How can I help my autistic student or child? Where can I find resources to teach my preschool-age students with autism? My child was given the autism diagnosi...
#113 - Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) With Dr. Taylor Day
In today’s episode, I’ll be discussing Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) with Dr. Taylor Day. The conversation explores the drive for autonomy in children with PDA, the impact of the fight or flight response, and effective strategies for supporting these children in educational and home settings. Dr. Tay advocates for a nuanced approach to parenting and teaching that respects children's autonomy while maintaining necessary boundaries. Buckle up, because you are going to learn so much today! Bio: Dr. Taylor Day is a licensed psychologist specializing in neuroaffirming care for autistic children and their families, including very early diagnosis and early intervention. She has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is the CEO and founder of Dr. Tay Concierge Clinical Care. Her practice integrates The Whole Family Approach, a process she created utilizing evidence-informed principles after seeing a gap in autism care. Her passion for child psychology and her focus on autism is in many ways tied to her own personal experience growing up with a brother who was diagnosed at 23 months of age. Links: Dr. Tay’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.dr.tay/ Dr. Tay’s Website: https://drtaylorday.com Evolve Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolve-with-dr-tay-the-podcast-for-parents-of-autistic-kids/id1659784037 Takeaways ● PDA is not a well-defined diagnosis but a theorized profile of autism. ● Understanding the nervous system's response is crucial in addressing PDA behaviors. ● Children with PDA often seek autonomy and challenge authority. ● Traditional parenting models may not work for children with PDA. ● Collecting data on behaviors helps identify effective interventions. ● Low demand approaches can be beneficial but must be balanced with boundaries. ● Collaboration among adults is key to supporting children with PDA. ● Recognizing the human behind the behavior fosters better relationships. ● Teaching skills for autonomy is essential for long-term success. ● Empowering children with choices enhances their learning experience. ● Focusing on mastery over repetition can reduce stress for students. ● Parents' insights about their children should be valued and respected. ● The educational system needs to adapt to individual needs rather than enforcing rigid rules. ● Connection and trust are fundamental in supporting children with challenging behaviors. 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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#112 - ARFID And Autism With Lauren Sharifi
In this episode, I talked to Lauren Sharifi about Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), its definition, and subtypes. We also discussed the challenges faced by individuals with ARFID, particularly in educational settings. Lauren shares insights on identifying early signs of ARFID in children, the impact of sensory issues, and strategies for supporting children with ARFID in a way that respects their individual needs and experiences. The discussion emphasizes the importance of validating experiences, accommodating sensory preferences, and engaging parents and educators in understanding ARFID. Bio: Lauren Sharifi is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based in Massachusetts with a virtual private practice specializing in Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). She offers both individual and group support for adults, teens, and caregivers navigating ARFID. Lauren is also dedicated to expanding access to neurodivergent-affirming resources and care for those with ARFID. Lauren shares educational and informational resources on neurodivergent-affirming care on her website LaurenSharifi.com as well as on social media @arfid.dietitian. Takeaways · ARFID is a recognized disorder that often co-occurs with neurodivergent conditions. · There are three subtypes of ARFID: low interest, sensory, and fear-based. · Early signs of ARFID include extreme sensory reactions and avoidance behaviors. · Educators should create a safe and accommodating environment for children with ARFID. · Sensory issues can significantly impact a child's relationship with food. · ARFID can manifest differently in each individual, making personalized approaches essential. · Validation of a child's experience is crucial in supporting them with ARFID. · Parents should be encouraged to provide safe foods without judgment. · It's important to avoid commenting on what children eat to reduce anxiety. · Support from dietitians can help parents navigate their child's nutritional needs. Links Lauren's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arfid.dietitian/ Lauren's Links: https://linktr.ee/Arfid.dietitian?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZWEYbWCldRceVOWum96BW6K8e3Fdd5VRDR8DUI-BPVgzKEiDVZuyEsxOE_aem_clHJHKYcOIXvW5LaJBAq-w 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
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#111 - Autism & Behavior: A Compassionate Approach To Stress Responses
This episode explores the profound impact of stress on autistic children, emphasizing the need for compassionate approaches to behavior management. It highlights the importance of understanding behaviors as forms of communication, the necessity of self-advocacy, and the creation of supportive environments that cater to the unique needs of autistic individuals. The discussion provides practical strategies for educators and caregivers to foster emotional regulation, validate feelings, and promote effective communication. Takeaways Behavior is deeply tied to stress, especially for autistic children. Stressful environments can exacerbate behavioral challenges. Understanding behaviors as communication is crucial. Compassion-based approaches prioritize understanding unmet needs. Traditional compliance-focused methods can harm emotional well-being. Self-advocacy is essential for autistic individuals' safety. Protests are valid forms of communication. Creating predictable routines helps reduce anxiety. Co-regulation is vital for emotional management. Effective communication tools empower autistic children Links Research article #1: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6061115/ Research article #2: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3245359/ Calming Kit for preschoolers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calm-Down-Kit-For-Calming-Corner-In-Special-Education-8140160 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
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#110 - Trauma-Informed Feeding For Autistic Children with Erin Forward
