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The Autism Little Learners Podcast

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

By: Tara Phillips
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About this listen

 You want to help your autistic students or child thrive — but it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. Whether you're wondering how to build connection, teach communication, navigate sensory needs, or support your paras… you're in the right place. Welcome to The Autism Little Learners Podcast, where compassion meets practical strategy. Host Tara Phillips, a speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience, brings you neurodiversity-affirming insights, step-by-step tips, and real-world examples that help you feel confident, prepared, and inspired to support young autistic children. This show is relaxed, upbeat, and packed with actionable ideas you can use right away — whether you're a special educator, SLP, general education teacher, paraprofessional, parent, grandparent, or anyone who loves a young autistic child. Each episode explores topics like: Teaching communication and AAC in natural, joyful ways Using visual supports and routines to create predictability Fostering co-regulation and independence Understanding sensory needs and reducing stress Supporting paraprofessionals with clarity and compassion Building strong, trusting relationships with autistic kids Tara's approach is rooted in connection over compliance — helping you see each child's strengths, honor their communication style, and create an inclusive environment where everyone can succeed. Subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast and join the movement toward more compassionate, affirming early childhood education. Connect with Tara: 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/autismlittlelearners 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/autismlittlelearners 🌐 Website: autismlittlelearners.com2025 Parenting & Families Relationships
Episodes
  • #152 - How to Explain Autism to Children: Neuro-Affirming Tips from an Autistic SLP

    #152 - How to Explain Autism to Children: Neuro-Affirming Tips from an Autistic SLP
    Dec 9 2025

    Have you ever wondered how to talk to children about autism in a way that feels natural, positive, and empowering? In this replay episode, I'm bringing back my incredibly insightful conversation with Andi Putt (Mrs. Speechie P) — an Autistic SLP who specializes in autism evaluations and neuro-affirming support.

    Andi shares compassionate, practical ways to talk to autistic children about their identity, how to approach conversations with peers and siblings, and why starting these discussions early can make a profound impact on a child's confidence, self-understanding, and mental health. We also dive into how to use everyday moments to normalize autism, reduce stigma, and help all children grow in empathy and acceptance.

    This is one of those episodes that educators and families continuously return to… and for good reason.

    Takeaways

    • Why conversations about autism should start early — and continue over time

    • How explaining autism positively can support a child's self-concept and emotional well-being

    • Simple, child-friendly ways to describe autism using strengths-based language

    • Strategies for helping peers understand behaviors through empathy (including Andi's amazing "bear in the classroom" analogy)

    • How open discussions reduce stigma, prevent bullying, and foster more inclusive classrooms

    • Why kids are often more accepting and adaptable than adults assume

    • How to avoid common mistakes adults make when talking about autism — and what to say instead

    • The power of validating children's needs, identities, and differences without shame

    • The importance of individualized support and asking children what they prefer or need

    • How to talk about stimming, sensory overload, fight-or-flight responses, and regulation in ways young kids can understand

    • Tips for sharing information with classmates (and when parent/child permission is needed)

    Bio:

    Andi Putt, also known as Mrs. Speechie P, is an Autistic Speech Language Pathologist specializing in team-based Autism evaluations and neuro-affirming support. She is dedicated to empowering families and helping Autistic children understand and embrace their authentic selves while also advocating for each individual's unique needs. When she's not advocating for others, you can find her indulging in a good book, planning her next travel adventure, procrastinating literally anything, or enjoying time with her family.

    Links:

    Andi's website: https://www.mrsspeechiep.com/

    Andi's resources for talking to children about autism: https://www.mrsspeechiep.com/shop-all

    Andi's IG account (@mrsspeechiep): https://www.instagram.com/mrsspeechiep/?hl=en

    Watch the YouTube version of this podcast episode here: https://youtu.be/8YA5QELKAnc?si=CcMulQitmKXs-Yfi

    You may also be interested in these supports:

    1. Visual Support Starter Set

    2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

    3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

    4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook
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    51 mins
  • #151 Why Connection Comes First for Autistic Kids

    #151 Why Connection Comes First for Autistic Kids
    Dec 2 2025

    In today's episode of The Autism Little Learners Podcast, I'm diving into one of the most meaningful parts of working with autistic preschoolers: connection. When we lead with compassion, honor sensory needs, and truly celebrate each child's unique way of being, we create the emotional safety that helps them learn, communicate, and thrive.

    I'm sharing why stepping out of "teacher mode," validating autistic play, and tapping into deep interests are essential for forming authentic relationships. If you're ready for simple, practical strategies that build trust, reduce overwhelm, and create joyful, neuroaffirming classrooms and homes, this episode is for you.

