#146 - AAC & Gestalt Language Processors with Laura Hayes (Encore)
Today, we're revisiting one of your favorite episodes — my conversation with Laura Hayes, a speech-language pathologist who specializes in AAC and supports gestalt language processors. Laura brings so much insight, compassion, and practical wisdom to the topic of AAC — you are going to love everything she shares! If you missed this one the first time around (or even if you've heard it before), I encourage you to listen again — you'll walk away feeling inspired and equipped with new ideas you can use right away. Bio: Laura Hayes is a speech-language pathologist with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in both school and medical settings. She's presented at state, national, and international conferences, been published, and supported both inpatient pediatric and educational AAC research. Laura currently hosts a podcast for her school district called Innovative AAC Solutions, and she created an online course on gestalt language processing and AAC through Meaningful Speech. She has helped thousands of AAC users move toward autonomous, meaningful communication. In this encore episode, Laura and I dive into how to honor all forms of communication, presume competence, and model language in ways that truly empower our autistic students. Topics we cover: Laura's Journey & AAC Innovations: How her sister inspired her path and how she helps others through her AAC Innovations platform. Common Missteps in AAC: Why phrases like "say it on your talker" may do more harm than good — and what to say instead. The Power of Modeling: Why seeing adults model AAC helps children build authentic, autonomous communication. Presuming Competence: How believing in every child's potential transforms our approach to teaching communication. Gestalt Language Processing & AAC: Understanding how some children learn language in chunks and what that means for AAC support. Connect with Laura Hayes: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aac_innovations/ Resources Mentioned: Lily's Voice – Providing AAC devices for children in need: https://www.instagram.com/lillysvoice/ Meaningful Speech Course: AAC & Gestalt Language Processing The Role Of Perception In AAC (PrAACtical AAC) Stimming And AAC (YouTube) Key Takeaways: AAC support is a learning journey — and that's okay! Every child's language development looks different, and all communication attempts matter. Microlearning AAC strategies can build confidence for educators and caregivers over time.
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#145: AAC Devices in the Classroom: 3 Ways to Use Them Every Day
AAC devices give children access to communication all day long—not just during therapy or structured lessons. For many students in the special ed classroom, the key to success isn't just having an AAC communication device, but actually using it in meaningful, everyday contexts. This is especially true when we think about AAC device autism connections. Many autistic children benefit from consistent access to AAC, whether they are nonspeaking, minimally speaking, or have unreliable speech. Embedding AAC in daily routines ensures that communication is always possible. The good news? You don't need extra time or complicated materials to make this happen. With a little intention, you can build AAC use into the routines you're already doing. In this post, I'll share three simple, powerful ways to incorporate AAC devices into daily routines. Takeaways: AAC devices belong in daily routines, not just in therapy sessions. Real-life practice helps children learn communication more naturally. Embedding AAC into the special ed classroom shows students that their AAC communication device is a valid and reliable voice. Transitions are powerful practice opportunities—using an AAC device for autistic children during arrival, lining up, or clean-up builds consistency. Mealtime routines are motivating and perfect for modeling words like eat, drink, more, different, and don't like. Play and learning activities make communication fun—AAC devices can be used during block play, dramatic play, sensory bins, and art. Circle time is a group setting where AAC can shine and is ideal for modeling language. Families can use AAC at home during everyday routines like waking up, chores, family time, and bedtime. Taking AAC into the community—at grocery stores, restaurants, or playgrounds—gives children real-world practice and builds confidence. Related podcast episodes: #24 #96 #143 #144 You may also be interested in these supports: Visual Support Starter Set: www.autismlittlelearners.com/visuals Visual Supports Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3922278281209994/ Autism Little Learners on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/autismlittlelearners Autism Little Learners on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autismlittlelearners/ If you're enjoying the Autism Little Learners Podcast, I'd love for you to leave a rating and review—it helps more educators and parents find these conversations and join our community.
