The Autism Little Learners Podcast

When little ones start growing up, they're not just learning about things around them – they're also figuring out how to control their feelings and actions. For autistic children, this is super important because it helps them learn and do things in school. In today's episode,  we will talk about why supporting regulation is so crucial for autistic children, what self-regulation and co-regulation m...

Thanks for joining us for a Q&A episode with Jason.  These Q & A episodes will air from time to time so I can answer YOUR questions!  I love brainstorming with you and helping you come up with ideas, so be sure to submit a question by sending me a DM on Instagram or Facebook.  You can also submit using this link . Topics Discussed: Sitting at the table Exploratory play Using pictures to communicat...

The Autism Little Learners Membership is a dedicated community that provides valuable support and resources for parents and educators working with young autistic children.  I can't wait to share what you will find inside the membership in today's episode. Let's chat more inside the show! Autism Little Learners Membership You may also be interested in these supports: Visual Support Starter Set   Vi...

Episode/Show Notes: Imitation skills play a crucial role in a child's early development, particularly in the realm of language acquisition and social interaction. For young autistic children, who often face challenges in communication and social engagement, fostering imitation skills can be a significant step towards enhancing their overall development. In today's episode we will delve into the im...

Whether you are a mama or an educator, you are going to want to listen to today's episode.  I was lucky enough to interview Dr. Alisha Bennett about her experience with her autistic son and how she supports other mamas!  Keep listening to soak up some awesome Alisha wisdom! The Multifaceted Mama Doc Website The Multifaceted Mama Doc Instagram You may also be interested in these supports: Visual Su...

I can't wait to tell you all about Kickstart Back To School Bootcamp in today's show!  This course only opens up one time per year, and it will help you start the new school year off on the right foot!   Get organized, get motivated, and get some support…find out how inside today's show! Kickstart Back To School Bootcamp 2023 You may also be interested in these supports: Visual Support Starter Set...

This week I had the honor of interviewing special education teacher Dawn Ellis for the podcast.  Dawn shares her expertise in the area of adapting curriculum to meet the needs of all children.  Specifically, we talked about using adapted books for science and social studies.  You know how much I love adapted books, so this was such a fun interview.   Cultivating Exception Minds Website Be The Exce...

In this episode, I shared information about the 2023 Summer PD Series.  This series provides professional development trainings and resources to get you ready for the upcoming school year!  Here are the links you need: Summer PD Series July 6, 2023 FB Live File Folder Challenge Autism Classroom Guide Kickstart Back To School Bootcamp 2023 Adapted Book Guide Adapted Book Challenge 4 Shifts We Need...

In episode 24, I have the pleasure of interviewing Rachel Madel M.A.,CCC-SLP.  Rachel is an LA-based speech-language pathologist dedicated to coaching parents and professionals on incorporating technology to best support speech and language development. Rachel presents both nationally and abroad on the use of augmentative alternative communication (AAC) for children with complex communication need...

In This Episode You Will Learn 5 Ways To Create A Smother Transition To Kindergarten For Your Autistic Child: Visit the school's playground over the summer Put together a social story Create an "All About Me" document Practice adaptive skills Meet the teacher and visit the classroom Links Related To This Week's Episode: Reinforcement Inventory Social Story Library Going To Kindergarten Social Stor...

In this episode,  I'm sharing 10 children's books that promote self-regulation and support autistic children. So, if you're a parent, educator, or simply someone interested in this topic, you're in for a treat! We'll be discussing some amazing books that will be perfect to add to your home or school library.  In This Episode You Will Learn:  10 children's books about self-regulation and sensory di...

In today's Q&A podcast episode, I answered questions from listeners about toilet training young autistic children.   In This Episode You Will Learn:  What to do if your child or student uses the bathroom at home, but not at school or in public Readiness signs for potty training Where to start first with toilet training Helping children communicate the need to use the bathroom How interoception aff...