    • Building authentic connection creates a sense of emotional safety for autistic children.

    • Sensory and regulation needs must be supported before meaningful connection can occur.

    • A calm, steady adult presence helps children co-regulate and learn what regulation feels like.

    • Stepping out of "teacher mode" makes connection more natural and less overwhelming.

    • Autistic play is meaningful, valid, and should be honored rather than redirected.

    • Deep interests are powerful bridges for building trust, engagement, and communication.

    • Leading with compassion instead of compliance helps children feel seen, respected, and safe.

    • Joyful, neuroaffirming environments increase engagement and support learning.

    • Presuming competence communicates respect for all forms of communication and autonomy.

    • Prioritizing connection has long-term positive effects on confidence, engagement, and overall development.

    Links & Related Podcast Episodes

    • Episode 90: Autism & Play Culture with Dr. Pamela Wolfberg: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autism-little-learners-podcast/id1665404820?i=1000671411034

    • Blog: Strength-Based Approach For Teaching Autistic Children: https://autismlittlelearners.com/strength-based-approach/

    • Barry Prizant's book (Uniquely Human): https://amzn.to/3MjnpgF

    You may also be interested in these supports:

    • Visual Support Starter Set

    • Visual Supports Facebook Group

    • Autism Little Learners on Instagram

    • Autism Little Learners on Facebook
    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • Helping Kids Navigate Big Emotions with Calm, Connection, and Compassion with Sarah Habib

    Helping Kids Navigate Big Emotions with Calm, Connection, and Compassion with Sarah Habib
    Nov 25 2025
    This week, we're bringing you an encore episode featuring Sarah Habib, founder of The Calm Caterpillar — and it's one worth revisiting. Sarah's work has made a powerful impact on classrooms and families across the country, helping children (both neurodivergent and neurotypical) learn to regulate big emotions with simple, practical tools. In our conversation, Sarah shares how her calm corner kits, sensory supports, and breathing tools have transformed daily routines, reduced classroom disruptions, and created emotionally supportive spaces where kids can thrive. You'll also hear the incredible story of her work in Uvalde, Texas, and how she supported guidance counselors in building trauma-informed calm spaces for students. Whether you missed this episode the first time or you're listening again to soak up more ideas, this encore is filled with actionable, compassionate strategies for creating neurodiversity-affirming environments. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1kzqoTm_XGM Key Takeaways Emotional regulation is a teachable skill, especially when tools are introduced during calm moments. Consistency between home and school boosts success, as seen with the calm corner kits launched during the pandemic. Sensory-rich tools like weighted plushes and tactile breathing aids help children connect with their bodies and calm their nervous systems. Co-regulation from adults comes first — modeling calm responses helps children learn what regulation looks and feels like. Buddy Breathing is an accessible, no-material strategy that supports both neurotypical and neurodivergent children. Calm corners in classrooms empower kids to self-regulate and build independence. Understanding ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) is crucial for supporting emotional well-being. The Uvalde initiative highlights the power of community care and trauma-informed support. Schoolwide implementation works — The Calm Caterpillar program now serves students ages 2–18 across 45+ schools. Collaboration with educators and caregivers creates sustainable emotional support systems for children. This week, we're bringing you an encore episode featuring Sarah Habib, founder of The Calm Caterpillar — and it's one worth revisiting. Sarah's work has made a powerful impact on classrooms and families across the country, helping children (both neurodivergent and neurotypical) learn to regulate big emotions with simple, practical tools. In our conversation, Sarah shares how her calm corner kits, sensory supports, and breathing tools have transformed daily routines, reduced classroom disruptions, and created emotionally supportive spaces where kids can thrive. You'll also hear the incredible story of her work in Uvalde, Texas, and how she supported guidance counselors in building trauma-informed calm spaces for students. Whether you missed this episode the first time or you're listening again to soak up more ideas, this encore is filled with actionable, compassionate strategies for creating neurodiversity-affirming environments. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1kzqoTm_XGM Connect With Sarah: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thecalmcaterpillar/?hl=enWebsite: thecalmcaterpillar.comEmail: sarah@thecalmcaterpillar.com Resources Mentioned: ACES info: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/about.htmlACES info: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.understanding-how-adverse-childhood-experiences-aces-can-affect-children.acm1499The Calm Caterpillar products: https://thecalmcaterpillar.com/collections/shop-all Related Supports from Autism Little Learners: Visual Support Starter Set Visual Supports Facebook Group Autism Little Learners on Instagram Autism Little Learners on Facebook
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    26 mins
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