enjoyment and engagement • Join the play by copying what the child is doing rather than redirecting it • Model one small variation within the play without requiring imitation • Add simple visual invitations that show new possibilities without pressure • Try people games like peekaboo, chase, or movement routines to build connection • Focus on protecting joy rather than controlling how play should look Small moments of curiosity and joining can transform how play unfolds. Related Resources & Links Autism Little Learners Membership www.autismlittlelearners.com/pod Play and Learn Functional Play and Autism Sensory Play and Autism Play Based Learning for Autistic Children Honoring Diverse Styles of Play Autistic play is not something that needs to be corrected before it counts. It is authentic, meaningful play that often supports regulation, connection, and exploration. When adults begin with curiosity instead of correction, play becomes a space where trust, joy, and growth can flourish.

    12 min
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About

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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