The Autism Little Learners Podcast

How can I help my autistic student or child? Where can I find resources to teach my preschool-age students with autism? My child was given the autism diagnosis…now what? I just started teaching autistic preschool students…where do I start? Do you have any tips for potty training? How do I train my paras? Whether you are a special educator, speech/language pathologist, general education teacher, paraprofessional, parent, grandparent, or someone who loves a young autistic child, this show is for you! The Autism Little Learners podcast is relaxed, upbeat, informative, and full of actionable step-by-step tips to help you feel more confident and successful with your students or child. Host, Tara Phillips, is a speech/language pathologist who can relate to both SLPs and special education teachers because she has run her own communication-based classroom for over 2 decades. She is the creator of the Autism Little Learners Membership and the Visual Schedules Made Easy online course.Tara addresses all kinds of topics including: autism and visuals, tips for teaching communication skills, self-regulation as a foundation for learning, creating predictable routines, toilet training, challenging behaviors, fostering independence, and building positive relationships and connections with autistic children.Along with sharing her tips and most successful strategies for students on the autism spectrum, she will invite guest speakers to get different perspectives.Be sure to tune in and subscribe to The Autism Little Learners Podcast. You can also find Tara on:FB- https://www.facebook.com/autismlittlelearners/IG-http://www.instagram.com/autismlittlelearnersWebsite- www.autismlittlelearners.com

