Let Them Lead: The Child-Led Autism Podcast

Latest Episodes:

1. What to Do When Your Autistic Students Aren't Making Progress Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the challenges faced by parents and professionals in supporting autistic children, particularly when traditional therapy methods fail to yield meaningful progress. She shares personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique communication needs of autistic individuals. The discussion highlights the limitations of compliance-driven therapy models and advocates for a shift towards child-led and neuroaffirming approaches that prioritize connection and engagement. Nicole also identifies common mistakes in therapy delivery and offers practical strategies for creating a supportive environment that fosters meaningful communication and progress. takeaways

It's common to feel like your efforts aren't working.
Social media can create unrealistic expectations for therapists.
Traditional therapy strategies often don't support meaningful communication.
Child-led and play-based approaches can be more effective.
Therapy should focus on the child's interests and needs.
Setting meaningful goals is crucial for progress.
Dysregulation can hinder learning and communication.
Multimodal communication should be recognized and honored.
Creating a safe and low-pressure environment is essential.
Small shifts in approach can lead to significant improvements.

To learn more, visit www.childled.org

All things AAC with Rachel Madel, SLP Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

GRAB YOUR FREE TICKET TO THE PLAY CONFERENCE HERE:

TODDLER PLAY CONFERENCE- FREE TICKET

In this conversation, Rachel Madel discusses the evolution and current state of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). She emphasizes the increased awareness and accessibility of AAC, the importance of starting AAC early, and the need for collaboration among clinicians and parents. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced in assessments and the advocacy required for children to access AAC devices. Rachel encourages clinicians to empower themselves and others in the field to utilize AAC effectively and to advocate for their students' communication needs.

This conversation delves into the complexities of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) learning, emphasizing the importance of patience, modeling language, and understanding the intentions behind children's use of AAC devices. The speakers share personal anecdotes and insights on how to effectively support children in their communication journey, highlighting the need for building connections and relationships among parents, educators, and therapists. They also discuss upcoming projects aimed at enhancing AAC resources for various audiences.

Key Takeaways:

AAC is becoming more accessible and widely recognized.
The importance of starting AAC early cannot be overstated.
Clinicians should feel empowered to trial AAC without being specialists.
Collaboration among professionals is crucial for successful AAC implementation.
Parents play a vital role in advocating for their child's AAC needs.
Assessment processes need to be more thorough and individualized.
Motivation is key in assessing a child's readiness for AAC.
There is no perfect AAC system; consistency is what matters.
Gatekeeping access to AAC is a significant issue that needs addressing.
Communication needs are complex and require a team approach. AAC learning takes time, often longer than expected.
Parents should be patient and allow exploration with AAC devices.
Modeling language is crucial for effective communication.
It's important to create opportunities for meaningful language use.
Understanding the child's intent can improve AAC usage.
Creating positive experiences with AAC can enhance engagement.
Future resources for AAC will cater to parents and educators.

To learn more from Rachel Madel, visit her here:

Website: www.rachelmadel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelmadelslp/

Rachel's AAC Courses: https://rachelmadelslp.thinkific.com/

Ditching Rewards and Honoring Intrinsic Motivation with Emily Byers Chaney, The ND Affirming SLP Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Great Language Partner podcast, Nicole and Katja welcome Emily Byers Chaney, a speech-language pathologist, to discuss the importance of a neurodiversity-affirming approach in therapy. They explore the concepts of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, the significance of understanding Gestalt language processing, and the impact of reward systems on autistic learners. The conversation emphasizes the need for therapists and parents to focus on the child's interests, autonomy, and the creation of engaging learning environments to foster genuine motivation and connection.

To Connect with Emily:

Visit her website: https://www.ndaffirmingslp.com/

Follow on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ndaffirming.slp/

The 3 Freedoms of Child-Led Play with Nicole Casey Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the significance of child-led play in supporting autistic children. She differentiates between child-led and play-based therapy, emphasizing the importance of intrinsic motivation and the child's experience. Nicole introduces the concept of the 'three freedoms' of play: the freedom to choose, change, and end, and how these principles can enhance therapeutic practices. She also shares practical strategies for identifying children's interests and fostering meaningful engagement through play.

