The Autism Little Learners Podcast

In this episode, we're talking about what truly changes when AAC is modeled all day—not just during instruction, but during play, routines, transitions, and real-life moments.
So often, AAC is treated as something that happens only at the table or during therapy. But when modeling AAC becomes part of the entire day, communication shifts from a task to a relationship.
This episode explores how modeling AAC without expectation builds regulation, engagement, trust, and spontaneous communication over time.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What "all-day AAC modeling" actually means (and what it doesn't)

Why modeling AAC throughout the day supports regulation and engagement

How modeling without expectation reduces pressure for kids and adults

Examples of AAC use during play, routines, and transitions

Why AAC devices and core boards should be available beyond instruction

How consistent modeling supports spontaneous communication

Why relationships grow stronger when communication is modeled relationally

Common reasons adults stop modeling AAC—and why consistency matters

Key takeaways:
Modeling AAC all day means access across the entire day

Communication grows through exposure, not pressure

Modeling without expectation builds safety and trust

AAC works best when it's part of daily life, not a special activity

Try this today:
Choose one routine (snack, play, or transitions) and commit to modeling AAC there for a week

Model on a core board or AAC device without prompting or expecting a response

Notice engagement, connection, and regulation—not how many buttons are pressed

Want support modeling AAC all day?
If you want to feel more confident using AAC beyond structured moments, you don't have to figure it out alone.
My AAC Bootcamp is designed to help educators and caregivers model AAC naturally across the entire day—during play, routines, and real-life moments—without pressure or perfection.
When AAC is modeled all day, communication stops being a task—and starts becoming a relationship.
Links & Related Podcast Episodes (Lindsay, can you add related podcasts?)
Visual Schedule Pictures Resource

Visual Schedule Information

Visual Schedules Made Easy Course

In this episode, we're unpacking a common—and harmful—myth in autism and AAC support: the idea that communication must be earned.
You'll hear why treating AAC as a reward makes regulation harder, not easier—and how unconditional access to communication supports regulation, trust, and participation, especially during autism meltdowns.
This episode reframes AAC as access, not a behavior strategy, and offers practical ways to support communication during real-life moments of distress.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why AAC should never be used as a reward

How communication and regulation are deeply connected in autism

What happens when AAC is removed during autism meltdowns

Common autism meltdown causes related to communication breakdown

Why withholding an AAC device can increase distress and shutdown

How AAC supports self-advocacy and emotional safety

What modeling AAC during dysregulation can look like (without pressure)

How shifting adult mindset changes long-term outcomes

Key takeaways:
Communication is a basic human right, not something children earn

AAC supports regulation instead of waiting for it

Withholding communication can increase meltdowns and reduce trust

Modeling AAC without expectation builds safety and access

Try this today:
Keep the AAC device available during moments of frustration or distress

Model one regulation-related word (help, stop, or all done) without expecting a response

Honor protests and communication attempts as meaningful



Want support using AAC with confidence?
If you're realizing AAC has been used conditionally—or you're unsure how to support communication during hard moments—you're not alone.
My AAC Bootcamp is designed to help educators and caregivers confidently model AAC across the entire day, including transitions, play, and moments of dysregulation.
AAC doesn't need to be perfect to be powerful.
When communication is always available, regulation becomes more possible—for everyone.
Links & Related Podcast Episodes (Lindsay, can you add related podcasts?)
AAC Bootcamp Registration

AAC Devices In The Classroom

AAC - Getting Team Buy In

In this episode, we're talking about the powerful connection between AAC and dysregulation—and why regulation is access to communication.
So often, AAC is treated as a skill kids are expected to use only when they're calm and regulated. But when a child is dysregulated, overwhelmed, or in survival mode, accessing any form of communication—spoken or AAC—is incredibly hard.
This episode reframes AAC as an access tool, not a reward, and explores what it really means to support communication during hard moments.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why AAC use often breaks down during dysregulation

How the nervous system impacts access to communication

Why "calm first, communication later" is a harmful myth

How AAC can support regulation, not wait for it

What happens when AAC is removed during meltdowns

Why consistent AAC access builds trust and reduces frustration

How to model AAC during dysregulation without pressure or expectation

Simple shifts that make AAC more accessible across the day



Key takeaways:
Dysregulation limits access to communication for all children

AAC should be available during hard moments—not withheld

Communication supports regulation; it's not something kids earn

Modeling AAC without expectation builds trust and long-term access



Try this today:
Keep AAC available during moments of dysregulation, even if it's not used

Model one regulation-related word (like help, stop, or all done) without expecting a response

Notice engagement and trust before output—communication grows from safety

Want support making AAC truly accessible?
If AAC has only been used during calm or structured moments, you're not alone. My AAC visuals and AAC Bootcamp are designed to help educators and caregivers confidently model AAC throughout the entire day—including transitions, play, and moments of dysregulation.
AAC doesn't require perfection.
It requires access.
Links & Related Podcast Episodes (Lindsay, can you add related podcasts?)
AAC Bootcamp Registration

AAC & Protests

Getting Started With AAC

Child Interest Survey - find what lights a child up!