#119 - Morning Meetings That Engage Every Learner with Jenn Adams
Apr 22, 2025 – 48:08
#118 - Breaking Down Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices with Emily Byers Chaney
Apr 15, 2025 – 49:27
#117 - Pathological Demand Avoidance Explained – With Dr. Casey Ehrlich
Apr 8, 2025 – 48:16
#116 - Autism Awareness Month is Evolving—Why That Matters!
Apr 1, 2025 – 23:40
#115 - How to Talk to Kids About Autism with Andi Putt
Mar 24, 2025 – 50:44
#114 - 3 Strategies To Foster Engagement In Autistic Preschoolers
Mar 18, 2025 – 51:46
#113 - Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) With Dr. Taylor Day
Mar 11, 2025 – 43:53
#112 - ARFID And Autism With Lauren Sharifi
Mar 4, 2025 – 32:11
#111 - Autism & Behavior: A Compassionate Approach To Stress Responses
Feb 25, 2025 – 19:03
#110 - Trauma-Informed Feeding For Autistic Children with Erin Forward
Feb 18, 2025 – 50:15
#109 - Why Are Transitions So Hard For Autistic Kids?
Feb 11, 2025 – 21:07
#108 - Autistic Play Is Authentic Play With Cari Ebert, SLP
Feb 4, 2025 – 57:32
#107 - From Grief to Growth: The Story of Autism Little Learners
Jan 28, 2025 – 13:24
#106 - Why Predictable Routines Are So Important For Autistic Preschoolers
Jan 21, 2025 – 18:59
#105 - The Power of Connection: Building Positive Relationships with Autistic Preschoolers
Jan 14, 2025 – 18:26
#104 - Supporting Regulation In The Classroom
Jan 7, 2025 – 21:19
#103 - Setting Intentions For 2025!
Dec 31, 2024 – 09:16
#102 - Gratitude, Small Wins & Impact
Dec 24, 2024 – 09:05
#101 - AAC Strategies For Gestalt Language Processors
Dec 17, 2024 – 49:29
#100 - 100th Episode - Autism Little Learners Journey!
Dec 10, 2024 – 36:54
#99 - From Diagnosis to Advocacy: A Mother's Perspective With Christina Young
Dec 3, 2024 – 01:00:15
#98 - How Music Supports Gestalt Language Processing in Kids with Victoria Matkowski, SLP
Nov 26, 2024 – 28:22
#97 - Mindfulness & Regulation For Preschoolers with Sarah Habib
Nov 19, 2024 – 30:58
#96 - PECS & Autism: Powerful Tool or Outdated Approach? - With SLPs Paulina Elias and Amanda Blackwell
Nov 12, 2024 – 54:28
#95 - Books, Video Modeling, and Beyond: Engaging Young Learners With Clay Hadden, SLP
Nov 5, 2024 – 38:31
#94 - AAC & Gestalt Language Processors with Laura Hayes
Oct 29, 2024 – 47:45
#93 - Gestalt Language Processing With Katja Piscitelli, SLP (Boho Speechie)
Oct 22, 2024 – 45:54
#92 - Using A Split View With An AAC App & YouTube With Angela Moorad, SLP
Oct 15, 2024 – 58:37
#91 - AAC & Modeling Without Expectation With Rachel Madel
Oct 8, 2024 – 48:42
#90 - Autism And Play Culture With Dr. Pamela Wolfberg
Oct 1, 2024 – 01:07:41
#89 - Sensory Play: Autism Learning Through Hands-On Interaction
Sep 24, 2024 – 16:06
#88 - Gently Expanding Autistic Play: Tips for Parents and Educators
Sep 17, 2024 – 14:09
#87 - Autistic Play: Honoring Diverse Styles Of Play
Sep 10, 2024 – 13:35
#86 - Jessie Ginsburg, SLP: Sensory + Communication + Play = Positive Relationships With Autistic Kids!
Sep 3, 2024 – 44:27
#85 - Prioritizing Connection With Gestalt Language Processors With Nicole Casey, SLP
Aug 27, 2024 – 01:26:48
#84 - Why You Should Stop Using Hand Over Hand Prompting With Diamond Rashad
Aug 20, 2024 – 40:50
#83 - What Does Strength-Based Learning Mean?
Aug 13, 2024 – 18:31
#82 - Exploratory Play For Kids Who Dump & Throw Toys
Aug 6, 2024 – 17:18
#81 - 5 Keys To Support Co-Regulation & Self-Regulation In Young Autistic Kids
Jul 30, 2024 – 20:26
#80 - Autism Little Learners Membership - Member Interviews Part 2
Jul 23, 2024 – 43:48
#79 - Autism Little Learners Membership - Member Interviews
Jul 16, 2024 – 34:07
#78 - Lilly's Voice: AAC For Everyone!
Jul 9, 2024 – 35:21
#77 - The Preschool Autism Summit: Everything You Need To Know!
Jul 2, 2024 – 15:44
#76 - Autism: Childhood To Adulthood With An Amazing Autistic Adult - Lindsey Moreland
Jun 25, 2024 – 35:49
#75 - Gestalt Language Processing With Nicole Casey, SLP
Jun 18, 2024 – 01:26:40
#74 - Neurodiversity-Affirming IEP Accommodations & Modifications With Destiny Huff
Jun 11, 2024 – 53:42
#73 - Potty Training Your Autistic Child Or Student With Molly Johnson
Jun 4, 2024 – 53:20
#72 - Travel And Autism With Kayla Castro - Certified Autism Travel Professional
May 28, 2024 – 49:32
#71 - The Autism Journey With Abbey & Christine Romeo From Love On The Spectrum
May 21, 2024 – 01:06:31
#70 - Rethinking Hand Over Hand Prompting With OT, Dr. Diamond Rashad
May 14, 2024 – 43:10

Recent Reviews

Huiyrrtgmadashell

Tremendous Help!!!!

I’ve been listening for about a year in order to get some tips for My then three-year-old now four-year-old on the spectrum. I am one of those parents that just decided to download the free version of an AAC, but would love a podcast on helping me introduce the AAC to my son from an SLP POV. Anyways, thank you for everything you’re doing.
Stacey nana of 2

Love The Little Learners Podcast

I just want to let you know how your podcast has helped me with my 4 year old grandson (non verbal level 3 autistic). Just listening to your podcast for over a month. But he’s already mastered his ABCs by showing me each letter and he is so proud of himself. I can’t get enough of your podcast. I listen to the episodes over and over 🥰. Thank you for all you do to help teach us caregivers to make personal connections that really matter. You are a Godsend for me 🙏🏻
Kimmy SLP

LOVE LOVE LOVE

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this podcast! I listen as often as I can. I make sure to spread the word to other SLPs and parents of my ASD kiddos. I am so appreciative that Tara shares her wisdom with so much passion. It is evident that she is invested in helping others.
pacorcoran62

You need to know these things!

