26. The Ripple Effect of Better Goals: How to Write What Truly Reflects Progress (+ Join the Free Workshop)
Join our free Rubric workshop- happening TOMORROW at 7 PM EST! In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the challenges of writing meaningful goals in therapy, particularly for autistic students. She emphasizes the importance of aligning goals with therapeutic approaches and using dynamic assessments and rubric-based documentation to capture authentic progress. Nicole provides strategies for confidently defending these methods in conversations with administrators and highlights the need for a shift in how progress is measured to better support students' communication development. Takeaways Conversations about student goals can be challenging. Goals often don't reflect actual progress seen in therapy. It's important to align goals with therapeutic approaches. Dynamic assessment can provide more meaningful data. Rubric-based goals offer a clearer picture of progress. Measurable goals should reflect real-life communication needs. Testing and intervention should not be conflated. Collaboration among team members enhances data collection. Rubrics can help prevent vague or overloaded goals. Confidence in goal writing can improve outcomes for students. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Goal Conversations in Therapy 03:45 The Importance of Meaningful Goals 09:32 Dynamic Assessment and Rubric-Based Goals 14:42 Defending Your Goal Writing Approach 29:11 The Future of Goal Writing in Therapy goal writing, therapy, rubric-based goals, dynamic assessment, meaningful progress, autism, communication, IEP goals, data collection, child-led approach
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25. Can They Just Be Kids? The Datafication of Autistic Childhood
Join the FREE Rubric Reset Workshop, live on November 12: Grab your free ticket here >> REGISTER NOW In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the unique challenges faced by autistic children in relation to their childhood experiences. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the balance between therapy and allowing children to simply be kids. The conversation highlights the need for unstructured time, the impact of excessive therapy, and the significance of quality over quantity in therapeutic approaches. Nicole encourages parents and professionals to prioritize the well-being and happiness of autistic children, advocating for a more holistic view of childhood that includes joy and relaxation alongside skill development. Takeaways: Autistic children experience childhood differently than neurotypical children. Progress in therapy is not always linear and can fluctuate based on a child's emotional state. Parents should sometimes reframe their perspective on their child's behavior to see it as part of being human. Excessive therapy can lead to burnout and detract from a child's ability to simply enjoy childhood. Quality of therapy is more important than the quantity of hours spent in therapy. Children need unstructured time to play and explore without therapeutic demands. Rest and downtime are essential for both children and families. Parents should trust their instincts about what is best for their child. Therapists should be mindful of the impact of their recommendations on a child's childhood. Childhood should be a time for joy, exploration, and connection, not just therapy. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Childhood for Autistic Kids 07:18 The Impact of Therapy on Childhood 14:30 Quality Over Quantity in Therapy 22:30 Balancing Structure and Freedom 30:35 The Importance of Rest and Unstructured Time autism, childhood, therapy, gestalt language processing, parenting, neurodiversity, child development, mental health, unstructured play, balance
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24. The Real Reason Goal Writing Sucks (and What to Do About It)
Join the FREE Rubric Reset Workshop, live on November 12: Grab your free ticket here >> REGISTER NOW In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the challenges of writing effective goals for autistic students, emphasizing the limitations of traditional goal writing systems. She introduces rubrics as a solution to create individualized, meaningful, and measurable goals that reflect the child's needs. The conversation highlights the importance of moving away from compliance-based goals and focusing on authentic progress. Nicole also invites listeners to join her free Rubric Reset Workshop, where they can learn to implement this new approach in their practice. Takeaways: Goal writing can feel overwhelming and frustrating. It's common to feel like goal writing is a personal struggle. Traditional goal writing often doesn't reflect the child's needs. The education system's limitations impact goal writing. Compliance-based goals can hinder authentic progress. Rubrics can streamline the goal writing process. Individualization is key to effective goal setting. Progress should be measured in a meaningful way. Rubrics allow for capturing nuanced communication skills. Advocacy is essential for changing the goal writing system. Chapters 00:00 The Struggles of Goal Writing 02:47 Understanding the System's Flaws 06:05 The Compliance Trap in Goal Writing 08:46 Introducing Rubrics as a Solution 12:03 The Importance of Individualization 14:59 Measuring Progress Beyond Compliance 17:50 The Rubric Framework Explained 21:03 Capturing Authentic Progress 23:52 Implementing Rubrics in Practice 26:47 Preparing for the Rubric Reset Workshop goal writing, autistic students, rubrics, compliance, individualized education, therapy, progress measurement, child-led therapy, IEP, education system
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23. The Worst Goals for Autistic Students (As Told By Autistic Adults)
In this conversation, Nicole Casey explores the discomfort surrounding the topic of therapy goals for autistic children, emphasizing the importance of listening to autistic voices. She discusses the harmful nature of compliance-based goals, such as suppressing stimming and forcing eye contact, and advocates for a shift towards neuroaffirming, child-led therapy that prioritizes the child's needs and experiences. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration among therapy teams and the importance of empowering autistic individuals to advocate for themselves. Takeaways: Discomfort can be a sign of growth and learning for us as professionals. Listening to autistic voices is crucial in therapy. Many traditional therapy goals can be harmful. Suppressing stimming can hinder a child's regulation. Eye contact is not necessary for effective communication. Goals should focus on the child's needs, not compliance. Neurotypical expectations can be limiting for autistic individuals. Empowering children to self-advocate is essential. Therapy should honor the child's authentic self. Shifting from compliance to connection can change lives.
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22. What to do When an Autistic Child is Not Engaging With Us
In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the challenges therapists face when children disengage during sessions. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the reasons behind disengagement, advocating for a child-led approach, and recognizing signs of fatigue or burnout. Nicole shares strategies for managing disengagement, building trust with families, and reframing engagement. She encourages therapists to shift their mindset, prioritize connection, and be present with the child, even in quieter sessions. The conversation concludes with practical tips for therapists to enhance their practice and foster meaningful connections with their clients. Disengagement is a common experience in therapy sessions. It's important to understand the reasons behind a child's disengagement. Child-led therapy focuses on following the child's lead. Recognizing signs of fatigue can help tailor sessions effectively. Effective communication with families is crucial for understanding the child's needs. Therapists should prioritize building trust and connection with their clients. Not every session will be filled with engagement; that's okay. Therapists should reframe their understanding of engagement and disengagement. Mindset shifts can enhance a therapist's effectiveness in sessions. Practicing patience and presence can lead to meaningful connections.
Hosted by Nicole Casey, speech-language pathologist and founder of The Child-Led SLP, Let Them Lead is the go-to podcast for professionals and caregivers who want to support autistic kids with respect, trust, and connection.
Each week, we explore child-led, neuroaffirming approaches to communication, play, and therapy—centered around the belief that autistic kids deserve communication partners who honor and support them holistically. Whether you're navigating gestalt language processing, AAC, sensory differences, or just want to break free from compliance-based systems, you're in the right place.
You'll hear honest conversations, practical strategies, and plenty of real-life examples to help you unlearn old habits and confidently support the kids you love or work with. No behavior charts. No rigid protocols. Just curiosity, compassion, and the freedom to follow your autistic child's lead.
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