Let Them Lead: The Child-Led Autism Podcast

Join us inside The Child-Led Collective! If you've ever felt that nagging feeling in a session like, "okay, but we've been working on requesting for a really long time and I don't know what to do next," this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale. Requesting tends to get a bit of a bad rep, and you know what, sometimes for good reason. Not because helping a child ask for what they want or need is wrong, but because so many of us were taught to start there and then just... stay there. For years. And in the meantime, our students' communication functions stay narrow when they could be expanding in beautiful, meaningful, connected ways. In this episode, you'll get a full breakdown of the different kinds of requesting we can support, why each one matters, and how to start building these into your day without overhauling your whole approach. Plus, the gentle case for why "he might ask for the playground all day" isn't a good enough reason to skip teaching a skill. What you'll hear inside this episode Why requesting is a great place to start, and a not-so-great place to stay How traditional requesting work can accidentally turn communication into a transaction The 10+ different kinds of requests you can support (and how to know where your student is with each one) A real story about a little girl who couldn't open her lunch and what it taught me about requesting help How requesting people (yes, people) can transform a child's connection with their family How to honor a child's "I'm all done" without throwing safety out the window Why measuring a child against their own previous skills is the most honest way to see progress Why this episode matters So many of our autistic students walk around with "I want" essentially baked into their communication. And not because they actually mean "I want" every time, but because that's what we've modeled, taught, and reinforced for years. When we expand the purposes for which a child can communicate, we're not just adding more vocabulary to a device or more goals to a paper. We're giving them more access to their world. To their people. To their wants and needs and preferences and limits. That is what child-led speech therapy looks like in practice. The kinds of requests we walk through in this episode Requesting favorite things Requesting things they need (the spoon for the yogurt situation) Requesting places they want to go Requesting actions (and directing actions) Requesting people they want to see Requesting help Requesting something different Requesting more Requesting a break Requesting to be all done A few things to sit with after you listen Which of these requests does your student already have reliable access to? Which one feels the most overlooked on your caseload right now? If your student suddenly had a way to request a person, who would they ask for first? Where might "I want" be doing more work in your student's communication than it should? A moment from this episode you'll probably remember There's a story in this episode about a hyperlexic student riding in the car with his mom. He says "Chick-fil-A" from the back seat for the first time ever. She does what any of us would do. She makes a sharp turn into the parking lot. He gets his food. He's happy. That's the whole point of this work. Not the perfect request. Not the polished sentence. Just a child finally having a way to tell the people who love him where he wants to go. Resources mentioned The communication functions checklist for requesting (available inside The Child-Led Collective) Season 1 episodes on supporting early gestalt language processors Keep going with us inside The Collective If this episode helped you see requesting differently, you're going to feel right at home inside The Child-Led Collective. The checklist I'm reading from in this episode is one of many tools members have access to, along with implementation videos, monthly trainings, a community of professionals doing this work alongside you, and ongoing coaching from me. You can join us at jointhechildledcollective.com. This is the start of a series I'm planning to break down communication functions one by one across upcoming episodes. If this format was helpful, send me a DM, send me an email, or leave a review and let me know. Your feedback shapes where we go next. Stay connected Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss the next episode in this series Leave a review if this one helped you Share it with a teammate who is feeling stuck on requesting  

Join The Child-Led Collective: jointhechildledcollective.com   One IEP meeting a year. That's it. And somehow we're supposed to build a real relationship with a family in 60 minutes (or, as I recently heard, 25...which, no). This episode is about what happens in between those meetings, because that stretch of time is where the relationship either grows or goes flat. I'm sharing the system I've been using for nearly 10 years to stay connected with the families I support, including the tool I found out about from Rachel Madel and have never stopped using, and the six principles that guide every single update I send home. This is one of those things that sounds like more work but actually ends up being less, because when families are genuinely in the loop, everything else gets easier. I also want to talk about something that still makes me a little fired up: what happens when teams judge families for not showing up, not following through, or not seeming engaged, without ever actually knowing what that family's life looks like. The only reason I knew what was really going on with one of my student's families was because I had built a relationship outside of that one annual meeting. And it made all the difference. What You'll Learn: Why IEP meetings alone are not enough to build the kind of family partnership that actually supports progress The story of what happened when a team started judging a parent who didn't show up, and why I was the only one who knew the full picture The tool I've used for nearly 10 years to send weekly updates to families (without spending hours on it) How to reach families who aren't checking email, using a QR code and a piece of paper The six principles behind my Caregiver Collaboration System, including why "no homework" is one of them Why families not following through is almost never about buy-in, and what's actually getting in the way What to say in a two-minute video when you have no idea where to start How to frame a hard session for a family without adding guilt or making them feel like something went wrong Why one mom cried watching a Loom update I barely thought twice about sending Resources Mentioned: Loom (free video recording tool): https://www.loom.com Join The Child-Led Collective: jointhechildledcollective.com

