In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Garrett, a special education teacher from the UK and the creator behind Sensory Classroom. We talk about what it really takes to support autistic students with high support needs—especially during group time. Jordan shares how success isn't about getting everyone to sit and comply, but about building trust, meeting sensory needs, and creating a safe, engaging space where students can come and go as they’re ready. From empowering teaching assistants to embracing the messy, beautiful moments of connection, this conversation is full of encouragement for anyone supporting young autistic learners.

Bio

Jordan is a Specialist Education Teacher in the UK. She works with minimally speaking autistic and PMLD pupils aged 3-11. She has been teaching SEND for over 15 years and has a passion for teaching through sensory-based practices.

Links

Website: https://www.sensoryclassroom.org/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sensoryclass

FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/12GJEC6CtKK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sensoryclassroom?si=8m3kfc5KrsElJB3n

TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensoryclass?_t=ZN-8ufHEg4949W&_r=1

Podcast: https://sensoryclassroom.org/pages/podcast

Takeaways

• Micro-trainings are effective for paraprofessionals and teaching assistants

• Sensory regulation is crucial for effective communication and learning.

• Success in special education is not about compliance but about connection and engagement.

• Lessons should be flexible and responsive to students' needs.

• Modeling behaviors and strategies is essential for teaching assistants.

• Creating a safe and engaging environment fosters better learning outcomes.

• Intuitive teaching can lead to more meaningful connections with students.

• Patience is key and results may take time.

• Building relationships with students is fundamental to their success.

• Creating a safe space fosters trust and engagement.

• Engagement can be measured through moments of connection.

• Songs and music can enhance predictability and comfort in learning.

• Predictability helps reduce anxiety in new environments.

• Group sessions should be short and engaging to maintain interest.

• Every child is unique, requiring tailored approaches to learning.
  
  

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

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Hayley Crane about supporting autistic and ADHD learners in ways that are truly affirming and compassionate. We dive into how visual supports and predictable routines can reduce anxiety, ease transitions, and help kids feel more confident and secure throughout their day.

We also explore what to do when power struggles pop up, how to better understand the emotional fatigue that can follow a long day of navigating demands, and the importance of flexibility and connection in our interactions. Hayley and I talk about why it’s helpful to reduce verbal demands—like asking fewer questions and making more observations—and how honoring each child’s deep interests can boost engagement and build trust.

This conversation is packed with real-world strategies for educators and parents, along with gentle reminders to care for yourself as you care for your students or children. It’s all about creating supportive, responsive environments where autistic kids can thrive.

Bio: Dr. Hayley Crain is a clinical psychologist, adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and mom of two. She blends personal lived experience with clinical expertise to support neurodivergent kids and their families through inclusive, practical strategies.

Dr. Crain holds a doctorate from The Chicago School and a master’s from Columbia University. She’s worked with top institutions across the U.S., including the CDC’s SEED study, the May Institute, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and the Waisman Center. Now back in her hometown, she runs Haven Psychology, offering neuroaffirming therapy, coaching, and assessments—always with empathy, real-life tools, and a touch of humor, informed by her own experiences with ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety.

Links:

Dr. Hayley Crain’s website: https://www.drhayleycrain.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/drhayleycrain/

Takeaways

• Power struggles can be minimized by picking battles wisely.

• Flexibility is crucial in supporting neurodivergent children.

• Understanding behavior as communication is key to effective support.

• Using interests can enhance engagement and learning.

• Transitions can be challenging for neurodivergent children.

• Visual supports can aid in understanding routines and transitions.

• Acknowledging a child's protest is important for their communication.

• Creating a supportive environment can reduce anxiety during transitions.

• Visual supports can be crucial for helping children transition smoothly.

• Predictable routines can create a sense of security for kids.

• An All Done Bucket is a valuable tool for ending activities.

• Repetition and visual cues are essential for memory retention in children.

• After school restraint collapse is a common experience for neurodivergent children.

• Teaching executive functioning skills can start at a young age.

• Connecting with children can be done without asking questions.

• Less talking can lead to better engagement with children.

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

In this episode, I sit down with Polina Shkadron, a speech-language pathologist who specializes in autism, ADHD, and ARFID. We dive into her journey into feeding therapy and explore what’s really going on beneath the surface when kids struggle with eating. Polina shares how trust, autonomy, and regulation play a huge role in building positive food experiences.

We talk about the impact of fear and anxiety on eating, the importance of honoring a child’s identity and sensory needs, and how small, playful routines can make a big difference. If you’ve ever wondered how to support a child beyond the “just take a bite” approach, this conversation is for you.

