The Autism Little Learners Podcast

Is PECS out as an AAC tool for autistic kids? Today, we’re diving into a hot topic in the world of autism and communication: the Picture Exchange Communication System, or PECS. Over the years, PECS has been widely used as a way for autistic children to communicate, but as new research and insights have emerged, there’s been a lot of conversation—some of it controversial—around its effectiveness and limitations. In this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by two speech-language pathologists, Paulina Elias, and Amanda Blackwell, from Natural Communication, who share their invaluable expertise on PECS and the bigger picture of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) for autistic children. We explore how PECS started, what it offers, and why more and more professionals are moving toward more flexible, child-led communication methods that honor autonomy and individuality. You’ll hear us discuss everything from the importance of giving kids the freedom to say ‘no’ to strategies that empower communication beyond requests. Plus, we talk about the pitfalls of hand-over-hand prompting and the emerging preference for tools that grow with a child’s communication needs. If you’re an educator, parent, or anyone working with autistic children, this episode will give you new perspectives on PECS, AAC, and the role of true connection in supporting autistic communication. Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion that might change the way you think about communication support! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Tu4rKeAM0dc Bios:  Paulina Elias, M.Cl.Sc., SLP Reg. CASLPO Paulina is a multilingual speech language pathologist (SLP) living in Canada. Although she works with people of different ages and communicative needs, she has a special interest in the areas of multilingualism, gestalt language development, and autism. Paulina enjoys collaborating directly with families and interdisciplinary teams in each person's native language. At this time, Paulina offers international consults virtually, and evaluation and intervention services in Ontario, Canada. She regularly presents internationally on the topics of multilingualism, gestalt language development, and AAC. Dr. Amanda Blackwell, EdD, SLPD, CCC-SLP Dr. Amanda is passionate about communication in all forms. She has had the opportunity to learn from a variety of people from diverse cultural backgrounds as she has lived and worked full time as a bilingual (English/Spanish) SLP in Guatemala since 2013. Dr. Blackwell teaches postgraduate courses in autism and AAC at Minot State University and Saint Mary's College, and mentors SLPD students in their capstone research projects through the MGH Institute of Health Professions and Rocky Mountain University. She loves to travel around the world (with recent trips to Spain, Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Honduras, and Sri Lanka) to collaborate with professionals in presentations, workshops, research, and autism identification (ADOS-2). Topics Covered: Podcast features Paulina and Amanda from Natural Communication discussing updates in PECS and AAC. Paulina is a multilingual speech-language pathologist from Guatemala; Amanda is a U.S. speech-language pathologist with 11 years in Guatemala, focusing on autism and AAC. Both advocate for accessible information in multiple languages, especially Spanish, and are expanding to French and Portuguese. PECS, created in 1985, is a structured communication system based on ABA principles, mainly for requests. Criticism of PECS includes its rigidity and lack of fostering true communication skills beyond requests. Hand-over-hand prompting is discouraged due to autonomy concerns; hand-under-hand is recommended for better control. Communication books should enable autonomous communication, including the ability to protest or reject. Building relationships and trust with clients is essential for effective communication and learning. The podcast calls for a shift from traditional methods like PECS to more flexible, multimodal communication strategies. Natural Communication provides resources in English and Spanish, including a crash course on Gestalt language development, and engages in research and workshops to enhance AAC practices. Listeners are encouraged to explore free printable communication boards and resources to support AAC implementation. Connect With Paulina & Amanda: Our English website (for free resources, our parent and professional courses, professional development events, and individual consultations info): www.naturalcommunication.com Our Spanish website (for free resources, our parent and professional courses, professional development events, and individual consultations info): www.comunicacion-natural.com Our socials: @natural.communication (English) and @comunicacionnatural (Spanish) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natural.communication/ and https://www.instagram.com/comunicacionnatural Resources Mentioned: ASHA Journal Article: https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2023_PERSP-23-00098 Playground AAC board: https://www.prc-saltillo.com/articles/playground-core-communication-boards-from-prc-saltillo?mode=view PRC Saltillo core: https://saltillo.com/chatcorner/content/29 GRID core board: https://thinksmartbox.com/news/low-tech-super-core-resources/ Avaz core board: https://avazapp.com/avaz-aac-coreboards/ Assistiveware core boards in different languages: https://www.assistiveware.com/learn-aac/quick-communication-boards Project Core boards: https://www.project-core.com/communication-systems/ Smarty Symbols Core: https://smartysymbols.com/free-core-board-download/ 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 Submit a question for the Q&A episodes.  Ask me anything and tune in to see if your question is featured on the show!

