The Autism Little Learners Podcast Tara Phillips
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- Education
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How can I help my autistic student or child? Where can I find resources to teach my preschool-age students with autism? My child was given the autism diagnosis…now what? I just started teaching autistic preschool students…where do I start? Do you have any tips for potty training? How do I train my paras?
Whether you are a special educator, speech/language pathologist, general education teacher, paraprofessional, parent, grandparent, or someone who loves a young autistic child, this show is for you!
The Autism Little Learners podcast is relaxed, upbeat, informative, and full of actionable step-by-step tips to help you feel more confident and successful with your students or child.
Host, Tara Phillips, is a speech/language pathologist who can relate to both SLPs and special education teachers because she has run her own communication-based classroom for over 2 decades. She is the creator of the Autism Little Learners Membership and the Visual Schedules Made Easy online course.
Tara addresses all kinds of topics including: autism and visuals, tips for teaching communication skills, self-regulation as a foundation for learning, creating predictable routines, toilet training, challenging behaviors, fostering independence, and building positive relationships and connections with autistic children.
Along with sharing her tips and most successful strategies for students on the autism spectrum, she will invite guest speakers to get different perspectives.
Be sure to tune in and subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast. You can also find Tara on:
FB- https://www.facebook.com/autismlittlelearners/
IG-http://www.instagram.com/autismlittlelearners
Website- www.autismlittlelearners.com
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#67 - The Sensory & Communication Connection With Jessie Ginsburg - Sensory SLP
I had the honor of talking to Jessie Ginsburg, the Sensory SLP and I’m so happy to bring the conversation to you! We talked about the connection between sensory and communication and how the two can create increased engagement and progress for autistic children. We also chatted about Jessie’s brand new book, “Ready, Set, Connect”. Run to get your copy today!
Topics Discussed:
Combining sensory input with communication
Authentic connections with autistic kids
Sensory avoiders and sensory seekers
Seesaw analogy and optimal learning zone
The importance of a proactive approach to regulation
Jessie’s brand new book titled “Ready, Set, Connect” is published!
Jessie Ginsburg is a sensory trained speech-language pathologist, CEO of Pediatric Therapy Playhouse, a top-rated clinic in Los Angeles, and author of Ready Set Connect: A Sensory-Based Approach to Accelerate Connection and Communication in Autistic Children. Through her international publications and talks, and her global Inside Out Sensory Certificate Program, Jessie inspires a new way of thinking about supporting communication development in Autistic children.
Book: www.readysetconnectbook.com
Sensory Course: www.sensoryslp.com
Making the Shift Live Show: www.youtube.com/c/SpeechDudeJessieGinsburg
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!
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Navigating The Autism Diagnosis With Amber Arrington From Autism Savvy
Today I’m talking to Amber Arrington. She’s the mom of 6 and 3 of her children are autistic. She started Autism Savvy to support other parents whose children were recently diagnosed or awaiting a diagnosis. I loved hearing Amber’s story and her insights when it comes to navigating a new autism diagnosis. Whether you are a parent or an educator, this episode is a must listen!
Topics Discussed:
Navigating the autism diagnosis
Talking to parents about autism for the first time
Communication between classroom and home
Amber Arrington is a mother to 6 children, 3 of whom are autistic.
Autism was once a word she feared and has become a word she loves. Now she helps parents navigate an autism diagnosis and the autism landscape as a whole. She educates moms about available services and connects them with appropriate services and professionals.
Amber helps parents become "autism savvy" so they can know the best next steps to take for their child.
The Autism Savvy Summit: While You Wait Edition
Click here to learn more about the summit!
Amber's Book:
Not Atypical Motherhood: The Guide for Navigating a Child's New Autism Diagnosis
Links:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/autismsavvy/
Website: www.autismsavvy.com -
#65 - Picky Eating & Autism: Gentle Approaches With The Autism Dietitian, Brittyn Coleman
Does your autistic child or student have a very limited diet? Maybe they eat 3 or 4 foods and that’s it? Join me today as I talk to Brittyn Coleman, the Autism Dietitian all about selective eaters and how we can best support them at home and in the school setting. You are going to love hearing what led Brittyn on this path to helping parents of neurodivergent children when it comes to nutrition.
Topics Discussed:
Picky eaters vs selective eaters language
What does the term “safe foods” mean
Why you should say “just take a bite”
What is ARFID?
Tips to help selective eaters at home and school
Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, is a distinguished Registered Dietitian and Autism Nutrition Expert, known for her innovative, sensory-friendly feeding approach to nutrition for children on the autism spectrum. As the founder of the Nourishing Autism Collective, and as an autism sibling herself, Brittyn brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her work. She empowers families with her expert guidance, helping children receive essential nutrients for optimal health and development. Her strategies are tailored to the unique dietary needs and sensory preferences of each child.
Brittyn's influence extends beyond her membership site through her active social media presence and her popular podcast, 'Nourishing Autism'. Her educational content on Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms has established her as a leading voice in autism nutrition, providing valuable resources, practical advice, and a supportive community for parents and professionals.
