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 Paulina Elias and Dr. Amanda Blackwell from Natural Communication for a powerful discussion about how PECS originated, what it does well, and where it can fall short—especially when communication is limited to requesting or tightly controlled exchanges.

We explore why many clinicians are shifting toward multimodal, child-led AAC approaches that support regulation, self-expression, and authentic connection. You'll hear us unpack topics like honoring a child's right to say "no," moving away from hand-over-hand prompting, and choosing communication tools that grow alongside a child rather than restricting them.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or therapist, this replay episode offers updated perspectives that may challenge old assumptions—and help you feel more confident in supporting communication that is respectful, functional, and truly empowering.

🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Tu4rKeAM0dc

📖 Read the blog here: https://autismlittlelearners.com/pecs-autism/

• PECS was developed in the 1980s as a structured system rooted in behavior-based principles and primarily supports requesting.

• Communication is more than asking for wants—autistic children deserve access to tools that support commenting, protesting, refusing, and expressing feelings.

• Rigid communication systems can unintentionally limit autonomy and authentic self-expression.

• Hand-over-hand prompting raises concerns about consent and agency; hand-under-hand support allows for greater learner control.

• AAC should be multimodal, flexible, and adaptable to a child's evolving communication needs.

• Children must have the freedom to say "no" and communicate disagreement in order for communication to be meaningful.

• Relationship, trust, and emotional safety are foundational to successful communication development.

• Communication tools should grow with the child rather than requiring a complete "switch" later on.

• Neurodiversity-affirming AAC honors individuality, regulation needs, and multiple communication styles.

• Family insight and lived experience are critical pieces of evidence-based practice.

• Access to AAC resources in multiple languages increases equity and meaningful participation for families.

• The field is moving away from rigid systems toward child-led, respectful, and empowering communication supports—and that shift matters.

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

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 support children in ways that truly work.

If you're navigating intense demand avoidance, burnout, or power struggles—or supporting a child who needs a more flexible, relationship-based approach—this conversation is a must-listen (or re-listen).

🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/htWAXEnkyzE?si=s9tYLCnIbdt4LDOy

📖 Read the blog here: https://autismlittlelearners.com/pathological-demand-avoidance/

Links:

Dr. Tay's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.dr.tay/

Dr. Tay's Website: https://drtaylorday.com

Evolve Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolve-with-dr-tay-the-podcast-for-parents-of-autistic-kids/id1659784037

Takeaways

• PDA is not a formal diagnosis, but a commonly discussed profile within autism that centers on nervous system differences.

• A child's behavior often reflects a stress response, not intentional defiance.

• For children with PDA, autonomy is a need, not a preference.

• Traditional compliance-based parenting and teaching approaches often escalate challenges rather than reduce them.

• Understanding fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses helps adults respond with compassion instead of control.

• Reducing demands can be supportive when paired with strong relationships and thoughtful boundaries.

• Collaboration between parents, educators, and providers leads to more consistent and effective support.

• Seeing the human behind the behavior shifts how we problem-solve and connect.

• Teaching autonomy, flexibility, and regulation skills supports long-term well-being.

• Offering meaningful choices can increase engagement and reduce stress.

• Prioritizing mastery and understanding over repetition helps children feel safe and successful.

• Parents are experts on their children and their insights matter.

• Educational systems work best when they adapt to children—not the other way around.

• Connection, trust, and felt safety are foundational for learning and growth.

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

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. We also dive into how to use everyday moments to normalize autism, reduce stigma, and help all children grow in empathy and acceptance.

This is one of those episodes that educators and families continuously return to… and for good reason.

Takeaways

• Why conversations about autism should start early — and continue over time

• How explaining autism positively can support a child's self-concept and emotional well-being

• Simple, child-friendly ways to describe autism using strengths-based language

• Strategies for helping peers understand behaviors through empathy (including Andi's amazing "bear in the classroom" analogy)

• How open discussions reduce stigma, prevent bullying, and foster more inclusive classrooms

• Why kids are often more accepting and adaptable than adults assume

• How to avoid common mistakes adults make when talking about autism — and what to say instead

• The power of validating children's needs, identities, and differences without shame

• The importance of individualized support and asking children what they prefer or need

• How to talk about stimming, sensory overload, fight-or-flight responses, and regulation in ways young kids can understand

• Tips for sharing information with classmates (and when parent/child permission is needed)

Bio:

Andi Putt, also known as Mrs. Speechie P, is an Autistic Speech Language Pathologist specializing in team-based Autism evaluations and neuro-affirming support. She is dedicated to empowering families and helping Autistic children understand and embrace their authentic selves while also advocating for each individual's unique needs. When she's not advocating for others, you can find her indulging in a good book, planning her next travel adventure, procrastinating literally anything, or enjoying time with her family.

Links:

Andi's website: https://www.mrsspeechiep.com/

Andi's resources for talking to children about autism: https://www.mrsspeechiep.com/shop-all

Andi's IG account (@mrsspeechiep): https://www.instagram.com/mrsspeechiep/?hl=en

Watch the YouTube version of this podcast episode here: https://youtu.be/8YA5QELKAnc?si=CcMulQitmKXs-Yfi

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook