Permission to Play

Welcome back! In this episode, we’re diving into a powerful and sometimes uncomfortable question: Are we truly building independence for our complex communicators — or are we accidentally creating dependence? As school-based therapists and educators, we are constantly pulled toward efficiency. We prompt. We assist. We fix. We help. But what if the smallest daily moments — plugging in a blender, th...

In this episode, we wrap up our Staff Celebration Series by highlighting two essential — and often underutilized — members of the school-based therapy team: occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs). While OTs and PTs may be seen on campus less frequently than speech-language pathologists, their role in supporting autistic students, nonspeaking learners, and complex communicators...

In this episode of our Celebrating Staff Series , we highlight the powerful and often underutilized role of the school psychologist —and why their expertise is essential for supporting students, especially complex communicators . School psychologists support students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach through expertise in assessment, mental health, learning, behavior, and executive f...

In this episode of Permission to Play , Cherie, Alicia and Jordan turn the spotlight on speech-language pathologists (SLPs) —what we are trained to do, what we actually work on, and why our role is often misunderstood in schools and clinics. Many people assume SLPs “just work on speech,” but the scope of speech-language pathology extends far beyond articulation. In this conversation, we break down...

In this episode of Permission to Play , we shine a long-overdue spotlight on the quiet strength behind every thriving classroom — our paraeducators, paraprofessionals and teacher and classroom aides.. Often underpaid, underestimated, and underrecognized, these incredible team members are the heartbeat of our schools. They work side by side with students who need the most support, shaping not only...

In this episode of Permission to Play , hosts Cherie, Alicia and Jordan launch their School Staff Series by shining a spotlight on the heart of every inclusive classroom — special education teachers . These educators are the backbone of student growth, creativity, and connection, yet so many work in isolation. This conversation dives deep into how collaboration between SLPs, OTs, PTs, paras, psych...

In this episode of Permission to Play , hosts Cherie, Alicia and Jordan dive deep into one of the most important—and overlooked—factors in every classroom: the culture you create. Every classroom, every school, and every team has its own culture. But is yours built on connection, collaboration, and long-term thinking… or is it stuck in “just getting by” mode? Whether you’re an education specialist...

In this episode, we uncover one of the most overlooked secrets to meaningful student progress, the power of parent collaboration. Whether you’re a teacher, paraeducator, or speech-language pathologist, finding ways to communicate with parents can completely transform your impact in the classroom. Join Cherie, Alicia and Jordan as they share real stories, practical tools, and mindset shifts that he...

In this powerful episode, we explore how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and educators can transform learning outcomes by shifting from underestimation to presuming competence. Too often, outdated practices like cognitive referencing limit how students are seen and supported—but research in neuroplasticity tells a very different story. Join hosts Cherie, Alicia, and Jordan as they discuss how...

In this episode of Permission to Play , hosts Alicia, Jordan, and Cherie invite you to rethink what real progress looks like for autistic learners. Too often, we measure success by checklists and short-term goals.   We explore how shifting from session-based thinking to a long-term, connection-focused lens transforms outcomes for autistic learners. Discover why what you do today can profoundly sha...

In this episode, we dive deep into why internally motivated communication is the key to real learning for autistic communicators. Join Cherie, Alicia, and Jordan as they explore how to move beyond compliance-based strategies like prompting, withholding, and rewards — and instead build authentic connection and communication that lasts. You’ll learn: ✅ The difference between external vs. internal m...

In this episode of Permission to Play , Cherie, Alicia, and Jordan dive into one of the biggest keys to lasting change in schools—getting your whole team on board. Learn how to shift your classroom culture from compliance-based strategies to connection-centered collaboration where every staff member—teachers, paras, SLPs, and OTs—plays a vital role. You’ll discover how small perspective shifts can...

Welcome back to Permission to Play , the podcast for parents, teachers, and SLPs who want to build joyful, meaningful communication with autistic learners. Today we explore the IRC Approach — Ignite the Social Driver, Read and Respond to all communication, Create Communication Opportunities — a proven method to spark connection, internal motivation, and real progress. Discover how small, consisten...

Welcome to *Permission to Play* — a podcast for parents, teachers, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and paraprofessionals who want to unlock meaningful communication with autistic children and minimally speaking communicators. In our very first episode, hosts Cherie Somers, Alicia McManaman, and Jordan Wright-Gonzalez share their experiences in schools, clinics, and homes, where so many profes...