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#132 - Reflections & Ripples: What Jordyn Zimmerman Taught Us

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

Release Date: 07/22/2025

#160: Modeling AAC All Day: What Changes When Communication Is Everywhere show art #160: Modeling AAC All Day: What Changes When Communication Is Everywhere

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...

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#159 - Why AAC Is Not a Reward! show art #159 - Why AAC Is Not a Reward!

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

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...

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#158 AAC Shouldn’t Have to Be Earned show art #158 AAC Shouldn’t Have to Be Earned

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

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...

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#157 We Wrote a Book! Introducing The Mindfulness Guide for Neurodivergent Learners With Sarah Habib show art #157 We Wrote a Book! Introducing The Mindfulness Guide for Neurodivergent Learners With Sarah Habib

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

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...

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#156: Visual Schedules: Why They Work and How They Help Autistic Children show art #156: Visual Schedules: Why They Work and How They Help Autistic Children

The Autism Little Learners Podcast

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...

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#155 - Why Relationships Matter More Than Rewards with Dr. Barry Prizant show art #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 show art #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 show art #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 show art #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 show art #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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In this powerful reflection episode, Tara shares one of the most impactful moments of her career—her conversation with Jordyn Zimmerman during the 2025 Preschool Autism Summit. Together, they unpack the importance of presuming competence, providing early AAC access, and creating neurodiversity-affirming learning spaces. Tara also shares emotional ripple stories from participants, illustrating how nearly 50,000 educators and therapists are creating waves of change for autistic children around the world.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Presume competence—always. Speech is not the same as intelligence, and we must stop making assumptions based on verbal ability.

  2. Non-speaking ≠ non-verbal. The term “non-verbal” implies a lack of language; “non-speaking” affirms that language exists, even without speech.

  3. There are no prerequisites for AAC. Children do not need to match, point, or “behave” a certain way before receiving access to communication tools.

  4. PECS is not a communication system. It is a requesting system and does not provide full language access.

  5. AAC must include access to robust, literacy-based tools. Limiting a child to a core board or basic images restricts their ability to truly communicate.

  6. Talking about students in front of them causes real harm. Many non-speaking students hear and understand far more than people assume.

  7. Lack of access to communication is traumatic. It can lead to emotional and physical distress—and we have a responsibility to prevent that.

  8. Real inclusion means access, not separation. Segregated classrooms limit growth and potential; all students deserve meaningful academic instruction.

  9. Educators are making real-time ripples. From texting SLPs during the summit to creating team trainings, attendees are already pushing change.

  10. Small shifts create big waves. With over 49,000 participants, the summit’s ripple effect may reach nearly half a million autistic children—and it all starts with choosing compassion over compliance.

Links

Jordyn’s Documentary: https://thisisnotaboutme.film/

Jordyn’s Website: https://www.jordynzimmerman.com/

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