Let Them Lead: The Child-Led Autism Podcast

Latest Episodes:

10. Child-Led Therapy is NOT Passive: How to Plan for Our Sessions May 27, 2025

Show notes

Join The Child-Led Collective as a Founding Member for only $20/mo:

In this conversation, Nicole Casey explores the intricacies of child-led therapy, emphasizing the importance of planning, active engagement, and the adult's role in creating a supportive environment. She clarifies misconceptions about child-led approaches being passive and highlights the need for intentionality and presence in therapy sessions. The discussion also covers practical strategies for preparing for sessions, including self-regulation and setting intentions, ultimately underscoring the significance of connection in therapeutic interactions.

Takeaways:

Planning in child-led therapy focuses on presence and intention.
Child-led does not mean passive; it requires active engagement.
The adult's role is crucial in guiding child-led sessions.
Creating a supportive environment is key to successful therapy.
Self-preparation is essential for effective therapy sessions.
Setting intentions helps guide the therapeutic process.
Balancing speaking and pausing enhances communication.
Connection is foundational for effective therapy.
Child-led therapy is about honoring the child's process, not just outcomes.

This podcast is reviewed by our team member, Meghann Beaton, who is an autistic adult. Meghann provides feedback and recommended edits priort to releasing our episodes to help ensure our content remains aligned with neuroaffirming principles and lived experience. We are deeply grateful for her insights, which continue to shape this space into one that centers safety, connection, and authentic communication.

[EXCLUSIVE] Shape the Future of Child-Led Therapy as a Founding Member! May 26, 2025

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MEMBERSHIP

In this episode, Nicole Casey introduces the Child-Led Collective, a new membership aimed at providing support and resources for child-led professionals. She invites YOU to join as a founding member, for a limited time only, at the lowest price it will ever be ($20/month, no long term contract required). She emphasizes the importance of community, practical tools, and strategies to help members navigate the challenges of the upcoming school year with confidence and clarity. The membership offers unique features such as a custom GPT for personalized support, live Q&A sessions, and a collaborative environment for sharing ideas and resources. Takeaways:

May can feel chaotic and overwhelming for many.
The Child-Led Collective aims to provide support during this transitional time.
Membership offers practical tools and strategies for professionals.
Community engagement is a key component of the membership.
Founding members will help shape the resources provided.
The membership is designed to be user-friendly and accessible.
Members will have access to a custom GPT for personalized advice.
Live Q&A sessions will provide real-time support and insights.
The membership is priced affordably at $20 a month for founding members.
Joining now allows for preparation before the busy school year begins.

9. Relationship Based Boundaries in a Child-Led Approach May 20, 2025

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www.childled.org

In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the importance of establishing boundaries within child-led therapy. She explains how locking the toy closet in her clinic serves as a safety measure rather than a restriction, emphasizing that structure and safety can enhance a child's autonomy. The conversation explores the balance between child-led practices and necessary boundaries, highlighting that boundaries are essential for creating a safe and predictable environment for children. Nicole encourages listeners to reflect on their own practices and consider how boundaries can support both the child's needs and the therapist's well-being.

Takeaways:

Locking the toy closet is for safety, not restriction.
Structure and safety enhance a child's autonomy.
Child-led therapy requires establishing boundaries.
Boundaries serve the relationship, not just control.
Predictability is more meaningful than strict structure.
Being child-led does not mean self-sacrificing.
Boundaries help in co-regulating with children.
Safety is the foundation of child-led therapy.
Balance between structure and flexibility is crucial.
Reflect on personal boundaries in therapy practices.

