#146 - AAC & Gestalt Language Processors with Laura Hayes (Encore)
The Autism Little Learners Podcast
Release Date: 10/28/2025
#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...
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#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
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
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
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
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,...
info_outlineToday, 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 experience supporting individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in both school and medical settings. She’s presented at state, national, and international conferences, been published, and supported both inpatient pediatric and educational AAC research. Laura currently hosts a podcast for her school district called Innovative AAC Solutions, and she created an online course on gestalt language processing and AAC through Meaningful Speech. She has helped thousands of AAC users move toward autonomous, meaningful communication.
In this encore episode, Laura and I dive into how to honor all forms of communication, presume competence, and model language in ways that truly empower our autistic students.
Topics we cover:
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Laura’s Journey & AAC Innovations: How her sister inspired her path and how she helps others through her AAC Innovations platform.
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Common Missteps in AAC: Why phrases like “say it on your talker” may do more harm than good — and what to say instead.
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The Power of Modeling: Why seeing adults model AAC helps children build authentic, autonomous communication.
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Presuming Competence: How believing in every child’s potential transforms our approach to teaching communication.
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Gestalt Language Processing & AAC: Understanding how some children learn language in chunks and what that means for AAC support.
Connect with Laura Hayes:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aac_innovations/
Resources Mentioned:
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Lily’s Voice – Providing AAC devices for children in need: https://www.instagram.com/lillysvoice/
Key Takeaways:
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AAC support is a learning journey — and that’s okay!
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Every child’s language development looks different, and all communication attempts matter.
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Microlearning AAC strategies can build confidence for educators and caregivers over time.