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.

• Why AAC use often breaks down during dysregulation

• How the nervous system impacts access to communication

• Why "calm first, communication later" is a harmful myth

• How AAC can support regulation, not wait for it

• What happens when AAC is removed during meltdowns

• Why consistent AAC access builds trust and reduces frustration

• How to model AAC during dysregulation without pressure or expectation

• Simple shifts that make AAC more accessible across the day
  
  

• Dysregulation limits access to communication for all children

• AAC should be available during hard moments—not withheld

• Communication supports regulation; it's not something kids earn

• Modeling AAC without expectation builds trust and long-term access
  
  

• Keep AAC available during moments of dysregulation, even if it's not used

• Model one regulation-related word (like help, stop, or all done) without expecting a response

• Notice engagement and trust before output—communication grows from safety

If AAC has only been used during calm or structured moments, you're not alone. My AAC visuals and AAC Bootcamp are designed to help educators and caregivers confidently model AAC throughout the entire day—including transitions, play, and moments of dysregulation.

AAC doesn't require perfection.
It requires access.

Links & Related Podcast Episodes (Lindsay, can you add related podcasts?)

• AAC Bootcamp Registration

• AAC & Protests

• Getting Started With AAC

• Child Interest Survey - find what lights a child up!

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.

The Mindfulness Guide for Neurodivergent Learners is a 90-page, full-color, action-oriented guide designed to be:

• Easy to read and visually supportive

• Practical and immediately usable in classrooms and homes

• Grounded in neurodiversity-affirming, non-compliance-based practices

The book includes:

• Real classroom photos and examples

• Scripts you can actually use

• Visual supports and calming strategies

• QR codes for free downloadable resources

• Tools for co-regulation, not just "self-regulation"

• Ideas for supporting transitions, calm corners, sensory needs, and deep interests

• How the idea for the book started (spoiler: it began with a simple message ☺️)

• Why regulation is the foundation for learning, connection, and communication

• The importance of modeling regulation strategies as adults

• Why mindfulness strategies should be practiced in a regulated state

• How to move away from token boards and "earning" regulation tools

• Using deep interests (like favorite characters) to support transitions and engagement

• Real-life classroom examples that actually worked

• Why consistency across home, school, and childcare matters so much

• The difference between compliance-based approaches and compassionate, child-centered ones

This book isn't about quick fixes. It's about:

• Modeling

• Consistency

• Trust

• And honoring how neurodivergent learners experience the world

As Tara and Sarah emphasize, slow burns are okay—real change takes time, repetition, and relationship.

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

• Website: www.thecalmcaterpillar.com

• 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.

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.

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.

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 child who struggled with transitions until a one-picture schedule changed everything

● How visual schedules create predictability and reduce anxiety

● Why spoken language disappears — and visuals don't

● The connection between regulation, safety, and understanding what's coming next

● How visual schedules increase independence without pressure

● Why challenging behaviors often decrease when routines become visible

● The different types of visual schedules used in early childhood

● Why starting with ONE picture is developmentally appropriate and often most effective

● Practical tips you can use tomorrow to make transitions smoother and more connected

● Visual Schedule Pictures Resource

● Visual Schedule Information

● Visual Schedules Made Easy Course