#131 - Supporting Autistic Learners Through Passion and Play w/ Cari Ebert
The Autism Little Learners Podcast
Release Date: 07/15/2025
#155 - Why Relationships Matter More Than Rewards with Dr. Barry Prizant
The Autism Little Learners Podcast
In this replay episode, I’m thrilled to bring back one of the most impactful conversations I’ve ever had on the podcast — my interview with Dr. Barry Prizant, world-renowned speech-language pathologist and author of the groundbreaking book Uniquely Human. Our discussion gets to the heart of why the field of autism education is shifting away from compliance-based, behavior-focused models and toward approaches rooted in compassion, emotional regulation, and trusting relationships. Dr. Prizant shares powerful insights about: ✨ understanding autistic behaviors as meaningful human responses...
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#154 Is PECS Still the Best Option? Rethinking AAC for Autistic Communicators
The Autism Little Learners Podcast
This episode is back as a replay because the conversation is still incredibly relevant—and the questions around PECS and AAC haven’t gone away. In this episode, we take a thoughtful, nuanced look at the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and its role in supporting autistic communication. While PECS has been widely used for decades, growing research, lived experience, and neurodiversity-affirming practice are prompting professionals to ask deeper questions about autonomy, flexibility, and what true communication really looks like. I’m joined by speech-language pathologists...
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#153 - Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) with Dr. Taylor Day
The Autism Little Learners Podcast
This episode is back by popular demand—and for good reason. One of the most requested and talked-about conversations on The Autism Little Learners Podcast, this replay dives into Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) with licensed psychologist Dr. Taylor Day. In this episode, we explore PDA as a profile within autism, with a strong focus on nervous system differences, autonomy, and the fight-or-flight response. Dr. Tay shares why traditional behavior-based approaches often miss the mark for children with PDA and offers compassionate, practical insights for parents and educators who want to...
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#152 - How to Explain Autism to Children: Neuro-Affirming Tips from an Autistic SLP
The Autism Little Learners Podcast
Have you ever wondered how to talk to children about autism in a way that feels natural, positive, and empowering? In this replay episode, I’m bringing back my incredibly insightful conversation with Andi Putt (Mrs. Speechie P) — an Autistic SLP who specializes in autism evaluations and neuro-affirming support. Andi shares compassionate, practical ways to talk to autistic children about their identity, how to approach conversations with peers and siblings, and why starting these discussions early can make a profound impact on a child’s confidence, self-understanding, and mental health....
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#151 Why Connection Comes First for Autistic Kids
The Autism Little Learners Podcast
In today’s episode of The Autism Little Learners Podcast, I’m diving into one of the most meaningful parts of working with autistic preschoolers: connection. When we lead with compassion, honor sensory needs, and truly celebrate each child’s unique way of being, we create the emotional safety that helps them learn, communicate, and thrive. I’m sharing why stepping out of “teacher mode,” validating autistic play, and tapping into deep interests are essential for forming authentic relationships. If you’re ready for simple, practical strategies that build trust, reduce overwhelm,...
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#150 Helping Kids Navigate Big Emotions with Calm, Connection, and Compassion with Sarah Habib
The Autism Little Learners Podcast
This week, we’re bringing you an encore episode featuring Sarah Habib, founder of The Calm Caterpillar — and it’s one worth revisiting. Sarah’s work has made a powerful impact on classrooms and families across the country, helping children (both neurodivergent and neurotypical) learn to regulate big emotions with simple, practical tools. In our conversation, Sarah shares how her calm corner kits, sensory supports, and breathing tools have transformed daily routines, reduced classroom disruptions, and created emotionally supportive spaces where kids can thrive. You’ll also hear the...
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#149 - Teaching Protesting With AAC
The Autism Little Learners Podcast
Welcome back to the Autism Little Learners Podcast! Today, we’re talking about something that often gets overlooked when we think about AAC and autism—teaching and honoring protests. So often, AAC is used mostly for requesting items. But communication is about so much more. Autistic children need to know how to use their AAC systems for autism to say no, stop, don’t like, all done, or help. In this episode, I’ll share why honoring protest is essential, what the difference is between acknowledging and honoring protests, and how modeling protest words on AAC for autistic kids builds...
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#148 - Making Transitions Easier For Autistic Kids
The Autism Little Learners Podcast
Transitions happen all day long—moving from playtime to circle time, heading to lunch, or wrapping up to go home. For many autistic children, these changes can feel overwhelming, confusing, or even distressing. But with the right understanding and tools, we can make transitions smoother and more predictable. In this episode, I’m diving into why transitions can be hard for autistic kids and sharing practical, compassionate strategies to support them. You’ll learn how to ease anxiety, build predictability, and create routines that work for both you and your students or child. Whether...
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#147 - Sesame Street & Autism: 10 Years Of Julia!
The Autism Little Learners Podcast
In this special episode of The Autism Little Learners Podcast, I’m celebrating 10 years of Sesame Workshop’s Autism Initiative and the creation of the beloved character, Julia! I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Kama Einhorn and Dr. Abigail Bucuvalas from Sesame Workshop to talk about the incredible impact of authentic representation, inclusion, and collaboration with the autism community. We dive into how Julia was created to truly reflect the experiences of autistic children and families, the thoughtful research that goes into every Sesame Workshop project, and the global reach...
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#146 - AAC & Gestalt Language Processors with Laura Hayes (Encore)
The Autism Little Learners Podcast
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...
info_outlineIn this encore episode of The Autism Little Learners Podcast, Tara reconnects with Cari Ebert, a respected speech-language pathologist and passionate advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practices. Together, they revisit a powerful conversation that redefines what play and connection can look like for autistic children.
Cari shares valuable insights into why autistic play is real, meaningful, and should be honored as such. She explains how deep interests can be a gateway to learning, joy, and communication—and how adults can build stronger relationships with children by embracing these passions. The episode also explores the idea of presuming competence and cultivating supportive environments where every child feels seen and valued.
Whether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or listening again, it’s packed with practical ideas and heart-centered strategies to help you support autistic children in ways that truly honor who they are.
Key Takeaways:
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Autistic children experience and express play in unique, valid ways.
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Deep interests are powerful tools for building trust and engagement.
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Connection and respect must come before compliance or correction.
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Play is not a prerequisite for learning—it is learning.
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Presuming competence opens the door to authentic communication.
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Environments that support individuality fuel growth and joy.
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Reflecting on our practices helps us better support each child.
Bio: Cari Ebert, MS, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist in private practice in the Kansas City, Missouri area. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1993 and her master’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1995. Cari is a therapist, consultant, author, product developer, and nationally recognized speaker who gets paid to do what she loves most—TALK! She has an animated personality, and this translates to a high-energy speaking style. Cari has an Autistic son, allowing her to engage audiences both as a professional and as a parent of a neurodivergent child.
Website: www.cariebert.com
Cari's free handout "Autistic Play Is Authentic Play": https://cariebert.com/freebie
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