I am a ores ho teacher since 1986, My grandson (7 years old) has been diagnosed Autistic. His older sister (9 years old) is not diagnosed but shows many signs of Autism. This show is helping me to understand and appreciate my two oldest grandchildren in a new way. Thank you for helping me to understand them and spend quality time with them.
Jrmtweety

Really enjoyed, looking forward to more podcasts.

So far I have really enjoyed what you have shared. It is good to hear a different take on approaches to learning by using their strengths to develop their weaker areas. I will keep listening and continue to read the materials you have on your website. Thank you for all the great information.
Kimmer jo

Strengths based learning is key

We have had several students who had we not discussed likes and strengths with families would never had made it as far as they did. Tara’s ideas are fabulous! Great podcast
Day_na

The resource I was looking for!

My 5yo son was diagnosed 5 months ago and I’ve been looking for any resource (podcasts, books, websites) that could help me understand this new world we have entered, this podcast is what I’ve been looking for! It explains everything in a way that is easy to understand and on a ton of topics. I discovered this podcast 2 days ago and have listened to at least a dozen episodes already. Thank you for creating this!
JessieGSLP

Actionable strategies!

I love that this podcast is full of easy and actionable strategies that you could go into your therapy room or classroom and use the very next day. Tara’s passion for her work shines through on every episode and you’ll walk away feeling inspired!
Sunnidayus

So much help

I just stumbled on this podcast a week or so ago. I’m a preschool teacher in a daycare setting and have found myself struggling with what to do with autistic children. I realized I have no idea about autism and I really want be able to be a help to these children and not an unwitting deficit. This podcast has taught me so much already. I hit on the recent podcast and am now going back to the first episode to listen from there. So many great helps and wonderful resources provided! What a blessing! Thank you Tara!! (And Jason for your weird facts but sweet, like your wife’s spirit!) I should add that I have gleaned stuff for all of my students not just those with autism. Well done and thanks again! ~Steph
SLPmolly

Amazing for entire preschool team

This has quickly become one of my favorite podcasts, as an SLP who primarily works with 3-5 year olds with autism and other disabilities/needs. This podcast is so helpful not only to me, but to preschool teachers, aides, OTs, PTs, psychologists, and families! Thank you, Tara, for the amazing resources and strategies you share.
CJ’s mama

Very informative

I have learned a lot from Tara’s podcast! Very useful information.
Melanie Rodriguez Vazquez

Compassionate Autism Support

Autism little learners podcast is a compassionate companion for parents, educators, and anyone who loves a young autistic child. With expert advice and heartfelt anecdotes, each episode offers invaluable support and reassurance. Whether you're seeking practical strategies or emotional encouragement, this podcast provides a safe space to navigate the complexities of autism parenting and support. Highly recommended for its inclusive approach and empowering insights into the beautiful journey of autism.
Newtonrl

SLP View

I am a school SLP and hearing this podcast reminds me why I do what I do! Love Autism Little Learners and all of their amazing resources!
Adriennemartz_

Awesome podcast

I absolutely enjoy listening to all the wonderful advice that Tara gives! I apply the knowledge to my practice!
Midwest EC Teacher

Always So Informational

The Autism Little Learners podcasts are so easy to fit in my schedule. I incorporate them into my commute home from work! They are always so packed full of helpful resources, tips and ideas. As a veteran teach in Special Education Early Childhood for over 20 years, Tara’s podcast always keeps me reflecting as well as adding to my current practices. I have enjoyed Tara’s resources so much that I have recently become a member to Autism Little Learners :)
Corisped

So informative.

