Shows
The Autism Little Learners Podcast#131 - Supporting Autistic Learners Through Passion and Play w/ Cari EbertIn this encore episode of The Autism Little Learners Podcast, Tara reconnects with Cari Ebert, a respected speech-language pathologist and passionate advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practices. Together, they revisit a powerful conversation that redefines what play and connection can look like for autistic children. Cari shares valuable insights into why autistic play is real, meaningful, and should be honored as such. She explains how deep interests can be a gateway to learning, joy, and communication—and how adults can build stronger relationships with children by embracing these passions. The episode also explores the idea of presuming competence and cu...
2025-07-1557 minThe Autism Little Learners Podcast#128 - Barry Prizant, PhD. On Compassion Over Compliance: Why It’s Time to Rethink ‘What Works’In this episode, I had the absolute honor of speaking with Dr. Barry Prizant—renowned speech-language pathologist and author of the best-selling book Uniquely Human. We talked about how the field of autism education is shifting away from compliance-based approaches and moving toward more compassionate, relationship-centered models. Dr. Prizant shared powerful insights about emotional regulation, storytelling, and the importance of truly listening to the lived experiences of autistic individuals. We also explored topics like non-speaking communication, the SCERTs model, and how collaboration among educators and families can create lasting change. This conversation left me feeling inspired and hop...
2025-06-241h 12The Autism Little Learners Podcast#110 - Trauma-Informed Feeding For Autistic Children with Erin ForwardIn this episode of the Autism Little Learners podcast, I talked to Erin Forward, a speech pathologist specializing in trauma-informed feeding. Erin shares her journey and passion for working with neurodivergent children, emphasizing the importance of understanding trauma in feeding therapy. She discusses the principles of trauma-informed care, the nuances of each child's feeding experience, and the significance of building trust and engagement. The conversation highlights the need for a shift in feeding therapy practices to better support children and their caregivers. Erin discusses the complexities of pediatric feeding disorders, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care and...
2025-02-1850 min
The SLP Next Door Podcast2024 Most Popular Episode: Signs of Autism in ToddlersAs we end this 2024 I wanted to take a moment to reshare the most popular episode that was listened to this year! Thank you all so much for being a continued part of this journey, I cannot wait to see what 2025 brings :) This episode is Part 1 of a four-part conversation between Tara and Megan about autistic toddlers. Megan and Tara discuss typical vs. atypical toddler development, traits of Autism in 2 year olds, and other early signs of Autism in toddlers. This is an important conversation for early intervention speech and language and speech therapy for to...
2024-12-2518 minThe Autism Little Learners Podcast#95 - Books, Video Modeling, and Beyond: Engaging Young Learners With Clay Hadden, SLPIn today’s episode, I’m talking to Clay Hadden. You might know him on Instagram or YouTube as Mister Clay. Clay is a speech/language pathologist and he runs a popular YouTube Channel where he offers several videos that combine music and visuals to work on language skills in a super fun way. Clay also just published his first children’s book. In this interview we chatted about his new book…which I LOVE, as well as using video modeling for young autistic kids. Jump in and listen now! Bio: Clay Hadden, M.S. CCC-SLP, is a speech-lang...
2024-11-0538 minThe Autism Little Learners Podcast#92 - Using A Split View With An AAC App & YouTube With Angela Moorad, SLPOctober is AAC Awareness Month and I am thrilled to have Angela Moorad, SLP, on the show today. We are going to be talking really specifically about how to use a split screen or a split view with AAC and another app or program, like YouTube or a book. Angela is going to show you step by step and what to do and how you can use these to enhance the communication of your child or students! Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP has 35 years of experience in AAC across the lifespan with a primary focus on ages birth t...
2024-10-1558 min
The SLP Next Door PodcastParents Autism and Neurodiversity Affirming: Part 2 with Autism Little LearnersIn this episode, Megan and Tara discuss different ways to approach parents Autism and the neurodiversity affirming approaches in speech therapy for toddlers. This episode is part 2 of Megan’s conversation with Tara from Autism Little Learners. In Part 1 of the conversation, they discussed traits of Autism in 2 year olds and other early signs of Autism in toddlers. If you haven't, be sure to check out that episode! 3 Tips for Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy: Use Compassion over Compliance Acknowledge the child is wired differently [neurodivergent] Use a Strengths Based Approach We want to embrace them for who...
2024-04-1712 min
The SLP Next Door PodcastEarly Signs of Autism in Toddlers with Autism Little LearnersThis episode is Part 1 of a four-part conversation between Tara and Megan about autistic toddlers. Megan and Tara discuss typical vs. atypical toddler development, traits of Autism in 2 year olds, and other early signs of Autism. This is an important conversation for SLP Early Intervention and speech therapy for toddlers. Tara Phillips, the founder of Autism Little Learners, is an expert on Autism in Early Childhood. Tara has been in Early Childhood Special Education for over 20 years. She founded Autism Little Learners in 2019 because it was difficult to find engaging resources for young autistic children. Ear...
2024-04-1017 min
All Things Sensory by Harkla#282 - Creating the Most Effective Visual Supports with Tara Phillips, MS, CCC-SLPTara Phillips is a speech/language pathologist and has run her own communication based classroom for 25 years. She was at the early elementary level for the first part of her career, and at the early childhood level for the last 10 years.Tara earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communicative Disorders at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Her minor was in Early Childhood Education. After working exclusively with autistic children at the elementary level for several years, she ...
2023-11-1550 minAll Things Sensory by Harkla#282 - Creating the Most Effective Visual Supports with Tara Phillips, MS, CCC-SLPTara Phillips is a speech/language pathologist and has run her own communication based classroom for 25 years. She was at the early elementary level for the first part of her career, and at the early childhood level for the last 10 years.Tara earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communicative Disorders at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Her minor was in Early Childhood Education. After working exclusively with autistic children at the elementary level for several years, she ...
2023-11-1550 minThe Autism Little Learners Podcast#24 - What Is AAC? with SLP Rachel MadelIn 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 needs and coaches clinicians, teachers, and parents on integrating technology in classrooms and at home to support communication. She co-hosts a weekly podcast called “Talking With Tech” and creates educational resources, therapy materials, and training videos to help support parents and professionals. In...
2023-06-2748 min