In today’s episode, I’m talking to Clay Hadden.  You might know him on Instagram or YouTube as Mister Clay.  Clay is a speech/language pathologist and he runs a popular YouTube Channel where he offers several videos that combine music and visuals to work on language skills in a super fun way.  Clay also just published his first children’s book.  In this interview we chatted about his new book…which I LOVE, as well as using video modeling for young autistic kids.  Jump in and listen now! Bio: Clay Hadden, M.S. CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist with over 18 years of experience in providing child-centered therapy. He specializes in a play-based, child-led approach with a strong focus on augmentative and alternative communication in his speech clinic in Aiken, SC. Clay also creates children's music with The SOKS and offers educational content on his YouTube channel, Mister Clay. His goal is to one day fund therapy services for under- and uninsured families with proceeds from his creative ventures. His first picture book, 'I Hear Nature' from Ninewise Publishing comes out November 19th, 2024. Topics Covered: Clay’s Background: Journey from pre-med to becoming a speech-language pathologist, his transition to pediatric work, and establishing his own practice, Ready, Set, Talk. Pandemic Pivot: Creation of his YouTube channel during the pandemic to provide AAC modeling videos for clients. Encouragement for Content Creation: Clay encourages other speech therapists to try content creation, such as books, videos, and podcasts, even if it's intimidating. Mission to Support Families: Clay’s goal to use income from his creative work to provide low-cost therapy services for families in need. New Book for Young Children: Clay’s children's book, designed with onomatopoeic sounds and interactive elements, aimed at engaging young children, including nonverbal and early communicators. Fundraising and Social Impact: Partnership with his publisher to donate books to children affected by Hurricane Helena in North Carolina. Supporting Gestalt Language Processors: Clay’s use of book videos for children who are gestalt language processors, utilizing video models to provide consistent presentations for children who prefer it. Video Modeling: Explanation of video modeling to aid in transitions, play, and skill development while respecting neurodiverse preferences. Music in Therapy: Use of music as a tool to build relationships and teach language, modifying familiar songs to match children’s interests. Adapting to Children's Preferences: Respecting individual children’s need for consistency and sameness in activities and using their interests as a bridge for engagement. Connect With Clay + Resources Mentioned: Mister Clay’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk5n1tO-ZAI81kcq07PyyYA Website: www.misterclay.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mister_clay_slp/ Facebook: Facebook.com/misterclayslp I Hear Nature (Clay’s new children’s book): https://www.ninewisepublishing.com/product-page/i-hear-nature 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 Submit a question for the Q&A episodes.  Ask me anything and tune in to see if your question is featured on the show!

Today I’m talking to Laura Hayes.  Laura is a speech/language pathologist who specializes in AAC and does a lot of work surrounding AAC for gestalt language processors.  You are going to LOVE Laura and everything she shares when it comes to AAC.  Be sure to head over and list now! Bio: Laura Hayes is a speech-language pathologist with over 15 years of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) experience in both school and medical settings. Laura has presented across state, national, and international conferences. She has been published and supported both inpatient pediatric and educational augmentative and alternative communication research. She currently hosts a podcast for her school district, titled: “Innovative AAC Solutions”. She authored an online course on gestalt language processing and AAC found at www.meaningfulspeech.com, and she has supported thousands of AAC device users in moving towards autonomous communication. In this episode, Tara speaks with Laura Hayes, an AAC expert and facilitator in St. Louis, about practical strategies for using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with young autistic children. Laura shares her journey into speech pathology and her inspiration from her sister with complex communication needs. Together, they dive into key topics around AAC, from presuming competence to the importance of modeling language and honoring all forms of communication. Topics Covered: Laura's Journey and AAC Innovations Learn about Laura’s early inspiration and her path into supporting AAC users, leading her to create the AAC Innovations platform to share insights and strategies. Common Missteps in AAC Laura explains why phrases like "say it on your talker" can hinder rather than help and offers compassionate alternatives to support autonomy in AAC users. The Power of Modeling and Autonomous Communication Why AAC users benefit from watching adults model language, and how this exposure supports authentic, autonomous communication development. Presuming Competence Discover the importance of believing in a child’s communication potential from the start, as Laura discusses setting high expectations and the positive impacts this mindset has on AAC users. Gestalt Language Processing in AAC Laura breaks down Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), explaining how some children learn language in chunks and the adaptations required to support them effectively in AAC. Connect with Laura Hayes: Follow Laura on Instagram at AAC Innovations for more tips, strategies, and resources. You can also reach her via email at aacinnovations01@mail.com for specific questions. Resources Mentioned: Lily’s Voice – AAC devices for children in need. Meaningful Speech – Beginner's Guide to AAC and Gestalt Language Processing w/Laura Hayes: https://www.meaningfulspeech.com/offers/4boeFFJ9/checkout IG: @aacinnovations The Role Of Perception In AAC: https://praacticalaac.org/praactical/25191/ Stimming And AAC: https://www.youtube.com/live/RY06z0WzlFk?si=nHzEbNBMybE1VTE- Key Takeaways: AAC support is ongoing and ever-evolving. Laura’s perspective reminds us that it's okay to learn as we go. Language development is unique to each child, and all communication attempts deserve validation. Microlearning AAC strategies can build confidence for educators and caregivers over time. 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 Submit a question for the Q&A episodes.  Ask me anything and tune in to see if your question is featured on the show!