Have you ever had a great speech session with a child... and then watched the whole thing fall apart the second it was time to go back to class? Same. And for a long time, I felt like I was doing something wrong. Today we're talking about why transitions are so much harder than we treat them, and what to do about it without abandoning your child-led values. Episode Summary A conversation came up recently inside The Child-Led Collective about this exact thing... a clinician dreading the walk back to the classroom because she knew it wasn't going to go well. And I get it. I've been there too. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what's actually happening when an autistic child struggles with transitions. Spoiler... it's not a behavior issue. It's a nervous system shift. And once you start seeing it that way, the whole game changes. I'm sharing the real strategies I've used over the years in school, clinic, and private practice settings... including the ones that worked beautifully and the ones that backfired. Because not every kid responds to a timer. Not every kid needs a transition object. And the answer is almost never "rip the bandaid off and force them to go." What You'll Learn Why transitions aren't one isolated skill kids need to be taught... they're a nervous system shift kids need support through The honest reason your child-led session might be making the transition back to class harder (and why that's not a reason to make your sessions less child-led) How to tell when a tool like a visual timer is actually helping versus quietly cranking up a child's anxiety The clinical nuance behind transition objects... when they work, when they don't, and the systems you can put in place so the classroom team is on board What to do when you're stuck between honoring the child's nervous system and racing to your next session How to build regulation into the end of your session so the transition doesn't catch anyone off guard The schedule shift I'd make every single day of the week to save a kid from a stressful transition Why calling down to the classroom for backup feels so loaded... and how to reframe that whole dynamic with your support staff Your Next Steps Join The Child-Led Collective: https://jointhechildledcollective.com

REGISTER FOR THE FREE DREAM TEAM WORKSHOP HERE! Ever walked into a classroom and felt the tension before anyone even said hello? Yeah, me too. And if you've ever wondered how to actually shift that energy (without adding one more thing to your already-overflowing plate), this episode is for you. Tomorrow night, April 22nd, 2026, from 6 to 8 PM Eastern, I'm hosting a free live workshop called Building the Dream Team. It's all about how to support your paraprofessionals, one-to-one aides, and everyone on your student's support team so you can stop feeling like you're carrying communication in a silo. In this quick bonus episode, I'm giving you a bird's eye view of what we're going to cover. We'll talk about why those tense classrooms feel the way they do (spoiler: it's usually trickling down from the top), why blaming the paras never works, and what happens when we start leading with relationship first. I'm not going to ask you to run a three-hour training. I'm going to show you how minutes a week, done well, can completely change the vibe in a classroom and the progress your students make. If you've ever thought, "I wish the team would just model on the device," or "I feel like I'm the only one supporting this kid's communication," you already know why this matters. Come hang out with me live tomorrow. There won't be a replay. What You'll Learn: Why the tension in a classroom usually has nothing to do with you (and everything to do with what's happening above and below everyone's pay grade) The trickle-down effect that's shaping how your paras and one-to-ones show up every day Why "lazy" isn't a thing... and what's actually going on when someone isn't following through How to build collaborative relationships with your support team in minutes a week, not hours What it looks like to chip away at a tense classroom instead of joining in on the bad vibes Why Maslow was right... your paras can't learn new strategies if their basic needs aren't being met either A peek at the mindset shift that makes the whole collaboration thing feel less like a chore and more like actual teamwork What you can expect at the live Building the Dream Team workshop tomorrow night Resources Mentioned: Building the Dream Team Live Workshop (April 22nd, 2026, 6-8 PM ET): Register here Your Next Steps: Join The Child-Led Collective Connect on Social

I almost didn't talk about this topic because I can barely say the word. Seriously, it took me four tries to get "productivity" out of my mouth without cracking up. But the concept is something I've been circling for years, and I finally got it out at a recent workshop... and I need you to hear it. This episode is about what we were taught makes a therapy session successful and how that definition has been quietly costing us, costing the kids we work with, and costing our confidence. I'm going back to my early career, penny token boards and all (yes, really), to talk about the moment I realized I had the completely wrong measuring stick. And I want to give you a new one. If you've ever ended a session feeling like you did nothing, or sat through someone else's side-eye because things were a little slower that day, this one is for you. We're talking about why the "get as much data as possible" model breaks down for autistic kids, what actually constitutes meaningful progress in child-led practice, and how you can walk out of any session knowing that what you did mattered, even if you can't prove it with a plus or minus on a data sheet. What You'll Learn: Why the traditional "more trials equals more progress" model was never built with autistic kids in mind The story of the binder, the penny token boards, and why I thought I was the worst therapist alive (I wasn't) How we got to a place where we confused documenting progress with actual progress The difference between a session that looks productive and one that actually is Three questions to ask yourself at the end of every session before the guilt creeps in Why following a child's lead takes more clinical thinking, not less What to do with a session where you answered "no" to all three questions How the systems around us keep reinforcing the wrong definition of productive, and what we can do about it Why slower progress in child-led practice is not a failure Your Next Steps: Join The Child-Led Collective: jointhechildledcollective.com Follow Nicole on Instagram: instagram.com/thechildledslp Subscribe to the Let Them Lead podcast so you never miss an episode! Did you enjoy this episode?! Leave a review, they make my whole day! - Nicole

To learn more about The Child-Led Collective, visit www.jointhechildledcollective.com This episode is a little different from our usual format... and honestly, I think you're going to love it. I'm pulling back the curtain and giving you a real, unfiltered sneak peek into the Child-Led Collective, my monthly membership community for speech therapists, autistic support professionals, and educators. What you're about to hear is an actual private podcast episode I recorded just for members. It felt so good when I recorded it that I knew I had to share it here, too. The Child-Led Collective is where your people are. Inside, you'll find live trainings, a private podcast, monthly digital downloads, coaching calls, a Voxer chat where members connect directly with each other and with me, AI tools, and more rolling out all the time. This episode gives you a real taste of what it's like to be on the inside. If you've been wondering whether the Collective is for you, consider this your invitation to find out. What You'll Hear in This Episode: A real, unedited look at what members experience inside the Child-Led Collective What makes this community different from a course or a conference How the private podcast fits into your professional growth as a neuroaffirming clinician Why live trainings, coaching calls, and Voxer access create something you won't find anywhere else What it actually feels like to be in a space where people just... get it A behind-the-scenes sense of Nicole's voice, values, and approach to professional community Your Next Steps: Join the Child-Led Collective: jointhechildledcollective.com Learn more about Nicole's work: childled.org Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/thechildledslp

Have you ever read a book that completely validated everything you already believed... before you even had the words to say it? That's exactly what happened to me with Uniquely Human by Dr. Barry Prizant. And in this episode, I'm breaking down the part that changed how I think about this work. In this solo episode, I'm sharing one of my favorite sections from Dr. Barry Prizant's Uniquely Human: the traits and instincts of people who just "get it" when supporting autistic individuals. If you've ever been told you have a natural way with kids, wondered what actually makes someone great at this work, or wanted language to describe that thing you already do intuitively, this episode is going to feel like a full-body exhale. Dr. Prizant's list is seven traits deep, and I have a lot of thoughts and stories on every single one. I also talk about why these qualities have nothing to do with your degrees or years of experience, share a story about walking a stranger into his classroom that the security team still hasn't fully forgiven me for, and introduce my Responsiveness and Control Map for the very first time. What You'll Learn: Why "getting it" has absolutely nothing to do with your formal training or resume The seven traits Dr. Barry Prizant identified in people who naturally connect with autistic individuals What empathy actually looks like in practice (and why it can wear you out if you don't have boundaries around it) The "human factor" and why not every behavior needs to be explained by autism How sensitivity becomes a superpower for reading subtle cues from the kids we support Why shared control is the thing most adults in this field were never taught to offer The role of humor in reducing escalation (yes, even in hard moments) How trust-building changes everything about a child's willingness to let you in Why we expect flexibility from autistic kids that most adults couldn't manage themselves The importance of listening to autistic adults, even and especially when it challenges something we've believed A first look at the Responsiveness and Control Map and how it defines the child-led sweet spot Resources Mentioned: The Child-Led Collective membership: https://jointhechildledcollective.com Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Dr. Barry Prizant: https://barryprizant.com/uniquely-human/ Dr. Barry Prizant's website: https://www.barryprizant.com Next Steps: Send Nicole a DM with your thoughts on this episode: https://www.instagram.com/thechildledslp Tag someone in your life who just "gets it" Join The Child-Led Collective: https://jointhechildledcollective.com Learn More: https://www.childled.org

