Let’s be honest, back-to-school can feel overwhelming. There’s excitement, sure, but there’s also anxiety—both for kids and for parents and caregivers. For autistic kids, who often thrive on predictability and routine, this transition can feel extra big.

The good news? We can make it easier. There are small, proactive things we can do that help autistic children feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Today, I’m sharing four strategies that I’ve seen work time and time again

Takeaways

• Preparing autistic children for back-to-school with small, proactive steps can reduce anxiety and build confidence.

• A visual countdown calendar and practice runs make new routines feel predictable and easier to manage.

• Reading a social story daily helps children understand what to expect, making the first day feel familiar and safe.

• Personalizing social stories with school photos and teacher pictures increases comfort and understanding.

• Sharing a Child Interest Survey or “All About Me” sheet helps teachers connect quickly and support each child’s unique needs.

• Knowing a child’s favorite toys or interests can ease transitions and spark engagement on day one.

• Comfort items like a small toy, family photo, or fidget tool can provide emotional security throughout the school day.

• Progress, not perfection, is the goal—small, consistent steps create smoother transitions and more positive school experiences.
  

Links

Free Story Library (Going To School Story): :https://autismlittlelearners.myflodesk.com/xo348maka7

Child Interest Survey: https://autismlittlelearners.myflodesk.com/xq5o4kiwzd

All About Me Forms: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-About-Me-Template-For-Special-Education-11899087

You may also be interested in these supports from Autism Little Learners:

1. Visual Support Starter Set

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

In this powerful reflection episode, Tara shares one of the most impactful moments of her career—her conversation with Jordyn Zimmerman during the 2025 Preschool Autism Summit. Together, they unpack the importance of presuming competence, providing early AAC access, and creating neurodiversity-affirming learning spaces. Tara also shares emotional ripple stories from participants, illustrating how nearly 50,000 educators and therapists are creating waves of change for autistic children around the world.

Key Takeaways:

1. Presume competence—always. Speech is not the same as intelligence, and we must stop making assumptions based on verbal ability.

2. Non-speaking ≠ non-verbal. The term “non-verbal” implies a lack of language; “non-speaking” affirms that language exists, even without speech.

3. There are no prerequisites for AAC. Children do not need to match, point, or “behave” a certain way before receiving access to communication tools.

4. PECS is not a communication system. It is a requesting system and does not provide full language access.

5. AAC must include access to robust, literacy-based tools. Limiting a child to a core board or basic images restricts their ability to truly communicate.

6. Talking about students in front of them causes real harm. Many non-speaking students hear and understand far more than people assume.

7. Lack of access to communication is traumatic. It can lead to emotional and physical distress—and we have a responsibility to prevent that.

8. Real inclusion means access, not separation. Segregated classrooms limit growth and potential; all students deserve meaningful academic instruction.

9. Educators are making real-time ripples. From texting SLPs during the summit to creating team trainings, attendees are already pushing change.

10. Small shifts create big waves. With over 49,000 participants, the summit’s ripple effect may reach nearly half a million autistic children—and it all starts with choosing compassion over compliance.

Links

Jordyn’s Documentary: https://thisisnotaboutme.film/

Jordyn’s Website: https://www.jordynzimmerman.com/

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

In this encore episode of The Autism Little Learners Podcast, Tara reconnects with Cari Ebert, a respected speech-language pathologist and passionate advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practices. Together, they revisit a powerful conversation that redefines what play and connection can look like for autistic children.

Cari shares valuable insights into why autistic play is real, meaningful, and should be honored as such. She explains how deep interests can be a gateway to learning, joy, and communication—and how adults can build stronger relationships with children by embracing these passions. The episode also explores the idea of presuming competence and cultivating supportive environments where every child feels seen and valued.

Whether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or listening again, it’s packed with practical ideas and heart-centered strategies to help you support autistic children in ways that truly honor who they are.

Key Takeaways:

• Autistic children experience and express play in unique, valid ways.

• Deep interests are powerful tools for building trust and engagement.

• Connection and respect must come before compliance or correction.

• Play is not a prerequisite for learning—it is learning.

• Presuming competence opens the door to authentic communication.

• Environments that support individuality fuel growth and joy.

• Reflecting on our practices helps us better support each child.

Bio: Cari Ebert, MS, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist in private practice in the Kansas City, Missouri area. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1993 and her master’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1995. Cari is a therapist, consultant, author, product developer, and nationally recognized speaker who gets paid to do what she loves most—TALK! She has an animated personality, and this translates to a high-energy speaking style. Cari has an Autistic son, allowing her to engage audiences both as a professional and as a parent of a neurodivergent child.

Website: www.cariebert.com

Cari's free handout "Autistic Play Is Authentic Play": https://cariebert.com/freebie

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

In this episode, I’m sharing something really exciting with you—a sneak peek into the upcoming Preschool Autism Summit, happening July 14–16, 2025! You’ll get to hear short clips from some of our amazing presenters, and I’ll pop in between each one to give you a little intro and context.

These speakers are bringing so much heart, wisdom, and practical support to the table. Whether you're a special educator, SLP, OT, or a parent, you’re going to walk away from the summit feeling more confident, more supported, and ready to take action.

