#157 We Wrote a Book! Introducing The Mindfulness Guide for Neurodivergent Learners With Sarah Habib
The Autism Little Learners Podcast
Release Date: 01/13/2026
#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_outlineIn 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 Book
The Mindfulness Guide for Neurodivergent Learners is a 90-page, full-color, action-oriented guide designed to be:
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Easy to read and visually supportive
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Practical and immediately usable in classrooms and homes
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Grounded in neurodiversity-affirming, non-compliance-based practices
The book includes:
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Real classroom photos and examples
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Scripts you can actually use
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Visual supports and calming strategies
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QR codes for free downloadable resources
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Tools for co-regulation, not just “self-regulation”
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Ideas for supporting transitions, calm corners, sensory needs, and deep interests
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
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How the idea for the book started (spoiler: it began with a simple message ☺️)
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Why regulation is the foundation for learning, connection, and communication
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The importance of modeling regulation strategies as adults
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Why mindfulness strategies should be practiced in a regulated state
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How to move away from token boards and “earning” regulation tools
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Using deep interests (like favorite characters) to support transitions and engagement
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Real-life classroom examples that actually worked
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Why consistency across home, school, and childcare matters so much
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The difference between compliance-based approaches and compassionate, child-centered ones
A Big Takeaway
This book isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about:
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Modeling
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Consistency
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Trust
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And honoring how neurodivergent learners experience the world
As Tara and Sarah emphasize, slow burns are okay—real change takes time, repetition, and relationship.
Special Listener Bonus
Podcast listeners get 15% off the book!
👉 Buy the book here or go to www.autismlittlelearners.com/all15
🧾 Use code: ALL15
Feel free to share this episode with colleagues, family members, childcare providers, or anyone who supports neurodivergent learners.
Watch this episode on YouTube here to see everything Tara & Sarah are talking about!
https://youtu.be/kh9FxP9YRxM?si=hGIBq-moWwC5X3df
Connect with Sarah Habib
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Website: www.thecalmcaterpillar.com
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Instagram: @thecalmcaterpillar
Be sure to check out Sarah’s regulation tools mentioned in the episode, including Bloomie, Flutter, and Rory, which are being used in classrooms around the world.
Connect with Tara Phillips
Learn more about Tara and her work at www.autismlittlelearners.com
Follow along on Instagram at @autismlittlelearners
Be sure to explore Tara’s neurodiversity-affirming resources, trainings, and classroom-ready supports designed to help educators and caregivers feel confident supporting young autistic and neurodivergent learners.
Final Words
This episode is a celebration—of collaboration, shared values, and a resource created with deep care for neurodivergent learners and the adults who support them. As Tara says, regulation is the foundation—and this book is a powerful place to start.