Links:
IG: @autismdietitian
FB: Autism Dietitian
Website: Autism Dietitian
Tik Tok: Autism Dietitian
Nourishing Autism Podcast
Nourishing Autism Collective (Membership)
FREE Food Sensory Profile Workbook
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!
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#64 - Autism Acceptance Month - 5 Things That Have Changed Over 25 Years
As we recognize Autism Acceptance Month, it's essential to explore the journey of understanding and supporting autistic individuals. Today, I’m reflecting on 25 years of working with autistic children and how things have changed over those years. I’ll be chatting about some of the shifts that I’ve made with my vocabulary, thoughts and teaching approaches. By looking back at these areas I hope to help promote a better understanding of autism and encourage acceptance and support for autistic children and adults.
Topics Discussed:
Evolution from Awareness to Acceptance: Symbolism of Puzzle Piece and Infinity Symbol Terminology: Person-First Language vs. Identity-First Language AAC Evolution: From PECS to Core + Fringe Communication and Robust AAC Devices Shifting Approaches in Autism Intervention: Compliance-Based vs. Connection-Based The Double Empathy Problem: Understanding the Reciprocal Nature of Empathy Links:
Mrs. Speechie IEP (Andi Putt, SLP)
Cari Ebert, SLP - The SLP Talkshow Podcast (Episode 52)
The Different Ways We Communicate Children’s Book by Tara Phillips
Identity First vs Person First Language Blog Post
Episode 12 - The Autism Little Learners Podcast - Autism Awareness Month vs Autism Acceptance Month
Rachel Madel - SLP specializing in AAC
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! -
#63 - What Is Interoception? With Laura Petix From The OT Butterfly
Have you heard the term interoception? Today’s guest, Laura Petix, is an occupational therapist and she is sharing tons of information about interoception that is going to blow your mind! Not only do we talk about how it impacts potty training, but we also touch on emotional regulation and eating issues. You won’t regret tuning in to today’s episode!
Topics Discussed:
Interoception definition
Interoception and potty training
Ways we can work on interoception at the preschool level
Sensory diets at home and school
Laura Petix is a neurodiverse-affirming pediatric Occupational Therapist who specializes in sensory processing skills for neurodivergent individuals. While she is no longer in the clinic, she uses her OT skills for all the content she creates for The OT Butterfly website, podcast, and courses for parents to teach them about how sensoy processing skills directly impact learning and behavior. She is a neurodivergent parent to a neurodivergent daughter, which is what allows her to be able to talk about neurodiversity in a way that other parents can actually understand and also resonate with.
You can find more of her work here:
Instagram: @theotbutterfly
Podcast: Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions For Parent
Download Laura’s free one page handout that will help you understand the different sensory profiles and identify which sensory areas your child may need more support in.
www.theotbutterfly.com/sensoryprofiles101
Click here to see Laura’s courses, Sensory Detectives Bootcamp, and guides.
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! -
#62 - Executive Functioning Skills For Autistic Preschoolers
Today we're going to talk about executive functioning for autistic preschoolers. I know a lot of times when we hear executive functioning, we think of older kids. You might think of things like organizing and planning. But we really can start working on executive functioning skills with young children at the three to 5-year-old level. Keep listening and I’ll share the 3 areas that make up executive functioning along with tips on how to support these areas at the early childhood level.
Topics Discussed:
What is executive functioning?
Reasons that executive functioning is important
Skills that make up executive functioning
Examples of activities that support executive functioning at the early childhood level
Links Mentioned In This Episode:
Visual Supports Starter Set
Predictable Routines Blog
Podcast Episode #35 Predictable Routines
Podcast Episode #61 Visual Supports
Visual Schedules
Tasks Galore Book
Visual Art Projects
Stop & Go Song Playlist - YouTube
Checklist Of Communicative Functions And Means
Simple Turn Taking Games
Tera Sumpter, SLP - Executive Functioning
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!
Customer Reviews
So much help
I just stumbled on this podcast a week or so ago. I’m a preschool teacher in a daycare setting and have found myself struggling with what to do with autistic children. I realized I have no idea about autism and I really want be able to be a help to these children and not an unwitting deficit. This podcast has taught me so much already. I hit on the recent podcast and am now going back to the first episode to listen from there. So many great helps and wonderful resources provided! What a blessing! Thank you Tara!! (And Jason for your weird facts but sweet, like your wife’s spirit!) I should add that I have gleaned stuff for all of my students not just those with autism. Well done and thanks again! ~Steph
Amazing for entire preschool team
This has quickly become one of my favorite podcasts, as an SLP who primarily works with 3-5 year olds with autism and other disabilities/needs. This podcast is so helpful not only to me, but to preschool teachers, aides, OTs, PTs, psychologists, and families! Thank you, Tara, for the amazing resources and strategies you share.
Very informative
I have learned a lot from Tara’s podcast! Very useful information.