Takeaways

Child-led play focuses on the child's interests and motivations.
Play-based therapy is often misrepresented as simply having toys available.
The three freedoms of play are essential: to choose, change, and end.
Intrinsic motivation is crucial for genuine play experiences.
Play should not be dictated by adult expectations or structures.
Understanding a child's unique play style is vital for effective support.
All play is valid, regardless of how it looks to adults.
Therapists should adapt their approaches to honor the child's experience.
Engagement in play can reveal deeper interests and motivations.
Redefining play can lead to more meaningful interactions with autistic children.

To Download the 3 Freedoms Visual and other helpful freebies, visit: https://www.childled.org/the-freebie-vault

Understanding The Double Empathy Problem featuring Jamie Burch, SLP Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Jamie Burch, a neurodiversity affirming speech language pathologist, discusses the importance of understanding the double empathy problem in supporting autistic individuals. The conversation explores how traditional approaches to speech therapy can inadvertently harm autistic children by enforcing masking and non-preferred communication styles. Jamie emphasizes the need for a shift in perspective, advocating for authentic communication and the importance of educating both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals to bridge the empathy gap. The episode highlights the significance of listening to autistic voices and the role of parents and educators in fostering an inclusive environment.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding the double empathy problem is crucial for effective communication.
Community engagement can help bridge the gap in understanding autism.
Masking can be harmful.
Therapists should focus on affirming the unique communication styles of autistic individuals.
Education about autistic culture is essential for neurotypical individuals.
Social language therapy should not be deficit-based but rather affirming.
Listening to autistic voices is vital for effective support.

Follow Jamie on instagram:

inclusion.slp

Check out these articles ASHA articles written by Jamie: https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.MIW.28112023.slp-neurodiverse-treatment.30/full/ https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.MIW.27112022.slp-antiableist-play.22/full/

To visit Jamie's website:

www.inclusiontherapyservices.com

To learn more about supporting autistic kids, as well as access Nicole and Katja's resources, courses, and more, visit our websites:

Visit Nicole's website: www.childled.org

The Great Language Partner Workbook is here! Learn more here! Use code PODCAST at checkout for a discount!

Visit Katja's website: https://www.bohospeechie.net/

Get 25% off of the Pok Pok app !

neurodiversity, double empathy problem, speech therapy, autistic communication, inclusion therapy, AAC devices, social language, masking, advocacy, education

What Is PDA and How Can We Best Support PDAers, with Jessie Mewshaw, SLP Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

On todays show we get to chat with Jessie Mewshaw. Jessie is a speech-language therapist serving kids from 18 months through 18 years in Chapel Hill, NC. She has worked in early intervention, the public schools & clinical settings during her ten years in practice. Jessie is passionate about serving neurodivergent clients & has focused her work on gestalt language, PDA & AAC. She is a dedicated life-long learner with emphasis on learning from the communities she serves. Jessie is also the owner of the consultative business, Diverge Services, where she provides trainings, education & consultative services on all things neurodiversity. Jessie is a late diagnosed ADHDer & parent to two wonderful neurodivergent children.

In today's conversation, we talk about PDA and our role in supporting PDAers as SLPs:

What is PDA
PDA vs normal avoidance of demands that all children experience
What IS a "demand" (reframing it as an expectation)
Neuroception and how it relates to PDA
Signaling safety when interacting with autistic kids
Supporting balances of power to avoid Equalizing behavior
Accommodations we can provide to PDA kids
What is the SLPs role in working with PDA kids?

To learn more about Jessie Mewshaw:

Follow her on instagram: @miss_jessies_speech_world

Visit her website: www.divergeservices.com

To learn more about supporting autistic kids, as well as access Nicole and Katja's resources, courses, and more, visit our websites:

Visit Nicole's website: www.childled.org

The Great Language Partner Workbook is here! Learn more here! Use code PODCAST at checkout for a discount!

Visit Katja's website: https://www.bohospeechie.net/

Get 25% off of the Pok Pok app !

Neuroaffirming Speech Therapy with Jessie Ginsburg (The Sensory SLP) and Chris Wenger (Speech Dude) Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Katja and Nicole talk with Jessie Ginsburg (The Sensory SLP) and Chris Wenger (Speech Dude) about all things sensory regulation and communication, and how understanding our autistic students holistically is a key part of neuroaffirming care.

Check out the links below to learn more about Jessie and Chris and their many amazing programs and resources:

Follow on Instagram: @sensory.slp and @speechdude

Jessie's Website: https://www.sensoryslp.com/

Ready, Set, Connect on Amazon: A must read!

Chris's website: https://www.speechdude.com/

Neuroaffirm Therapy Academy: Learn More!

To learn more about supporting autistic kids, as well as access Nicole and Katja's resources, courses, and more, visit our websites:

www.childled.org

The Great Language Partner Workbook is here! Learn more here! Use code PODCAST at checkout for a discount!

https://www.bohospeechie.net/

Get 25% off of the Pok Pok app !

Understanding and Prioritizing Regulation with Nikki Smit, Neurodivergent OT Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

In today's show Nicole and Katja welcome guest Nikki Smit, (She/Her) Neurodivergent OT and founder of Project Play. This episode starts with talking about what occupational therapy is and how it can help autistic kids. Nikki then dives into what the term "regulation" really means, and what is doesn't mean. Nikki also discusses the importance of accommodating autistic students through practices of dysregulation awareness, understanding the sensory systems for regulation, respecting all forms of communication, and treating autistic kids with respect and value.

Nikki's Instagram: Instagram (@nikkismittherapy)

Amazon link for Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain: Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain

Amazon Link for Conversations With a Rattlesnake: Conversations With a Rattlesnake: Raw and Honest Reflections on Healing and Trauma

To learn more about gestalt language processing, as well as access Nicole and Katja's resources, courses, and more, visit our websites:

www.childled.org

The Great Language Partner Workbook is here! Learn more here! Use code PODCAST at checkout for a discount!

https://www.bohospeechie.net/

Get 25% off of the Pok Pok app !

Actually Autistic Perspectives on the Language Development Experience with Atreus and Frey Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Katja is joined by two of her best friends, Frey (he/him) and Atreus (they/them). They are both autistic adults and share reflections on their unique experiences with language development as autistic children, as well as insight gained from supporting their autistic child with language and emotional regulation.

Listen to Atreus' music : https://www.instagram.com/thecopperceiling/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Autism Level Up resources: https://www.autismlevelup.com

Avenlur link: https://avenlur.com/BOHOSPEECHIE code bohospeechie to save

Pokpok link: https://my.playpokpok.com/checkout?promocode=25BOHO

Katja's website: https://bohospeechie.net

Katja's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bohospeechie/

Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Dr. Devon Price:

Supporting Transgender Autistic Youth & Adults by Finn V Gratton LMFT LPCC

https://a.co/d/0KuzPKT

Playtime with Tor: A Youtube Channel for GLPs by Victoria Matkowski, SLP Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Great Language Partner podcast, Tor, a pediatric SLP, shares her journey in creating the YouTube channel 'Playtime with Tor,' which focuses on supporting Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs). The conversation delves into the differences between analytic and gestalt language processing, the importance of modeling language, and the strategies used in her videos to effectively engage GLPs. The hosts discuss the significance of songs in language development, the nuances of language modeling, and the need for repetition and emotional language. Tor encourages parents to embrace singing as a tool for communication and shares resources available for further support.

Takeaways:

Tor has been a pediatric SLP for 13 years and created 'Playtime with Tor' to support GLPs. The channel was inspired by the need for content tailored to Gestalt Language Processors. Modeling phrases rather than single words is crucial for GLPs. Songs are an effective way to engage GLPs and support language development. Repetition and redundancy in language modeling help children retain language. Emotional language and intonation are important for GLPs. Fill-in-the-blank strategies can create prompt dependency if overused. Every child is unique, and strategies should be tailored to individual needs. Parents are encouraged to sing and incorporate songs into routines.

To Connect with Tor:

Tor's Website: playtimewithtor.co

Newsletter sign up to gain access to free resource library: https://playtimewithtor.co/newsletter-sign-up

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playtimewithtor?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@playtimewithtor?si=W7LGLJX2r-cROlto

To learn more about gestalt language processing, as well as access Nicole and Katja's resources, courses, and more, visit our websites:

www.greatlanguagepartner.com

https://www.bohospeechie.net/

The Great Language Partner Workbook is here! Learn more here! Use code PODCAST at checkout for a discount!

Avenlur Link code BOHOSPEECHIE: https://avenlur.com/BOHOSPEECHIE