🎉 And hey—if you’re listening before July 17th, 2025, you still have time to grab your free ticket or upgrade to the All-Access Pass, which gives you access to all 25+ presentations for a full year, plus some amazing bonuses!

Grab your free ticket here: www.preshoolautismsummit.com

Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram to be the first to know about events like the Preschool Autism Summit: http://www.instagram.com/autismlittlelearners

Have an awesome day!

Tara

Hi there, and welcome back to the Autism Little Learners podcast! I’m Tara Phillips, and today I’m joined by speech-language pathologist Alexandria Zachos for an amazing conversation all about Gestalt Language Processing.

We talk about how our understanding of language development has evolved, the real struggles around prompt dependence, and why a child-led approach is so important—especially for Gestalt language processors. Alexandria shares so many helpful insights, including how we can better support these communicators by building authentic connections and honoring all the ways they express themselves.

Whether you’re a therapist, teacher, or parent, this episode is packed with practical strategies to encourage spontaneous language and support meaningful communication. I’m so excited for you to hear this one!

Takeaways

• Gestalt Language Processing is a natural way of developing language.

• Many SLPs are unaware of Gestalt Language Development despite its long history.

• Prompt dependence often stems from traditional teaching strategies.

• Child-led therapy is essential for fostering spontaneous communication.

• Silence can be a powerful tool in therapy sessions.

• Acknowledging all forms of communication builds trust with children.

• Using a child's Gestalt can enhance engagement and communication.

• Therapists should focus on the child's interests to promote language use.

• It's never too late to shift from prompt dependence to child-led approaches.

• Building authentic relationships is key to effective communication.

Bio

Alexandria Zachos is the founder, clinical director, owner, and senior speech-language pathologist with Social Butterfly Inc. and Meaningful Speech® She has been a practicing SLP for 21 years and has worked extensively with gestalt language processors since 2016, utilizing Blanc's Natural Language Acquisition protocol. She educates SLPs, parents, and related professionals through her social media platforms, podcasts, blogs, and her internationally acclaimed courses on http://Meaningfulspeech.com/. When she's not wearing her SLP hat she enjoys reading fiction, walking in the woods and spending time with her husband and daughters around Chicagoland.

Links

• Meaningfulspeech.com for everything!

• https://www.meaningfulspeech.com/free-resources for our free masterclass, free AAC+GLP beginner's guide, our blog, research & resources, podcasts, interviews, and webinars

• http://meaningfulspeech.com/course for our internationally acclaimed original GLP + child-led course (now over 30+ PDH and all USA SLPs need for their 3-year ASHA cycle!)

• http://meaningfulspeechregistry.com/ to find a local SLP who has GLP knowledge and can see your child locally. SLPs are invited to join after taking our course and passing the multiple choice and written exam with 80% or higher (feedback provided!). Must be able to take private clients. Not a list of those who have taken the course!

• http://meaningfulspeech.com/AAC-course for a direct link to our AAC+GLP course. Our instructor, Laura Hayes, is an AAC specialist and will teach you how to modify any AAC system for the GLP. We also have bonus modules showing specific recommendations for most AAC apps/devices currently being sold or offered for free.

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

In this episode of the Autism Little Learners Podcast, I sit down with Alex Lamoreaux—a mom of three, including two autistic boys—to talk about her personal and powerful journey with autism. From receiving a late diagnosis herself to navigating complex medical advice, Alex shares how she shifted from fear to confidence in parenting.

We dive into what it really means to trust your gut as a parent and honor the unique needs of each child. This heartfelt conversation explores the emotional ups and downs of advocating for autistic kids and highlights the power of intuition, self-advocacy, and community. You won't want to miss Alex’s inspiring and relatable story.

Bio

Alex Lamoreaux is a late-diagnosed neurodivergent mom of three young boys and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in addiction recovery and trauma treatment. After two of her sons were diagnosed with autism, she dove into learning—and unlearning—what it really means to support autistic children. Now in the thick of parenting and advocacy, Alex shares practical, real-life insights with honesty and heart, hoping to spark connection and offer support to fellow parents on similar journeys.

Alex’s TikTok Account

https://www.tiktok.com/@alex.lamx?_t=ZT-8xBXQBH46la&_r=1

Takeaways

• Late diagnosis can provide clarity and reduce shame over past differences.

• Parents often feel overwhelmed by the amount of information available.

• Shifting from panic to empowerment is crucial in parenting.

• Each autistic child is unique and requires different interventions.

• There is no one-size-fits-all approach to autism.

• Trusting parental instincts is essential for effective parenting. You do not have to fill your child's day with therapy.

• Trust your gut feelings about your child's needs.

• Parents often know their children best, despite professional opinions.

• Medical professionals may not always have the latest information on autism.

• Advocating for your child can be challenging, but it is essential.

• Bringing a list to meetings can help parents stay focused.

• Cognitive dissonance is common when navigating medical advice.

• Parents should feel empowered to change providers if necessary.

• Finding clarity amidst overwhelming information is crucial for parents.

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