SLP Talk Show

Join Cari and Jim for an in-depth discussion about affirming speech therapy strategies to support children when autism and apraxia co-occur. 

How we understand disability influences every decision we make as providers. In this episode, Cari and Jim unpack four models of disability and discuss how they show up in practice. You’ll walk away with a clearer lens for reflecting on your values and how they align with your work. If you're a parent or caregiver, this conversation is for you too. Understanding these models can help you make sens...

For many Autistic children, big family gatherings can be overwhelming, unpredictable, and absolutely exhausting. But with the right supports, these gatherings can feel more like a celebration and less like a survival mission. 

In Episode 84, Cari and Jim unpack how to support AAC in daily routines, how to build a strong team around the communicator, and why communication is everyone's job—not just the speech therapist's. 

In this episode, Cari and Jim explore what makes an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) system robust. They discuss how robust AAC goes far beyond requesting, giving users the ability to connect, share emotions, and express their full personalities. 

In this episode, Cari and Jim break down the basics of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)—what it is, who uses it, and why early access matters. They unpack common myths, discuss practical strategies for modeling AAC in daily life, and remind us that every mode of communication deserves equal respect and celebration. Whether you're a seasoned SLP, an educator, a parent, or just AAC-c...

In this episode, Cari and Jim explore what it means to build a true culture of communication—one that values connection over compliance.   Show Notes: Communication Bill of Rights QuickTalker Freestyle Speech Device from AbleNet Subscribe to Cari's Newsletter  

Join Cari and Jim for a lively discussion on the difference between declarative and imperative language in supporting children's communication. They show how constant quizzing with imperatives can feel stressful, while declarative comments create shared attention, spark curiosity, and foster authentic connection.    Click here for "The Declarative Language Handbook" that is reference in this episo...

In this episode, Cari and Jim explore the concept of play schemas...repeated patterns of behavior that reveal how young children learn and make sense of the world.    Defender of Play T-Shirt

In this episode, Cari and Jim bust nine common myths about learning and play. Together, they reframe play as the foundation for growth, creativity, and deeper learning. 

Cari and Jim discuss the decline in play, the cognitive hypothesis, and the true building blocks of school readiness for young children. Hint: It's not knowing letters, numbers, shapes, and colors. It's all about executive function skills.   Click here for the book referenced in this episode: How Children Succeed by Paul Tough

Join Cari and Jim for a lively discussion about the school-to-work transition. Because Autistic kids become Autistic adults. 

In this episode, we explore why the back-to-school season is one of the most overwhelming transitions for neurodivergent students. From decoding stress responses to building collaborative partnerships with schools, you'll learn practical, compassionate strategies to ease this high-stress season for the whole family.   Subscribe to Cari's newsletter here: ⬇️ https://cariebert.com/mailing-list

Join Cari and Jim for a follow-up to episode 73 as they continue the discussion on supporting Autistic children at mealtime. In this episode, Cari outlines three categories of safe, respectful strategies that prioritize trust, choice, and co-regulation.    If you're enjoying the podcast and want to keep the conversation going, join Cari's email list here: https://cariebert.com/mailing-list  

Cari and Jim discuss the complex relationship that Autistic children often have with food.  One liner for this episode: For Autistic kids, mealtime is about survival, not stubbornness. 

Nobody likes to talk about screen time. But we live in the Digital Age, and it's time to start supporting families of young children in creating mindful screen time habits at home. One thing that all children with developing brains and bodies need is VARIED EXPERIENCES! Screen time should be just one of many experiences young children have access to each day. Be sure to stay tuned until the end fo...

Cari and Jim discuss the bias in autism research and how this affects girls getting an autism diagnosis. 

The CDC released the most recent autism prevalence numbers which showed an increase from 1 in 36 kids to 1 in 31 kids. In this episode, Cari and Jim discuss factors contributing to the increase in autism prevalence in the United States including 1) improved understanding of the Autistic neurotype, 2) increased identification of autism in previously under-identified groups, and 3) assortative matin...

Join Cari and Jim for an informative discussion about the power of heavy work for young children with developing brains and bodies!   The Anxious Generation Join Cari's Email List

Cari and Jim discuss strategies for supporting older kids who are constantly putting their hands, toys, and other objects in their mouth or chewing on their hair or shirt. You'll walk away with actionable strategies and activities to begin using immediately!   Shop Cari's Amazon Store - Sensory Tools and Toys Join Cari's Email List

In the first episode of 2025 Cari and Jim discuss the benefits of playing board and card games with kids of all ages. The primary emphasis of this conversation is about the link between playing board games and building executive function skills. Play-based learning for the win!   Defender of Play T-Shirt - Cari Ebert Building Brains T-Shirt - Cari Ebert  

This is episode 66 (Cari incorrectly refers to it as episode 65...please forgive her error!). In this episode Cari discusses key takeaways from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) national convention that took place in Seattle, WA. Even if you're not a speech-language pathologist, you will enjoy hearing about Cari's learning and networking adventures!

Join Cari and Jim as they discuss what it means to be an ally to the Autistic community and how trauma informed services fit into neurodiversity-affirming practices. 

Cari and Jim discuss how to build authentic connections with Autistic children. This is a short but powerful episode that will give you a lot to think about. 

Cari and Jim talk about the emotional roller coaster ride of parenting an Autistic child.    In the introduction, Cari misspeaks and calls this episode 62...sorry for the error!