Bio

Today on the podcast, I’m thrilled to be joined by Polina Shkadron. Polina is a trauma-certified speech-language pathologist and an expert in communication and feeding, with a specialization in autism, ADHD, and ARFID. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in compassion and brain-based research, which gives her a unique and powerful perspective on language, learning, and behavior.

With over 15 years of experience supporting neurodivergent children, Polina helps families understand the why behind their struggles and gently guides them toward more connected, trusting relationships. She brings play into her sessions not just as an activity, but as a meaningful tool for emotional regulation, communication, and healing. I can’t wait for you to hear her insights in this conversation.

Takeaways

• Polina Shkadron specializes in autism, ADHD, and ARFID.

• ARFID is more than picky eating.

• Trust and autonomy are crucial in helping children with feeding differences.

• Children may choose hunger over discomfort from food.

• Language around food can impact children's willingness to try new things.

• Therapy should focus on building trust and understanding individual needs.

• Self-regulation plays a significant role in eating behaviors.

• Parents' anxieties can affect children's eating experiences.

• Recognizing readiness is key to successful feeding interventions.

• Fear impacts our digestive system and hunger.

• Shame should be removed from eating habits.

• Neutral reactions from parents can foster a positive environment.

• Mealtime should not solely focus on food challenges.

• Introducing new foods can be done through play.

• Building trust is essential in food experiences.

• The experience of food preparation can enhance curiosity.

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

This week on the Autism Little Learners Podcast, I’m resharing one of my favorite episodes with Destiny Huff — and trust me, if you missed it the first time, now’s your chance to tune in!

We dive into all things IEPs — with a focus on accommodations and modifications that are truly neurodiversity-affirming. I know so many of us are working hard to write IEPs that are strengths-based and aligned with our values. This conversation will leave you inspired and more confident in doing just that.

Destiny also shares such powerful insight about partnering with advocates. Instead of viewing them as adversaries, how can we team up and work toward shared goals? 🙌 This replay is full of real talk and practical takeaways.

Topics We Cover: • Accommodations vs modifications on IEPs
• Examples of ND-affirming accommodations
• Challenging behavior: FBA’s vs. accommodations
• How to find out what a child responds to best at home
• Viewing advocates as allies, not adversaries

Bio:

Destiny Huff, MS, LPC, CPCS is a late-diagnosed Autistic-ADHD military spouse, doctoral candidate, and mother of two neurodivergent boys. She runs a private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapist (TF-CBT) in the Mental Health field. She also runs Destiny Huff Consulting and is a Neuroaffirming Special Education Parent Advocate and IEP Coach who helps parents advocate for their neurodivergent learners at the IEP table and provides training on Autism, ADHD, and neuroaffirming practices to organizations.

Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinyhuff_iep_advocate/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086179467473

Website: https://www.destinyhuffconsulting.com/

Watch this interview on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/EY9oWxtVcLo?si=mL-topZos_vy_Vep

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

Do you need some ideas for morning meeting or circle time? I have special educator Jenn Adams here to share some awesome tips for an engaging morning meeting! Jenn talks about the significance of building routines, differentiating instruction, and using creative strategies to enhance communication and engagement among students with diverse needs. We also chat about the significance of teamwork, problem-solving activities, and the need to adapt morning meetings to engage diverse learners.

Bio

Jenn Adams is a seasoned special education teacher and the creative force behind Teach Love Autism. With 17 years of teaching experience, Jenn has dedicated her career to supporting students with autism and other special needs. Her passion for creating engaging, functional, and age-appropriate resources led her to develop a wealth of materials that empower educators and enrich the learning experiences of diverse learners.

Throughout her career, Jenn has emphasized the importance of incorporating communication into daily routines, utilizing visual aids, and providing positive reinforcement to support speech and language development. She also advocates for the use of errorless learning strategies to build student confidence and minimize errors during skill acquisition. Her commitment to sharing effective teaching strategies and resources has made Teach Love Autism a valuable platform for educators seeking innovative approaches to special education.

