#141 - Melissa & Doug®: Designing Toys That Inspire Learning
The Autism Little Learners Podcast
Release Date: 09/23/2025
#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...
info_outline
#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...
info_outline
#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...
info_outline
#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...
info_outline
#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...
info_outline
#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...
info_outline
#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...
info_outline
#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...
info_outline
#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....
info_outline
#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,...
info_outlineIn today’s episode of the Autism Little Learners Podcast, I’m joined by Sofia Dumery, Senior Vice President of Design at Melissa & Doug® Toys. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into creating timeless, high-quality toys that truly support children’s development, you’re going to love this conversation. We dive into the importance of open-ended play, how toys can spark language and connection, and why durability, inclusivity, and sustainability matter so much in toy design. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or therapist, you’ll come away with fresh inspiration for using play as a powerful tool for learning and connection.
Sofia also explains Melissa & Doug’s commitment to inclusivity, durability, and safety, including their extensive testing process and collaborations with occupational therapists. We discuss how sensory elements and realistic designs make their toys appealing to children of all abilities, while also easing fears and building confidence. Finally, we highlight surprising ways their toys have been used in therapy and at home, and how play—when led with joy and creativity—strengthens relationships and creates rich learning opportunities.
About Sofia Dumery
As Senior Vice President of Design at Melissa & Doug®, Sofia Dumery oversees the creation of all toys and ensures those toys deliver on the brand's mission to ignite imagination and wonder in all children so they discover their passions and their purpose. She leads a team across blue-sky innovation, product, and licensing design. The team is committed to ensuring its inclusive, open-ended products help kids of all abilities build confidence and develop essential skills.
In addition to setting the product's vision and strategy, Sofia is responsible for all new toy innovations, working with independent inventors, external partners, and in-house creative team. She holds 17 patents and is always searching for breakthrough innovations. Sofia works closely to ensure toys not only meet children's play patterns and market expectations but also deliver on key sustainability goals.
Prior to joining Melissa & Doug® in 2011, Sofia was Design Director at Callaway Arts & Entertainment. There, she built the product strategy and growth of Sunny Patch, at that time an exclusive line for Target.
Sofia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Columbia College, Columbia University, and a Masters in Industrial Design from Pratt University. She, her daughter and their cat Kiwi live in Westport, Connecticut. When it comes to play, Sofia's passions include biking, camping, and reading.
About Melissa & Doug®
From classic wooden toys to realistic pretend play sets, Melissa & Doug® products inspire creative thinking through screen-free, open-ended play! We make well-crafted toys that are developed with care to be passed down from generation to generation or shared family to family. When kids play with Melissa & Doug® toys, anything is possible!
Melissa & Doug® Links:
Website: https://www.melissaanddoug.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissaanddougtoys/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaAndDoug/
Takeaways
-
Purposeful, open-ended play matters – Melissa & Doug focus on toys that encourage imagination, creativity, and engagement rather than passive entertainment
-
Classic play patterns never go out of style – Blocks, pretend play, and exploratory play still hold the same developmental value they did generations ago
-
Toys support language development – Hands-on play is deeply connected to building speech, language, and social skills, making it especially valuable for young learners
-
Designing with inclusivity in mind – Melissa & Doug avoid rigid age labels, build toys with realistic details, and create open-ended opportunities for all children to play at their own level
-
Durability and quality are key – Toys are tested extensively (even “gorilla tested”) to ensure they perform well, reducing frustration and supporting consistent learning experiences
-
Neurodiversity is part of the mission – The company researches child development, collaborates with occupational therapists, and designs toys that avoid overwhelming sensory input while still providing tactile experiences
-
Realism helps children learn about their world – From the dentist set to ice cream counters, realistic details prepare kids for real-life experiences and help ease fears
Sustainability and safety are priorities – Melissa & Doug use FSC-certified wood, focus on long-lasting design, and test rigorously to meet the highest safety standards -
Unexpected ways toys are used – From sensory bins with puzzle pieces to elderly adults using Water Wow! for calming effects, Melissa & Doug toys support creativity across ages and abilities
-
Play builds connection – When adults model joy, silliness, and curiosity with toys, it deepens relationships with children and enriches their learning
You may also be interested in these supports