In this episode of the Autism Little Learners podcast, I talked to Erin Forward, a speech pathologist specializing in trauma-informed feeding. Erin shares her journey and passion for working with neurodivergent children, emphasizing the importance of understanding trauma in feeding therapy. She discusses the principles of trauma-informed care, the nuances of each child's feeding experience, and the significance of building trust and engagement. The conversation highlights the need for a shift in feeding therapy practices to better support children and their caregivers. Erin discusses the complexities of pediatric feeding disorders, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care and the role of caregivers in creating supportive mealtime environments. She highlights the need for understanding children's cues, the significance of allowing children to feel safe and in control during meals, and the necessity of slowing down to foster a positive feeding experience. The discussion also touches on the educational aspect of feeding and the importance of recognizing individual needs in children, particularly those with trauma or neurodiversity. Bio Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP, CLC is a speech-language pathologist and certified lactation counselor. Erin works as an SLP at a private practice She has advanced training in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, early language, AAC, and trauma, specifically for medically complex children. Erin holds an Expert DIR®Floortime Provider Certification and is a TBRI® Trained Practitioner. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor's degree in CSD and Psychology and graduated from the University of South Carolina with her Master's in Speech Pathology. She is the co-host of "First Bite: A Speech Therapy Podcast" with Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, where she shares her experiences and evidenced-based practices from her time working in early intervention/home health, NICU/PICU, GI clinic, and outpatient clinic settings. Erin truly values building relationships and helping a child be their authentic self. Links First Bite Podcast: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/podcast?name=Firstbite Erin Forward's Website & Course: https://www.erinforwardslp.com Takeaways · Feeding therapy must be individualized for each child. · Trauma-informed care includes principles like safety and trust. · Children learn about food similarly to how they learn about toys. · Building trust with caregivers is essential for feeding success. · Children need to feel safe before they can explore new foods. · Engagement and communication can lead to feeding progress. · Understanding a child's unique cues is vital in therapy. · The relationship between therapist and child is key to success. · Feeding Matters is crucial for early identification of feeding disorders. · Understanding the psychosocial aspects of feeding is essential. · Children need to feel safe and in control during mealtime. · A dysregulated adult cannot help a dysregulated child. · Children should have access to their safe foods without earning them. · Caregivers must recognize their own feeding-related trauma. · Creating a safe mealtime environment is vital for progress. 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
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#109 - Why Are Transitions So Hard For Autistic Kids?
Transitions are a natural part of any day—whether it’s moving from playtime to circle time, transitioning to lunch, or ending a fun activity to go home. While many children find transitions challenging, they can be particularly difficult for autistic kids. What may seem like a simple shift to others can feel overwhelming, disorienting, and even distressing for autistic kids. Today I’m going to talk about why transitions are hard for autistic children and provide actionable strategies to support them. By understanding the underlying challenges and implementing thoughtful solutions, we can make transitions smoother and less stressful for everyone involved. Takeaways Autistic children thrive on routine and consistency. Transitions can create anxiety due to unpredictability. Sensory changes during transitions can be overwhelming. Executive functioning challenges make shifting attention difficult. Emotional attachments to activities can lead to distress during transitions. Monotropism allows for deep learning and creativity. Visual schedules can help children anticipate transitions. Empathy and validation are crucial during difficult transitions. Video modeling is an effective tool for teaching transitions. Building predictable routines can ease transition anxiety. Links Video Modeling Guide: www.autismlittlelearners.com/video Blog post about video modeling: https://autismlittlelearners.com/autism-video-modeling/ Related podcast episode #15: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autism-little-learners-podcast/id1665404820?i=1000610719012 More information on Monotropism: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/monotropism-and-neurodiversity/id1729259545?i=1000659200713 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
How can I help my autistic student or child? Where can I find resources to teach my preschool-age students with autism? My child was given the autism diagnosis…now what? I just started teaching autistic preschool students…where do I start? Do you have any tips for potty training? How do I train my paras?
Whether you are a special educator, speech/language pathologist, general education teacher, paraprofessional, parent, grandparent, or someone who loves a young autistic child, this show is for you!
The Autism Little Learners podcast is relaxed, upbeat, informative, and full of actionable step-by-step tips to help you feel more confident and successful with your students or child.
Host, Tara Phillips, is a speech/language pathologist who can relate to both SLPs and special education teachers because she has run her own communication-based classroom for over 2 decades. She is the creator of the Autism Little Learners Membership and the Visual Schedules Made Easy online course.
Tara addresses all kinds of topics including: autism and visuals, tips for teaching communication skills, self-regulation as a foundation for learning, creating predictable routines, toilet training, challenging behaviors, fostering independence, and building positive relationships and connections with autistic children.
Along with sharing her tips and most successful strategies for students on the autism spectrum, she will invite guest speakers to get different perspectives.
Be sure to tune in and subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast. You can also find Tara on:
FB- https://www.facebook.com/autismlittlelearners/
IG-http://www.instagram.com/autismlittlelearners
Website- www.autismlittlelearners.com
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