In this special episode, Tara sits down with her friend and collaborator Sarah Habib from The Calm Caterpillar to share some exciting news—you're hearing it here first! Together, they've written a brand-new book, The Mindfulness Guide for Neurodivergent Learners, and this conversation takes you behind the scenes of how it came to life and why it's so needed.
This episode is a must-listen for educators, therapists, and parents who want practical, neurodiversity-affirming strategies to support regulation, transitions, and connection—without compliance-based approaches.
About the Book
The Mindfulness Guide for Neurodivergent Learners is a 90-page, full-color, action-oriented guide designed to be:
Easy to read and visually supportive

Practical and immediately usable in classrooms and homes

Grounded in neurodiversity-affirming, non-compliance-based practices

The book includes:
Real classroom photos and examples

Scripts you can actually use

Visual supports and calming strategies

QR codes for free downloadable resources

Tools for co-regulation, not just "self-regulation"

Ideas for supporting transitions, calm corners, sensory needs, and deep interests

What You'll Hear in This Episode
How the idea for the book started (spoiler: it began with a simple message ☺️)

Why regulation is the foundation for learning, connection, and communication

The importance of modeling regulation strategies as adults

Why mindfulness strategies should be practiced in a regulated state

How to move away from token boards and "earning" regulation tools

Using deep interests (like favorite characters) to support transitions and engagement

Real-life classroom examples that actually worked

Why consistency across home, school, and childcare matters so much

The difference between compliance-based approaches and compassionate, child-centered ones

A Big Takeaway
This book isn't about quick fixes. It's about:
Modeling

Consistency

Trust

And honoring how neurodivergent learners experience the world

As Tara and Sarah emphasize, slow burns are okay—real change takes time, repetition, and relationship.
Special Listener Bonus
Podcast listeners get 15% off the book!
👉 Buy the book here or go to www.autismlittlelearners.com/all15 🧾 Use code: ALL15
Feel free to share this episode with colleagues, family members, childcare providers, or anyone who supports neurodivergent learners.
Watch this episode on YouTube here to see everything Tara & Sarah are talking about! 
https://youtu.be/kh9FxP9YRxM?si=hGIBq-moWwC5X3df
Connect with Sarah Habib
Website: www.thecalmcaterpillar.com

Instagram: @thecalmcaterpillar

Be sure to check out Sarah's regulation tools mentioned in the episode, including Bloomie, Flutter, and Rory, which are being used in classrooms around the world.
Connect with Tara Phillips
Learn more about Tara and her work at www.autismlittlelearners.com Follow along on Instagram at @autismlittlelearners
Be sure to explore Tara's neurodiversity-affirming resources, trainings, and classroom-ready supports designed to help educators and caregivers feel confident supporting young autistic and neurodivergent learners.
Final Words
This episode is a celebration—of collaboration, shared values, and a resource created with deep care for neurodivergent learners and the adults who support them. As Tara says, regulation is the foundation—and this book is a powerful place to start.

Today we're talking about one of my favorite tools for supporting autistic preschoolers — visual schedules. These simple supports can make transitions smoother, reduce anxiety, and help kids feel safe and confident as they move through their day. I'll share a quick story from the classroom and break down why visual schedules work so well, especially for our autistic little learners. 
Show notes:
●      Why visual schedules are one of the most effective supports for autistic preschoolers
●      A real classroom story about a child who struggled with transitions until a one-picture schedule changed everything
●      How visual schedules create predictability and reduce anxiety
●      Why spoken language disappears — and visuals don't
●      The connection between regulation, safety, and understanding what's coming next
●      How visual schedules increase independence without pressure
●      Why challenging behaviors often decrease when routines become visible
●      The different types of visual schedules used in early childhood
●      Why starting with ONE picture is developmentally appropriate and often most effective
●      Practical tips you can use tomorrow to make transitions smoother and more connected
Links & Related Podcast Episodes 
●      Visual Schedule Pictures Resource
●      Visual Schedule Information
●      Visual Schedules Made Easy Course