Enjoying the podcast? Leave a kind review to help others find this show :) To learn more about Nicole or download freebies, read blog, and dive into our courses and workbooks, visit www.childled.org This conversation delves into the concept of joint attention, particularly in the context of autistic children. Nicole Casey discusses how traditional views on joint attention often overlook the diverse ways in which autistic children engage and communicate. She emphasizes the importance of understanding joint attention as a shared experience rather than a set of behaviors to be taught. The discussion also critiques the use of strategies like sabotage, advocating instead for a child-led approach that fosters trust and connection. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the significance of engagement and the need to adapt our understanding of communication to better support autistic individuals. This podcast is reviewed by our team member, Meghann Beaton, who is an autistic adult. Meghann provides feedback and recommended edits priort to releasing our episodes to help ensure our content remains aligned with neuroaffirming principles and lived experience. We are deeply grateful for her insights, which continue to shape this space into one that centers safety, connection, and authentic communication.
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4. Is Movement the Key to Communication for Autistic Kids?
Get 15% off The Informed SLP Subscription from now through 4/30 with code CHILDLED here Download the FREE Movement Guide here! To learn more or to connect with Nicole, visit: www.childled.org In this episode, Nicole Casey explores the intersection of neuroscience and autism, particularly focusing on the concept of embodied learning. She emphasizes the importance of movement in the learning process for autistic students, arguing that traditional methods of requiring stillness can hinder their ability to engage and communicate. Nicole shares personal experiences and practical strategies for incorporating movement into educational settings, highlighting the need for a child-led approach that respects individual sensory needs. The episode concludes with a call to rethink how movement is integrated into learning, advocating for a more holistic understanding of communication and connection. Takeaways: Embodied learning emphasizes a whole body approach to learning. Movement is essential for autistic students to feel safe and engaged. Traditional methods of requiring stillness can be counterproductive. Allowing children to lead in movement can enhance learning. Movement should be integrated throughout the day, not just as breaks. Play should include gross motor activities that promote connection. Modeling language during movement is more effective than interrupting play. Creating a safe environment for movement fosters trust and communication. Rethinking classroom rules can benefit autistic students' learning. Trust is foundational for communication to develop. This podcast is reviewed by an autistic adult, Meghann Beaton, to help ensure our content remains aligned with neuroaffirming principles and lived experience. We are deeply grateful for her insights, which continue to shape this space into one that centers safety, connection, and authentic communication.
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3. Feeling Judged for Your Child-Led Approach? Here's How to Navigate Criticism With Confidence and Compassion!
In this episode, Nicole Casey shares her experiences of being questioned and criticized in her child-led approach to therapy for autistic students. She discusses the challenges she faced early in her career, the importance of flexibility in therapy, and how to stand up for your methods. Nicole emphasizes the value of a child-led approach, the need for confidence in your methods, and how to respond to pushback with compassion. She encourages listeners to trust themselves and their approaches, even when faced with criticism. Takeaways When trying something new, expect to be questioned. Flexibility in therapy can lead to better engagement. It's important to stand up for your approach. Not everyone will agree with your methods. Building confidence takes time and experience. Understanding different perspectives can help in discussions. A child-led approach is effective and valuable. Responding to criticism with compassion is key. Trust yourself and your methods. You don't need to convince everyone of your approach. To learn more, visit: https://www.instagram.com/thechildledslp/ www.childled.org This podcast is reviewed by an autistic adult, Meghann Beaton, to help ensure our content remains aligned with neuroaffirming principles and lived experience. We are deeply grateful for her insights, which continue to shape this space into one that centers safety, connection, and authentic communication.
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2. Feeling Drained? Here's Why You Don't Have to Actually Be "On" All The Time!
Download the FREE guide to understanding how you show up for your autistic students here! In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the challenges faced by speech therapists, particularly when working with autistic students. She highlights the performative nature of therapy sessions, where therapists feel the need to entertain and engage students at a high energy level. Nicole emphasizes the importance of authentic communication and co-regulation, advocating for a shift away from performance-based interactions to more genuine connections that allow for natural communication. She shares personal experiences and insights on how to better meet the needs of students without the pressure of constant performance. Takeaways: Being a speech therapist can feel like a chaotic performance. Real progress in therapy is not about exhaustion. Communication should feel natural, not performative. Engagement with autistic students doesn't always require high energy. Therapists often feel pressured to be productive in every session. Silence can be a productive part of therapy. Authenticity leads to better communication outcomes. Co-regulation is key to connecting with students. Meeting students where they are enhances engagement. Therapy should focus on building connections, not entertaining. Here's the reel posted by @practicallyspeeching on instagram that made me laugh: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFLvSqvRXm1/ Visit my website to learn more, check out freebies, and explore courses and downloads: www.childled.org
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1. What to Do When Your Autistic Students Aren't Making Progress
In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the challenges faced by parents and professionals in supporting autistic children, particularly when traditional therapy methods fail to yield meaningful progress. She shares personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique communication needs of autistic individuals. The discussion highlights the limitations of compliance-driven therapy models and advocates for a shift towards child-led and neuroaffirming approaches that prioritize connection and engagement. Nicole also identifies common mistakes in therapy delivery and offers practical strategies for creating a supportive environment that fosters meaningful communication and progress. takeaways It's common to feel like your efforts aren't working. Social media can create unrealistic expectations for therapists. Traditional therapy strategies often don't support meaningful communication. Child-led and play-based approaches can be more effective. Therapy should focus on the child's interests and needs. Setting meaningful goals is crucial for progress. Dysregulation can hinder learning and communication. Multimodal communication should be recognized and honored. Creating a safe and low-pressure environment is essential. Small shifts in approach can lead to significant improvements. To learn more, visit www.childled.org
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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