I started listening to Tara’s podcast on my morning drive to work. I have learned so much and have started implementing new ideas in my classroom. My favorites so far have PDA podcast and the AAC podcast. Highly recommend making the time to listen to these podcast if you haven’t already.
mishellerobs

Love love love

Thank you Tara for talking about topics that a lot of us in early childhood need help with. Your encouraging words and resources help me get through my day ❤️ If you guys are looking for a great podcast, great resources and a great community, Autism Little Learners is just that and so much more!
Axarring

Amazing!

I love listening to this podcast! As a parent to three autistic children, I am always on the hunt for information that will help me be the best parent possible! This podcast does not disappoint :-) I highly recommend😊 Tara and her guests are a wealth of information!
HollyJDean

Autism Classroom Q & A

I love the Q & A episodes with Jason. It is a great reminder that special educators speak a totally different language but you are always label to explain why you do what you do in a way that can be understood by all! Way to go on the one year anniversary! What an accomplishment!!! …and how sweet that Jason takes an interest and supports what you are so passionate about! Keep it up you two!!!
Brooke F 11

Wonderful

I am a special needs preschool teacher and I have been searching for a podcast like this. Spot on, simple, clear suggestions for helping those with autism. I love all the free social stories you offer as well. Thank you for all you are doing to shed light in this area!
CricketSWade

Instructional Assistant

I work in a preschool Special Ed program as an Instructional Assistant. Not surprisingly, we have many students with Autism. As an IA, I have no formal training or experience with these littles on the A team. None needed. I love them very much and want to understand each one. I have learned so much from your podcast on topics that benefit my understanding and thus relationships with these children years three to five. Thank you!! I look forward to every new episode.
jennybutlermd

Great for parents too

Helpful info and great ideas for parents in addition to teachers. I appreciate the practical ideas that I can start today. Thank you
Teachk05

Great Information

Tara has a wealth of knowledge to share with others. It is so helpful to listen to the podcast and to be able to try new ideas or just learn more. Thank you Tara!
ShannonG***

Fantastic resource!

Tara is wonderful to listen to. I always leave the podcasts feeling more confident. Even if it’s a strategy I’ve used for years it’s nice to hear her support. Thank you so much Tara!
brianaob

Tara is the best!

Tara always leaves me with new strategies to trial and think about! You can tell how much she values her students while wanting to push them to be their best. I love getting new ideas from here!
Danir1012

Wonderful listen!

Great tips for classrooms and in the home for our autistic children 💗
Kdgaw

Membership

I stumbled onto your page from my child SAI teacher and have been hooked ever since! Thank you for all your freebies and especially the calming kit documents. Definitely interested in your membership to gain more information on how to advocate and help my child in school and at home.
demilovatoistotallyAwesome

Thank You, Tara

Tara is fantastic and listening to her podcast has helped me implement strategies into my special education preschool classroom!
LuLaDad

Growing and learning

I found Tara a year and a half ago and have gained so much insight, ideas, and real intervention materials from her. She is fantastic!
Morton ELC

Autism little learners

Just started listening to this podcast. Hope to learn a lot of strategies!
MadiKay1

Amazing!

So thankful for this podcast! It is provided such helpful information!
LexandLucy

Great podcast

As an early childhood teacher and parent of a child with autism I find these podcasts helpful for many reasons. Very helpful advice and easy to listen to!
Jwags0722

Valuable and credible

As a special needs teacher, I am always searching for valuable, credible resources. This podcast and the Autism Little Learners Facebook page are some of my favorites! I love learning new things about how to help people on the spectrum, especially from those who have tons of experience and passion. Don’t miss out on this great resource!!!
Halljg3909

Autism

Love all the helpful information 💚
34567654

Amazing and easy to digest/implement

Tara is amazing! She has the experience and the knowledge- the information she shares will change the face of special education and communication for all early communicators and beyond!