Libsyn Directory

#145: AAC Devices in the Classroom: 3 Ways to Use Them Every Day

Release Date: 10/21/2025

#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...

#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...

#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...

#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...

#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...

#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...

#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...

#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...

#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....

#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,...

More Episodes

AAC devices give children access to communication all day long—not just during therapy or structured lessons. For many students in the special ed classroom, the key to success isn’t just having an AAC communication device, but actually using it in meaningful, everyday contexts.

This is especially true when we think about AAC device autism connections. Many autistic children benefit from consistent access to AAC, whether they are nonspeaking, minimally speaking, or have unreliable speech. Embedding AAC in daily routines ensures that communication is always possible.

The good news? You don’t need extra time or complicated materials to make this happen. With a little intention, you can build AAC use into the routines you’re already doing. In this post, I’ll share three simple, powerful ways to incorporate AAC devices into daily routines.

Takeaways:

AAC devices belong in daily routines, not just in therapy sessions. Real-life practice helps children learn communication more naturally.

Embedding AAC into the special ed classroom shows students that their AAC communication device is a valid and reliable voice.

Transitions are powerful practice opportunities—using an AAC device for autistic children during arrival, lining up, or clean-up builds consistency.

Mealtime routines are motivating and perfect for modeling words like eat, drink, more, different, and don’t like.

Play and learning activities make communication fun—AAC devices can be used during block play, dramatic play, sensory bins, and art.

Circle time is a group setting where AAC can shine and is ideal for modeling language.

Families can use AAC at home during everyday routines like waking up, chores, family time, and bedtime.

Taking AAC into the community—at grocery stores, restaurants, or playgrounds—gives children real-world practice and builds confidence.

Related podcast episodes:

#24

#96

#143

#144

You may also be interested in these supports:

Visual Support Starter Set: www.autismlittlelearners.com/visuals
Visual Supports Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3922278281209994/
Autism Little Learners on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/autismlittlelearners
Autism Little Learners on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autismlittlelearners/

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