Links

Teach Love Autism website: https://teachloveautism.com/

Teach Love Autism Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachloveautism/?hl=en

Teach Love Autism Teachers Pay Teachers Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/teach-love-autism

Takeaways

• Morning meetings set the tone for the day

• Predictability in routines helps reduce anxiety for students

• Differentiation is crucial in teaching diverse learners

• Creative greetings can enhance student engagement

• Modeling communication without pressure is effective

• Incorporating academic skills into morning meetings is beneficial

• Building stamina in students is essential for longer group activities

• Modeling is crucial for helping students grasp new ideas

• Non-speaking students require tailored communication strategies

• Refining morning meetings can improve student engagement

• Differentiate instruction based on students' diverse needs

• Incorporating core vocabulary benefits all students, not just those with communication devices

• It's important to take a step back and reassess teaching strategies

• Creating a supportive environment fosters better communication among students

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

This week on the Autism Little Learners Podcast, I'm bringing back a powerful and important conversation with Emily Byers Chaney, SLP — and it felt like the perfect time to revisit it during Autism Acceptance Month. 💛

Have you ever found yourself wondering things like:
• What does it mean to be neurodiversity-affirming?
• Why do many autistic children have pronoun reversals?
• What is gestalt language processing?
• Why should we honor protests from autistic children?
• Why aren’t WH-question goals always appropriate for young autistic students?

If these questions spark your curiosity, this episode is for YOU. Emily shares so many invaluable insights that every educator, therapist, and caregiver of young autistic children should hear.

Emily is the Speech and Language Program Director at the Pediatric Therapy Playhouse in LA, has been published in ASHA’s national magazine, and specializes in gestalt language processing and neurodiversity-affirming therapy. She’s trained in Floortime, PROMPT, Hanen’s It Takes Two to Talk and More Than Words, Natural Language Acquisition, and more!

Topics Discussed:

•What it means to be neurodiversity-affirming

•Pronoun reversals and autism

•What is gestalt language processing?

•Why WH question goals aren’t always appropriate for gestalt language processors

•Modeling AAC without expectation

•Learning through play-based approaches vs. compliance-based approaches

•Building connections with autistic students

•Why planned ignoring doesn’t work

•Honoring protesting

Where You Can Find Emily:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/ndaffirming.slp/

Watch this interview on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/cBTM0Y7aonQ?si=oOyRgo0ZVrdkrbHr

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

We're bringing back this powerful episode because this topic is that important.

Have you heard of PDA? How about autism and PDA?
PDA stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance, and it’s a term you’re likely hearing more and more in the autism community.

This conversation with Casey Ehrlich, Ph.D. was eye-opening, informative, and deeply validating. If you're a parent or educator supporting an autistic child who seems to resist or avoid everyday demands, this episode is a must-listen.

Whether it's your first time hearing it or a refresher, don’t miss this one. It could change how you see and support your child or student.

Topics Discussed:

• What is PDA?
• Characteristics of PDA
• PDA and the nervous system
• Autism and PDA
• Why typical teaching strategies don’t work
• How autonomy can help
• What is “strewing” and how can it help PDA kids?
• Strategies to support autistic PDA children

Watch this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lUlAEeb_xxM?si=wyKBwX2yL1lAFRsE

Links Mentioned In This Episode:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/atpeaceparents/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/atpeaceparents

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@atpeaceparents

At Peace Parents Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-peace-parents-podcast/id1654924910

Here is the link to Casey’s free Clarity Masterclass: https://www.atpeaceparents.com/opt-in-eec01613-fd48-49bd-a608-6b9ffd19588b

Website: www.atpeaceparents.com

Declarative Language Handbook: https://amzn.to/41WJPsn

Adult PDAers mentioned by Casey:

@rabbishoshana - Shoshana Meira Friedman

@demi.not.lovato - Demi Burnett

@kendahldamashek - Kendahl Damashek

@in.play.we.trust - Katherine Aurora Callahan

@neuroclastic

Sally Cat on Facebook

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

In this episode of the Autism Little Learners podcast, we dive into the shift from autism awareness to autism acceptance, emphasizing the importance of listening to autistic voices.

We explore the history of autism, the evolution of diagnostic criteria, and the rise of the neurodiversity movement, which advocates for the acceptance of neurological differences as a natural part of human diversity.

The significance of neurodiversity-affirming practices in education and therapy is also addressed as we aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for autistic children.

Takeaways

• Autism awareness has shifted to autism acceptance.

• Listening to autistic voices is crucial for understanding.

• The puzzle piece symbol implies something is missing.

• Masking can harm the mental health of autistic individuals.

• Autism acceptance promotes inclusion and support.

• Neurodiversity is a valuable aspect of human diversity.

• Strengths of neurodivergent individuals should be celebrated.

• The neurodiversity movement challenges traditional views.

• Identity first language respects autistic individuals.

• Neurodiversity affirming practices enhance support for autistic people.

Links to learn more from autistic adults:

• https://www.jordynzimmerman.com/

• https://autisticadvocacy.org/