Let me be honest with you: when I first started thinking about child-led support in group settings, I kind of panicked a little. Groups feel like the place where everything you believe about following the child's lead can start to fall apart. Too many kids, too many needs, not enough time. I get it. And I also think we've been selling ourselves short. This episode is all about making child-led support actually work when you're not working one-on-one. Whether you're in a school, a clinic group, or a classroom, the principles don't change... but your strategies have to. I'm walking you through how I think about group dynamics, The Circle Check-In System I use to help kids co-regulate and connect at the start of a session, and what it really means to be flexible when you're juggling multiple nervous systems at once. Spoiler: it's less about having the perfect plan and more about knowing how to read the room and respond to what's actually happening in front of you. What You'll Learn Why child-led support in group settings feels hard (and why that feeling is worth questioning) The Circle Check-In System: what it is, how it works, and why it changes the energy of a group session How to build flexibility into your activities before the session even starts What "responsiveness" actually looks like when five kids need five different things at once How connection and regulation work together in a group context Why anticipating needs isn't the same as controlling outcomes The small shifts that make group settings feel more child-centered for everyone in the room Your Next Steps If this resonated with you, come hang out with me inside The Child-Led Collective, where we dig into exactly this kind of work together. It's a professional membership for SLPs and autism support professionals who are done doing therapy the old way and ready to build something that actually works. Learn more at www.jointhechildledcollective.com You can also find me on Instagram at @thechildledslp, and if you're not already subscribed to the podcast, hit that button so you never miss an episode.

Join me inside The Child-Led Collective!     This episode explores the critical importance of meeting children's fundamental needs before teaching higher-level skills, using Maslow's hierarchy as a guiding framework. Nicole Casey shares practical insights on supporting autistic students by prioritizing safety, regulation, and connection to foster meaningful learning and growth.   Keywords Maslow's hierarchy, autistic support, children's needs, education, therapy, regulation, safety, connection, sensory needs, learning   Key Topics Maslow's hierarchy of needs in education Supporting autistic children's basic needs Practical strategies for regulation and safety Guest Name titles Building Foundations: Why Meeting Children's Basic Needs Is Key to Learning Maslow's Hierarchy in Action: Supporting Autistic Students Effectively Sound Bites "Stress and frustration block learning" "Support needs to follow Maslow's hierarchy" "Genuine connection is key to progress" Chapters 00:00The Importance of Safety in Learning 08:18Understanding Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs 15:39The Impact of Unmet Needs on Learning 19:55Practical Applications of Maslow's Hierarchy 30:50Real-Life Implications of Ignoring Basic Needs 34:42Understanding Underlying Needs in Students 38:48The Importance of Communication and Interpretation 42:20Creating Supportive Learning Environments 45:14Establishing Safety and Emotional Security 57:35Fostering Connection and Belonging 01:11:48Reflecting on Support Strategies

Register for the live Rubric Reset Workshop, happening March 12 from 6-8 PM EST. Registration earns 2 PDH as well as lifetime access to the replay! In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses strategies for effectively communicating in IEP meetings. She emphasizes the importance of warmth, authenticity, and preparation in building trust with families. By sharing anecdotes and engaging in meaningful conversations, professionals can create a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and understanding. Nicole also highlights the need to balance positivity with honesty when discussing a child's progress and challenges, ultimately aiming to empower families and enhance their involvement in their child's education. Takeaways It's important to approach IEP meetings with confidence and warmth. Building trust with families is essential for effective communication. Sharing anecdotes can help create connections with families. Positivity should be balanced with honesty about challenges. Engaging families in the conversation fosters collaboration. Preparation is key to feeling confident in meetings. Using visual aids can enhance understanding and communication. Creating a supportive environment encourages open dialogue. Understanding the family's perspective is crucial in discussions. Authenticity in communication builds lasting relationships. Want to learn more? Visit our website at www.jointhechildledcollective.com  

Learn more about The Child-Led Collective here!     In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses effective advocacy strategies in compliance-based settings, particularly focusing on child-led therapy and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). She shares her experiences and insights on how to navigate challenging environments, emphasizing the importance of indirect advocacy methods, such as the 'bulletin board strategy.' This approach allows for the dissemination of valuable information without confrontation, fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance over time. Casey also highlights the psychological aspects of advocacy, explaining how people's defenses can hinder change and how to work around that. Ultimately, she encourages professionals to find sustainable ways to advocate for their students while maintaining their own well-being. Takeaways Advocacy in compliance-based settings can be challenging. The bulletin board strategy is a low-effort, high-reward advocacy method. Indirect advocacy can lead to more sustainable change. Understanding human psychology is crucial in advocacy efforts. Providing resources allows others to come to their own conclusions. Creating a culture of shared knowledge can ease difficult conversations. Practical tools can help facilitate advocacy efforts. Community support is vital for sustaining advocacy work. Quiet advocacy can be just as impactful as direct advocacy. It's important to prioritize self-care while advocating. Keywords: advocacy, child-led therapy, AAC, compliance-based settings, neuroaffirming, core vocabulary, education, communication, professional development, psychology

Grab the free Rubric Quickstart here!   In this episode, Nicole Casey delves into the ongoing debate between pull-out and push-in therapy for autistic students in school settings. Drawing from her extensive experience, she discusses the effectiveness of both models, emphasizing the importance of individualized approaches and collaboration with teachers. Nicole shares personal anecdotes that highlight the impact of classroom environments on therapy outcomes and advocates for systemic changes to better support educators and students alike. The conversation encourages professionals to speak up and engage in meaningful discussions to improve therapy practices. Takeaways The debate between pull-out and push-in therapy is ongoing. Individualized approaches are crucial for effective therapy. Collaboration with teachers enhances therapy outcomes. Classroom environment significantly impacts therapy effectiveness. Advocacy is essential for systemic change in education. Research supports both therapy models, but context matters. Therapists should consider the child's needs first. Burnout among teachers affects student support. Effective therapy requires a supportive classroom environment. Therapists must communicate barriers to administration.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Debate 02:56 Exploring Pull-Out vs Push-In Therapy 05:03 Personal Experiences in Therapy Settings 08:35 Research Insights on Therapy Models 11:02 Individualized Approaches in Therapy 12:30 Collaboration with Teachers 13:23 Challenges in Push-In Therapy 14:07 Classroom Dynamics and Their Impact 20:02 Successful Collaborative Experiences 22:56 Understanding Burnout in Educators 27:08 The Effectiveness of Push-In Therapy 30:44 Advocating for Better Support 36:26 Finding Balance in Therapy Models     autism, therapy, education, push-in therapy, pull-out therapy, speech therapy, collaboration, classroom environment, individualized education, advocacy

Join the waitlist for my upcoming coaching week: Unlearning Control!   In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the harmful effects of control in supporting autistic children, particularly through the lens of instructional control. She emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships rather than relying on manipulative tactics that prioritize compliance over connection. Through personal anecdotes and critical analysis of common practices, Nicole advocates for a shift towards a child-led approach that fosters trust and autonomy.   Takeaways: The episode addresses the harmful effects of control in autism support. Nicole emphasizes the need for genuine relationships over manipulation. Instructional control is framed as a way to gain compliance from autistic children. Control can lead to a lack of trust and autonomy in children. The concept of pairing is critiqued as a manipulative tactic. Compliance is often prioritized over authentic communication. Real connection does not require control or manipulation. Nicole shares personal experiences to illustrate her points. The episode calls for a shift towards child-led approaches. Mindset is crucial in fostering a supportive environment for autistic children.    

Grab the FREE Quickstart to Rubric-Goal Writing resource here!   In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses her journey with goal writing, particularly for autistic students. She shares her struggles with traditional goal writing methods and introduces rubric-based goals as a more effective alternative. The discussion emphasizes the importance of mindset shifts in approaching goal writing, the need to question established norms, and the significance of aligning goals with personal and professional values. Nicole encourages educators and therapists to embrace new methods that better serve their students and themselves, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and effective practice. Takeaways Goal writing can be challenging for many professionals. Rubric-based goals provide a clearer framework for writing effective goals. Mindset plays a crucial role in how we perceive our abilities as goal writers. It's important to question traditional methods and seek better alternatives. Communication should be viewed as a personal expression, not just a metric of accuracy. Professionals are often not given the right tools for effective goal writing. Embracing ease in goal writing can lead to better outcomes for students. Collaboration and feedback from peers can enhance goal writing practices. Aligning goals with personal values can reduce burnout and increase job satisfaction. Educators should advocate for individualized approaches to goal writing.   Chapters 00:00 The Struggle with Goal Writing 10:37 Mindset Shifts in Goal Writing 22:16 Questioning the Status Quo 36:55 Aligning Goals with Values     goal writing, rubric goals, autistic students, mindset shifts, education, therapy, communication, child-led approach, professional development, IEPs

In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the challenges faced by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) when supporting autistic students, particularly the difficulty of starting communication support without knowing the child well. She emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to identify key communication functions, such as asking for help, protesting, and directing actions. Nicole advocates for a child-led approach that empowers students to communicate authentically and autonomously, moving beyond traditional methods that may hinder their development. The conversation highlights the significance of rubrics in goal setting and the need for a supportive environment that fosters trust and communication. Takeaways The system has flaws that impact how we support autistic students. It's challenging to write an IEP without knowing the child. A structured approach can simplify the process of supporting communication. Starting with requesting is common but not always the best approach. Protesting is a crucial skill for safety and autonomy. Communication should empower the child, not just be a performance. Directing actions helps children feel powerful in their communication. Child-led approaches foster authentic communication. Rubrics can help target a variety of communication skills. Building a communication ecosystem is essential for growth.   Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Challenges of Supporting Autistic Students 05:18 The Importance of a Systematic Approach 20:07 Identifying Key Communication Functions 23:37 Rethinking Strategies for Asking for Help 28:17 Creating Supportive Environments for Communication 39:37 The Importance of Protesting and Rejecting 46:05 Empowering Children Through Directing Actions 48:28 The Role of Requesting in Communication 56:04 Building a Communication Ecosystem     autism, communication, support, IEP, SLP, rubrics, child-led approach, education, special education, neurodiversity  

In this episode, Nicole Casey emphasizes the critical importance of collaboration among professionals supporting autistic students. She discusses the need for empathy, trust, and understanding within teams, particularly focusing on the roles of paraprofessionals and support staff. Nicole shares practical strategies for building relationships, advocating for change, and fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being of both students and staff. The conversation highlights the systemic challenges faced by educators and the necessity of a team-centered approach to effectively support autistic students. Takeaways Collaboration is essential for supporting autistic students. Support staff need empathy and understanding from professionals. Building trust within teams enhances collaboration. Generosity and service are key values in education. Human connection is vital for effective teamwork. Practical strategies can improve support for colleagues. Advocating for systemic change benefits everyone in education. Self-care is important for professionals in high-stress environments. Paraprofessionals play a crucial role in student support. Creating a culture of trust leads to better outcomes for students. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Collaboration in Supporting Autistic Students 02:50 Understanding the Role of Support Staff 06:09 Building Trust and Empathy in Teams 08:40 The Impact of Systemic Issues on Support Staff 12:02 The Value of Generosity and Service 14:54 Creating a Supportive Environment for Team Members 17:45 The Need for Human Connection in Professional Relationships 20:44 Practical Strategies for Supporting Colleagues 23:37 Advocating for Team Morale and Culture 26:31 Balancing Self-Care with Team Support 29:51 The Role of Presence and Action in Team Dynamics 32:46 Understanding the Challenges Faced by Support Staff 35:37 The Importance of Listening and Empathy 38:22 Future Directions for Team Support and Collaboration       autism, collaboration, support staff, education, empathy, trust, teamwork, communication, advocacy, self-care

In this conversation, Nicole Casey challenges traditional notions of attention and connection in learning, particularly for autistic students. She emphasizes the importance of accommodating diverse sensory needs and creating an engaging learning environment that allows students to feel regulated and at ease, thus enhancing their ability to learn and engage. Takeaways We need to rethink how we understand connection and attention. Attention doesn't mean sitting still; it can look different. Accommodating a child's sensory system is crucial for learning. Creating an engaging environment helps students feel regulated. Students are more likely to engage when they feel at ease. We should challenge traditional teaching methods that require stillness. Learning can be more effective when students are allowed to move. Understanding neurodiversity is key to effective teaching. Teachers should think outside the box for engagement strategies. A calm environment is essential for accessing learning. Chapters 00:00 Revisiting Eye Contact and Engagement 01:13 The Holy Trinity of Harm: Eye Contact, Calm Body, Quiet Hands 02:12 Empowering Autistic Students Through Understanding 02:14 Encouraging Growth and Change in Practices     autism, learning, attention, connection, sensory system, education, engagement, teaching strategies, neurodiversity, classroom management

In this episode of Let Them Lead, Nicole Casey discusses the concept of "yes spaces" in therapy and educational settings, emphasizing their importance for both autistic students and educators. She explains how creating environments where children can explore safely without constant redirection fosters authentic communication and co-regulation. Nicole shares practical tips for setting up yes spaces, highlighting the balance between freedom and safety, and the benefits for both students and educators. Takeaways: Creating yes spaces allows children to explore safely. Yes spaces reduce the need for constant redirection. They foster authentic communication and co-regulation. Yes spaces benefit both students and educators. Balance between freedom and safety is crucial. Yes spaces are not about chaos but thoughtful design. Boundaries are built into the environment, not enforced. Yes spaces make therapy feel lighter and freer. They help educators focus on connection, not crisis management. Yes spaces support nervous system regulation for all. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Yes Spaces 00:03:00 Benefits of Yes Spaces 00:06:00 Creating a Yes Space 00:09:00 Balancing Freedom and Safety 00:12:00 Practical Tips for Yes Spaces 00:15:00 Conclusion and Reflections   yes spaces, child-led therapy, autism, co-regulation, educational environments

In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the challenges and emotional impact of working with autistic children, focusing on incidents where educators face physical injuries. She shares personal experiences, emphasizing the need for systemic change and proactive support to prevent such situations. Nicole advocates for understanding over blame and highlights the importance of co-regulation and emotional safety. Takeaways We need to talk about the hard things to move forward. Injuries at work are not the child's fault. Systemic issues contribute to workplace injuries. Co-regulation is key to preventing incidents. Blame should not be placed on children or staff. Proactive support systems are necessary. Understanding the nervous system is crucial. Reflective debriefs can lead to real change. Safety trainings should focus on prevention. Advocacy is essential for systemic change.   autistic children, physical injuries, systemic change, co-regulation, emotional safety

In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses how to handle situations where one's approach in therapy is questioned or judged. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the root of such questions, often stemming from fear, and advocates for a collaborative and curiosity-driven response rather than defensiveness. The conversation also touches on setting boundaries with colleagues and the challenges of implementing child-led therapy, highlighting the need for clear communication and shared goals. Takeaways When feeling questioned, it's important to pause and reflect. Defensiveness can hinder effective communication and learning. Understanding the root of questions can lead to better responses. Finding common ground helps in collaborative discussions. Child-led therapy is evidence-based and not chaotic. Protest from children can be a sign of autonomy, not failure. Setting boundaries with colleagues is crucial for maintaining focus. Providing clear information about therapy can alleviate concerns. It's essential to connect and collaborate rather than convince. Child-led therapy requires flexibility and self-awareness. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Questions and Judgments 10:09 Defensive Responses and Their Impact 19:40 Finding Common Ground in Therapy 24:18 Setting Boundaries with Colleagues 31:22 The Challenges of Child-Led Therapy     therapy, child-led, communication, defensiveness, collaboration, behaviorism, GLP, education, parenting, professional boundaries