8. Building Emotional Safety Through Co-Regulation May 13, 2025

Show notes

https://thechildledslp.myflodesk.com/selfregulation

In this episode, Nicole Casey explores the concept of co-regulation, emphasizing its importance in supporting autistic children and fostering effective communication. She reflects on her personal experiences with dysregulation and how co-regulation has played a crucial role in her parenting and professional life. The discussion highlights the need for emotional safety and connection in the learning process, and how understanding co-regulation can transform interactions with children. Through a case study, Nicole illustrates practical strategies for implementing co-regulation in therapy settings. In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the importance of co-regulation in helping children, especially those with autism, manage their stress responses. She shares practical strategies for adults to regulate themselves first, which in turn helps children feel safe and connected. Through various examples, she emphasizes the need for understanding children's emotional states and using sensory support to facilitate better communication and connection. The conversation highlights the significance of modeling regulation and creating a safe environment for children to thrive emotionally and socially. Takeaways:

Co-regulation is essential for successful interactions with autistic children.
Dysregulation affects both children and adults, impacting learning and engagement.
Emotional safety is a prerequisite for effective communication and learning.
Co-regulation is a two-way street, requiring mutual support.
Regulation is cumulative; ongoing co-regulation is necessary.
Connection is vital for creating a safe environment for children.
Dysregulation can manifest as behavioral issues, not just personal failures.
Understanding co-regulation can enhance therapeutic practices.
Personal experiences with dysregulation can inform professional approaches.
Creating a supportive environment is crucial for both therapists and children. Co-regulation is essential for helping children feel safe.
Understanding a child's stress response is crucial.
Modeling calmness can help children regulate their emotions.
Creating a safe environment reduces sensory overload.
Adults must regulate themselves before helping children.
Using sensory support is more effective than verbal commands.
Lowering demands can help children feel more secure.
Building trust through co-regulation fosters better relationships.
Children often regulate through movement, not words.
Establishing routines can enhance long-term regulation skills.

Keywords: co-regulation, autism, therapy, emotional safety, communication, dysregulation, parenting, mental health, support strategies, learning, co-regulation, child development, stress response, emotional regulation, autism, sensory processing, parenting strategies, teaching techniques, mental health, connection

7. When The Doubt Creeps In: Reframing "Imposter Syndrome" May 06, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation, Nicole Casey delves into the complexities of imposter syndrome, sharing her personal experiences and insights on self-doubt, particularly in the context of therapy and professional growth. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's strengths, overcoming the comparison trap, and embracing authenticity. Through her journey, she highlights that everyone has their unique path and that self-acceptance is crucial for personal and professional fulfillment.

Takeaways

Imposter syndrome is a common feeling of self-doubt.
Social media can amplify feelings of inadequacy.
It's important to recognize that everyone has their own path.
Comparison can lead to feelings of being less than others.
Being messy or disorganized doesn't define your worth as a therapist.
Flexibility and authenticity are strengths in therapy.
You don't need to be perfect to make an impact.
Self-acceptance is key to overcoming self-doubt.
Your unique approach can resonate with those you serve
It's okay to not have everything figured out.

To learn more about Nicole, a Child-Led Approach, and to download our freebies, visit www.childled.org

6. Gatekeeping AAC: Can Programming a Child's Device Be More Collaborative? Apr 29, 2025

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To learn more about Nicole and download the freebies, visit www.childled.org In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses her unpopular opinion regarding AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and emphasizes the importance of personalization, motor planning, and empowering teams to engage with AAC devices. She challenges the notion that AAC programming should be left solely to specialists and advocates for a more inclusive approach that encourages collaboration among all team members. Nicole shares her experiences with a new student and highlights the significance of having a well-programmed AAC device that reflects the child's interests. She concludes by offering insights into her programming approach, which focuses on minor tweaks rather than extensive programming. In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the importance of personalizing AAC devices for children, emphasizing the need for individualized programming that reflects the child's preferences and relationships. She advocates for collaborative approaches to programming, utilizing technology for training and support, and establishing a point person for AAC programming within teams. Casey highlights the significance of empowering all team members to engage with AAC devices, ensuring that communication remains accessible and effective for children. Takeaways:

Nicole believes that AAC programming should not be intimidating or exclusive to specialists.
Personalization in AAC devices is crucial for effective communication.
Motor planning is essential for AAC users to communicate efficiently.
Empowering all team members to engage with AAC devices enhances communication.
Celebrating small efforts in AAC programming can lead to significant progress.
The traditional specialist model can create barriers to AAC access.
Understanding a child's interests can guide effective AAC programming
We are not gatekeepers, we're guides.
Programming doesn't need to be all by one person.