Today I’m talking to Katja Piscitelli, the Boho Speechie.  Katja is a speech/language pathologist who specializes in gestalt language processing.  She’s giving us so many tips and even some goal ideas!  Don’t miss this episode, because Katja is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to supporting GLPs in your classroom, practice, or home! Today I’m talking to Katja Piscitelli, the Boho Speechie.  Katja is a speech/language pathologist who specializes in gestalt language processing.  She’s giving us so many tips and even some goal ideas!  Don’t miss this episode, because Katja is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to supporting GLPs in your classroom, practice, or home! Bio: Katja Piscitelli is a pediatric speech therapist, owner of Total Spectrum Speech, and global presenter. Katja specializes in supporting gestalt language processors and AAC users and enjoys educating parents and therapists on this topic via social media as Boho Speechie, and on the podcast she co-hosts, the Great Language Partner. In this episode, Katja and I talk about: What is gestalt language processing Stages of Natural Language Acquisition Examples of gestalts Strategies & practical tips for supporting gestalt language processors Importance of connection with autistic kids Examples of goals for GLPs Links Related To This Week’s Episode: Katja’s website: www.bohospeechie.net Boho Speechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/bohospeechie/ Great Language Partner Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-great-language-partner-podcast/id1765331935 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

October is AAC Awareness Month and I am thrilled to have Angela Moorad, SLP, on the show today.  We are going to be talking really specifically about how to use a split screen or a split view with AAC and another app or program, like YouTube or a book. Angela is going to show you step by step and what to do and how you can use these to enhance the communication of your child or students! Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP has 35 years of experience in AAC across the lifespan with a primary focus on ages birth to 21 years. She is the founder of OMazing Kids AAC Consulting, has done extensive beta testing and feedback for therapeutic, educational and AAC apps across the iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Chromebook, Windows and Web-Based platforms, is active on social media and in numerous AAC/AT related Facebook groups, and is the author of several in-depth AAC feature matching resources (including info about AAC features to support Gestalt Language Processors) + several other AAC related resources. Be sure to watch this episode on YouTube too, so you can see Angela demonstrate how to use a split view on a tablet: https://youtu.be/lFq7R-iBYbA In this episode, Angela Moorad and I talk about: How to use an AAC app side by side with another app or program Using a split view/split screen with an AAC app and YouTube Using a split view/split screen with an AAC app and Kindle There are no pre-requisites for a robust AAC device Links Related To This Week’s Episode: The best way to reach Angela is via Facebook messaging over on her OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/ Email at: omazingkidsaactpt@gmail.com You can also connect with her on her blog, social media and TPT: Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1 Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/ AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/ GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac Threads: https://www.threads.net/@omazingkidsaac Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac AppRaven AAC App Collections: https://bit.ly/AAConAppRaven Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com / Resource Links page: https://omazingkidsllc.com/omazing-kids-aac-resource-links  

October is AAC Awareness Month, so I thought it was a perfect time to revisit my interview with Rachel Madel!  Rachel is a speech/language pathologist and is a leading voice in the realm of Augmentative and Alternative Communication or AAC. In this episode, Rachel and I chat about AAC, modeling without expectation, and multimodal communication.  You are going to want to share this episode with all of your colleagues.  Let’s jump in! In this episode, Rachel Madel and I talk about: The definition of AAC  Modeling without expectation Presuming competence Why kids don’t have to “prove they are ready” for AAC Different types of AAC How to get “buy-in” with AAC Links Related To This Week’s Episode: Rachel’s Free Resource Library AAC Ally Course Talking With Tech Podcast Rachel’s Instagram Rachel’s Website Rachel’s TikTok 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  

Welcome to today’s episode! I’m excited to introduce you to my mentor, Dr. Pamela Wolfberg, a pioneer in the field of autism and play. We dive into what defines true play for all children and why it’s so important to ensure that our autistic kids have the opportunity to play in ways that bring them joy. Dr. Wolfberg shares her insights on creating inclusive play environments that honor each child’s individuality and help them connect with others through authentic play experiences. This is an episode you won’t want to miss! You will learn about: The definition of what true play is! Monotropism and autistic play Research on autistic play Integrated Play Groups Examples from Integrated Play Groups Dr. Pamela Wolfberg’s Bio: Pamela Wolfberg, Ph.D., is a professor emerita who pioneered autism studies at San Francisco State University, while serving on the faculty in special education with the joint doctoral program at the University of California, Berkeley. Her life's work has been dedicated to supporting autistic individuals at the intersection of neurodiversity, peer socialization, play culture, and the arts. Drawing from her experiences as a scholar, educator, play therapist, and ally to the autistic community, she developed the Integrated Play Groups model and founded the Autism Collective for Peer Socialization, Play and Imagination. She leads an international agenda focused on research, training, and global outreach to promote social inclusion, play, and creative expression as essential human rights. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, books, and chapters, with many works translated into multiple languages. Her contributions have earned her numerous prestigious awards for scholarship and community service. In her free time, she and her partner of many years enjoy traveling and walking in nature with their dog, Yoko. She also loves collecting and making art, exploring various mediums such as drawing, painting, weaving, and crafting with textiles, wood, ceramics, and found objects. Dr. Pamela Wolfberg’s Website: http://www.wolfberg.com/ Integrated Play Groups Field Manual (updated version coming in 2025): https://amzn.to/3XOzH2P Learners On The Autism Spectrum: https://amzn.to/4dteTUm Reimagining Autistic Children’s Independent and Social Play with Peers Journal Article (2023): https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07351690.2023.2185067 Play & Imagination In Children With Autism: https://www.tcpress.com/play-and-imagination-in-children-with-autism-2nd-edition-9780807749418 Uniquely Human Podcast (Barry Prizant)’s episode with Dr. Pamela Wolfberg: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uniquely-human-the-podcast/id1532460901?i=1000533302123 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 Submit a question for the Q&A episodes.  Ask me anything and tune in to see if your question is featured on the show!

Today we’ll be exploring the importance of sensory play for autistic children and how it can help them regulate, explore, and learn. We’ll chat about how sensory differences—whether sensory seeking or sensory defensive—impact play and how we can create sensory bins that meet each child’s unique needs while fostering comfort and engagement. Let’s get started! You will learn about: Sensory differences in autistic kids What sensory play is How sensory play can be beneficial Ways to use sensory bins to encourage play Sensory Bin Ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/Littlebinsforlittlehands/sensory-bins/ Sensory Bin Materials - Amazon List: https://amzn.to/3zi9mC4 Jessie Ginsburg’s Book (Ready, Set, Connect): https://amzn.to/3ZCazPc Take Out The Toys Booklet: https://amzn.to/3zrTYTI Exploratory Play Blog: https://autismlittlelearners.com/exploratory-play/ 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 Submit a question for the Q&A episodes.  Ask me anything and tune in to see if your question is featured on the show!  

This week, we are continuing our discussion on honoring autistic play, focusing on how to gently expand it using simple strategies. We’ll talk about how to start with activities the child already loves and introduce new ideas through modeling and imitation. The goal is to help children explore new ways to play while still feeling comfortable and understood. Let’s dive in and explore these techniques together! You will learn about: Why to gently expand the play of autistic children Ways to expand play through modeling Using visual supports for play Honoring autistic play Themed Play Visual Supports: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Autism-Play-Themed-Visual-Supports-For-Special-Education-8414926?st=37dec0cd2be145851805b8d1e34e52e3 Research Article On Autistic Play: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/aut.2023.0008 Bath Song On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVYXHMY7wvo Exploratory Play Toys - Amazon List: https://amzn.to/4cXs7Z7 Functional Play Toys - Amazon List: https://amzn.to/3Tki6OI 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 Submit a question for the Q&A episodes.  Ask me anything and tune in to see if your question is featured on the show!

In this week’s episode, we are talking about the unique ways autistic children play and why it's so important to respect and support their individual styles. Whether they enjoy repetitive actions or prefer playing alone, the ways they play are meaningful and important. We’ll also discuss how we can gently encourage new ways to play while honoring their preferences. You really don’t want to miss today’s episode. I’ll see you inside the show! You will learn about: Autistic play Definition of play Respecting play differences Expanding play in a gentle way Creating an environment inclusive of all play Peer Play And The Autism Spectrum Book: https://amzn.to/3Tdt6NG Dr. Pamela Wolfberg: http://www.wolfberg.com/ Research Article On Autistic Play: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/aut.2023.0008 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 You can also join my free Visual Supports Facebook Group to “hang out” with like-minded educators and parents who want to take action and implement visuals at home or at school. Be sure to subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes.  Plus, leave a rating & review on iTunes….this will help other educators and parents find this podcast!   CLICK HERE to leave a review on iTunes, then scroll down to “ratings and reviews” and click “write a review”.  THANK YOU!