We are on the last episode in this 3 part series on potty training autistic children with compassion.  Today, I'll be sharing 12 additional tips and tricks that have worked for me and the parents I have supported over the last 2 decades.  Be sure to listen in because one of these tips might just be the one you needed to get over the potty training hump.   In This Episode You Will Learn:  12 tips a...

What skills do I even start with as I'm potty training my autistic child or student?  Which strategies will help me best support the child as I begin to teach these skills?  Today we will be talking about which skills you can start with and the types of visual and sensory supports can help you potty train with compassion.  You will also learn where to get the brand new free Toilet Training Guide f...

One of the biggest skills parents of my students want to work on is potty training, and rightly so.  This skill is huge when it comes to independence! But, many times, ditching those diapers and pull-ups takes a lot more time than with neurotypical children.  Why is that? That's what we are chatting about it inside this episode of the Autism Little Learners Podcast! In This Episode You Will Learn:...

In this episode, I'm talking about all things TpT Sitewide sales.  Teachers Pay Teachers sitewide sales are a great opportunity to save money on educational resources. By planning ahead, signing up for email notifications, following your favorite sellers, taking advantage of bundle deals, leaving feedback, using free resources, and checking the sale dates and times, you can maximize your savings a...

Symbolic sounds are the sounds that represent specific words or ideas, such as "meow" for a cat or "choo-choo" for a train. These sounds can be very helpful for young children who are still developing their language skills, as they can provide a way for children to communicate even if they don't have the words to express themselves.  Today's show dives into different types of symbolic sounds, and...

Video modeling is an effective strategy for autistic students. Research has shown that video modeling can help with teaching new skills or routines. The best thing about video modeling is how motivating it is!  It's such an underutilized strategy and can be implemented quickly and easily.  I'll share some tips for getting started in this episode. In This Episode, You Will:  What video modeling is...

Have you heard about my Visual Supports Challenge?  It's happening now and I want YOU to join me and the thousands of educators and parents who have gotten started.  If you like to take action and really implement and use what you learn, this is for you.  Find out more inside the show. In This Episode, You Will:  Learn About The Visual Supports Challenge 7 Visual Supports That Are In The Visual Su...

Thanks for joining us for Tuesday Talks With Tara & Jason.  These Q & A episodes will air on the first Tuesday of each month.  I love brainstorming with you and helping you come up with ideas, so be sure to submit a question by sending me a DM on Instagram or Facebook.  You can also submit using  this link . In today's Q & A episode, I answered questions related to autism about: Navigating the ini...

April has historically been called Autism Awareness Month.  But, now you might be hearing that it is now being called Autism Acceptance Month.  Why was that change made?  Why is the puzzle piece now replaced with the infinity symbol?  How has the definition of autism changed and how has the prevalence of autism increased over the past 20 years?  Episode 12 of The Autism Little Learners Podcast wil...

Your student or child engages in mostly exploratory play where they interact with toys in a sensory way.  Then may dump, sift or bang toys and objects.  The next step is functional play. Episode 11 dives into functional play and autism In This Episode You Will Learn:  What functional play is Benefits of functional play Where to find visual supports for 1 and 2 step play Examples of functional play...

Do you have students who aren't playing with toys in a functional way yet?  Do they like to dump, or explore toys or objects in more of a sensory way?  If you said "yes", this episode about exploratory play and autism is for you!  In This Episode You Will Learn:  What exploratory play is Benefits of exploratory play Examples of exploratory play Links Mentioned In This Episode About Exploratory Pla...

Multi-modal communication is a term we've been hearing more and more.  How can we honor all modes of communication and what does that even mean?!  In this episode, we will chat about that, plus I'll share 3 tips for encouraging multi-modal communication.  Don't forget to download the free Multi-Modal Communication Checklist! In This Episode You Will Learn:  What multi-modal communication means How...

Thanks for joining us for Tuesday Talks With Tara & Jason.  These Q & A episodes will air on the first Tuesday of each month.  I love brainstorming with you and helping you come up with ideas, so be sure to submit a question by sending me a DM on Instagram or Facebook.  You can also submit using this link . In today's Q & A episode, I answered questions related to autism about: Student escaping fr...