If you loved today's episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a 5 star review so others can find us! This podcast is reviewed by our team member, Meghann Beaton, who is an autistic adult. Meghann provides feedback and recommended edits priort to releasing our episodes to help ensure our content remains aligned with neuroaffirming principles and lived experience. We are deeply grateful for her insights, which continue to shape this space into one that centers safety, connection, and authentic communication.

5. Rethinking Joint Attention: Supporting Autistic Kids Without Forcing Neurotypical Engagement Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

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To learn more about Nicole or download freebies, read blog, and dive into our courses and workbooks, visit www.childled.org

This conversation delves into the concept of joint attention, particularly in the context of autistic children. Nicole Casey discusses how traditional views on joint attention often overlook the diverse ways in which autistic children engage and communicate. She emphasizes the importance of understanding joint attention as a shared experience rather than a set of behaviors to be taught. The discussion also critiques the use of strategies like sabotage, advocating instead for a child-led approach that fosters trust and connection. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the significance of engagement and the need to adapt our understanding of communication to better support autistic individuals.

4. Is Movement the Key to Communication for Autistic Kids? Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

Get 15% off The Informed SLP Subscription from now through 4/30 with code CHILDLED here Download the FREE Movement Guide here! To learn more or to connect with Nicole, visit: www.childled.org In this episode, Nicole Casey explores the intersection of neuroscience and autism, particularly focusing on the concept of embodied learning. She emphasizes the importance of movement in the learning process for autistic students, arguing that traditional methods of requiring stillness can hinder their ability to engage and communicate. Nicole shares personal experiences and practical strategies for incorporating movement into educational settings, highlighting the need for a child-led approach that respects individual sensory needs. The episode concludes with a call to rethink how movement is integrated into learning, advocating for a more holistic understanding of communication and connection. Takeaways:

Embodied learning emphasizes a whole body approach to learning.
Movement is essential for autistic students to feel safe and engaged.
Traditional methods of requiring stillness can be counterproductive.
Allowing children to lead in movement can enhance learning.
Movement should be integrated throughout the day, not just as breaks.
Play should include gross motor activities that promote connection.
Modeling language during movement is more effective than interrupting play.
Creating a safe environment for movement fosters trust and communication.
Rethinking classroom rules can benefit autistic students' learning.
Trust is foundational for communication to develop.

This podcast is reviewed by an autistic adult, Meghann Beaton, to help ensure our content remains aligned with neuroaffirming principles and lived experience. We are deeply grateful for her insights, which continue to shape this space into one that centers safety, connection, and authentic communication.

3. Feeling Judged for Your Child-Led Approach? Here's How to Navigate Criticism With Confidence and Compassion! Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Nicole Casey shares her experiences of being questioned and criticized in her child-led approach to therapy for autistic students. She discusses the challenges she faced early in her career, the importance of flexibility in therapy, and how to stand up for your methods. Nicole emphasizes the value of a child-led approach, the need for confidence in your methods, and how to respond to pushback with compassion. She encourages listeners to trust themselves and their approaches, even when faced with criticism.

Takeaways

When trying something new, expect to be questioned.
Flexibility in therapy can lead to better engagement.
It's important to stand up for your approach.
Not everyone will agree with your methods.
Building confidence takes time and experience.
Understanding different perspectives can help in discussions.
A child-led approach is effective and valuable.
Responding to criticism with compassion is key.
Trust yourself and your methods.
You don't need to convince everyone of your approach.

To learn more, visit:

https://www.instagram.com/thechildledslp/

www.childled.org

2. Feeling Drained? Here's Why You Don't Have to Actually Be "On" All The Time! Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Download the FREE guide to understanding how you show up for your autistic students here!

In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the challenges faced by speech therapists, particularly when working with autistic students. She highlights the performative nature of therapy sessions, where therapists feel the need to entertain and engage students at a high energy level. Nicole emphasizes the importance of authentic communication and co-regulation, advocating for a shift away from performance-based interactions to more genuine connections that allow for natural communication. She shares personal experiences and insights on how to better meet the needs of students without the pressure of constant performance.

Takeaways: