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, and create joyful, neuroaffirming classrooms and homes, this episode is for you.

• Building authentic connection creates a sense of emotional safety for autistic children.

• Sensory and regulation needs must be supported before meaningful connection can occur.

• A calm, steady adult presence helps children co-regulate and learn what regulation feels like.

• Stepping out of "teacher mode" makes connection more natural and less overwhelming.

• Autistic play is meaningful, valid, and should be honored rather than redirected.

• Deep interests are powerful bridges for building trust, engagement, and communication.

• Leading with compassion instead of compliance helps children feel seen, respected, and safe.

• Joyful, neuroaffirming environments increase engagement and support learning.

• Presuming competence communicates respect for all forms of communication and autonomy.

• Prioritizing connection has long-term positive effects on confidence, engagement, and overall development.

• Episode 90: Autism & Play Culture with Dr. Pamela Wolfberg: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autism-little-learners-podcast/id1665404820?i=1000671411034

• Blog: Strength-Based Approach For Teaching Autistic Children: https://autismlittlelearners.com/strength-based-approach/

• Barry Prizant's book (Uniquely Human): https://amzn.to/3MjnpgF

You may also be interested in these supports:

• Visual Support Starter Set

• Visual Supports Facebook Group

• Autism Little Learners on Instagram

• Autism Little Learners on Facebook

Welcome back to the Autism Little Learners Podcast! Today, we're talking about something that often gets overlooked when we think about AAC and autism—teaching and honoring protests.

So often, AAC is used mostly for requesting items. But communication is about so much more. Autistic children need to know how to use their AAC systems for autism to say no, stop, don't like, all done, or help.

In this episode, I'll share why honoring protest is essential, what the difference is between acknowledging and honoring protests, and how modeling protest words on AAC for autistic kids builds trust, reduces frustration, and empowers children with self-advocacy.

I'll also walk you through the 8 Steps to Honor Protests—a simple framework you can start using right away in your classroom, therapy sessions, or at home.

So let's dive in and discover why protest isn't just communication—it's empowerment.

Takeaways:

AAC and autism go hand in hand—AAC should be used for more than requesting; it's for all communication.

Protest is valid communication, not misbehavior.

Honoring protests means changing, pausing, or stopping an activity when possible.

Acknowledging protests means validating and empathizing, even if you can't change what's happening.

AAC systems for autism should always include words for no, stop, don't like, all done, and different.

Modeling protest words daily helps children learn how to set boundaries and self-advocate.

Honoring protests builds trust and prevents escalation into meltdowns or shutdowns.

Following the 8 Steps to Honor Protests shifts teams and families from compliance to connection.

Link:

8 Steps To Honoring Protests Freebie: https://autismlittlelearners.myflodesk.com/ofzbilarwd

• Visual Support Starter Set (Free Download): www.autismlittlelearners.com/visuals

• Visual Supports Facebook Group

• Autism Little Learners on Instagram

• Autism Little Learners on Facebook