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#144: Robust AAC—Why There Are No Prerequisites
#143: Modeling AAC Without Expectation In The Classroom
Welcome back to the Autism Little Learners Podcast! Today we're diving into one of the most powerful strategies for supporting communication in young autistic children—modeling AAC. Just like children learn spoken language by hearing it all around them, AAC users need to see and hear their language modeled on their device or core board. In this episode, we'll talk about what modeling AAC is, why it matters, and how you can start using it in your daily routines—even if you don't have a high-tech device yet. We'll also bust some common myths, share practical tips for modeling without expectation, and explore how modeling goes far beyond just requesting—it's about helping kids express their feelings, build confidence, and connect with the people around them. So let's jump in and discover how you can make communication accessible, joyful, and empowering through the simple practice of modeling AAC. Takeaways: There are no prerequisites to robust AAC—all children deserve access to communication right now. Modeling AAC means pairing spoken words with symbols on a device or core board to show how language works. Modeling without expectation is key—input matters more than immediate output. Consistent modeling builds language growth, confidence, and autonomy for AAC users. Myths debunked: AAC doesn't stop speech, it doesn't confuse children, and you don't need to be a tech expert to model. Start small: choose one routine (like snack or play) and model 1–2 high-frequency core words. If you don't have a device yet, you can begin with core boards to give children access now. Remember, progress over perfection—every modeled word is a seed planted toward communication success. Links & Related Podcast Episodes: Free core board: www.autismlittlelearners.com/visuals Episode #96: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autism-little-learners-podcast/id1665404820?i=1000676636848 Episode #24: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autism-little-learners-podcast/id1665404820?i=1000618489743
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#142 - Sensory Friendly Clothes For Autistic Kids
Today on the Autism Little Learners Podcast, I'm joined by Julia DeNey, founder of Sensational You—a brand dedicated to creating adaptive clothing for children with sensory differences. Julia's journey is such an inspiring one. She started in the world of fashion, but it was her time working in special education that opened her eyes to just how much sensory needs can impact a child's ability to learn and thrive. Sensory friendly clothes can make everyday life easier for autistic kids. In this episode, learn how adaptive clothing supports comfort, confidence, and learning. I can't wait for you to hear this conversation! Takeaways Julia's background in fashion led her to create Sensational You. Sensory needs can significantly impact children's learning. Adaptive clothing can help minimize sensory irritations. Real-life feedback from families is crucial for product development. The importance of understanding dysregulation in children. Innovative designs include built-in sensory tools. Community support has been vital for Sensational You's growth. The future vision includes a wider range of sensory-friendly products. Adaptive fashion should be accessible in mainstream stores. Sensory-friendly solutions are becoming more recognized in society. Bio & Links Julia DeNey studied Fashion Design at Cornell University and later worked as a special-education paraprofessional with autistic students. Combining her design expertise with her classroom experience, she founded Sense-ational You, an adaptive clothing brand that supports individuals with autism, ADHD, and sensory sensitivities. https://shopsenseationalyou.com/ https://shopsenseationalyou.com/pages/back-to-school-sensory-checklist https://www.instagram.com/senseational_you/ https://www.tiktok.com/@senseational_you Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sensational You 02:52 The Journey from Fashion to Sensory Solutions 05:49 Understanding Sensory Needs in Education 08:40 Innovative Adaptive Clothing Designs 11:31 Real-Life Impact of Sensory Clothing 14:15 Feedback and Community Support 17:19 Future Vision for Sensational You 20:15 Conclusion and Resources You may also be interested in these supports: Visual Support Starter Set: www.autismlittlelearners.com/visuals Visual Supports Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3922278281209994/ Autism Little Learners on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/autismlittlelearners Autism Little Learners on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autismlittlelearners/ If you're enjoying the Autism Little Learners Podcast, I'd love for you to leave a rating and review—it helps more educators and parents find these conversations and join our community.
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:
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🌐 Website: autismlittlelearners.com
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