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
Join our free Rubric workshop- happening TOMORROW at 7 PM EST! In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the challenges of writing meaningful goals in therapy, particularly for autistic students. She emphasizes the importance of aligning goals with therapeutic approaches and using dynamic assessments and rubric-based documentation to capture authentic progress. Nicole provides strategies for confidently defending these methods in conversations with administrators and highlights the need for a shift in how progress is measured to better support students' communication development. Takeaways Conversations about student goals can be challenging. Goals often don't reflect actual progress seen in therapy. It's important to align goals with therapeutic approaches. Dynamic assessment can provide more meaningful data. Rubric-based goals offer a clearer picture of progress. Measurable goals should reflect real-life communication needs. Testing and intervention should not be conflated. Collaboration among team members enhances data collection. Rubrics can help prevent vague or overloaded goals. Confidence in goal writing can improve outcomes for students. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Goal Conversations in Therapy 03:45 The Importance of Meaningful Goals 09:32 Dynamic Assessment and Rubric-Based Goals 14:42 Defending Your Goal Writing Approach 29:11 The Future of Goal Writing in Therapy goal writing, therapy, rubric-based goals, dynamic assessment, meaningful progress, autism, communication, IEP goals, data collection, child-led approach
Join the FREE Rubric Reset Workshop, live on November 12: Grab your free ticket here >> REGISTER NOW In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the unique challenges faced by autistic children in relation to their childhood experiences. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the balance between therapy and allowing children to simply be kids. The conversation highlights the need for unstructured time, the impact of excessive therapy, and the significance of quality over quantity in therapeutic approaches. Nicole encourages parents and professionals to prioritize the well-being and happiness of autistic children, advocating for a more holistic view of childhood that includes joy and relaxation alongside skill development. Takeaways: Autistic children experience childhood differently than neurotypical children. Progress in therapy is not always linear and can fluctuate based on a child's emotional state. Parents should sometimes reframe their perspective on their child's behavior to see it as part of being human. Excessive therapy can lead to burnout and detract from a child's ability to simply enjoy childhood. Quality of therapy is more important than the quantity of hours spent in therapy. Children need unstructured time to play and explore without therapeutic demands. Rest and downtime are essential for both children and families. Parents should trust their instincts about what is best for their child. Therapists should be mindful of the impact of their recommendations on a child's childhood. Childhood should be a time for joy, exploration, and connection, not just therapy. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Childhood for Autistic Kids 07:18 The Impact of Therapy on Childhood 14:30 Quality Over Quantity in Therapy 22:30 Balancing Structure and Freedom 30:35 The Importance of Rest and Unstructured Time autism, childhood, therapy, gestalt language processing, parenting, neurodiversity, child development, mental health, unstructured play, balance
Join the FREE Rubric Reset Workshop, live on November 12: Grab your free ticket here >> REGISTER NOW In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the challenges of writing effective goals for autistic students, emphasizing the limitations of traditional goal writing systems. She introduces rubrics as a solution to create individualized, meaningful, and measurable goals that reflect the child's needs. The conversation highlights the importance of moving away from compliance-based goals and focusing on authentic progress. Nicole also invites listeners to join her free Rubric Reset Workshop, where they can learn to implement this new approach in their practice. Takeaways: Goal writing can feel overwhelming and frustrating. It's common to feel like goal writing is a personal struggle. Traditional goal writing often doesn't reflect the child's needs. The education system's limitations impact goal writing. Compliance-based goals can hinder authentic progress. Rubrics can streamline the goal writing process. Individualization is key to effective goal setting. Progress should be measured in a meaningful way. Rubrics allow for capturing nuanced communication skills. Advocacy is essential for changing the goal writing system. Chapters 00:00 The Struggles of Goal Writing 02:47 Understanding the System's Flaws 06:05 The Compliance Trap in Goal Writing 08:46 Introducing Rubrics as a Solution 12:03 The Importance of Individualization 14:59 Measuring Progress Beyond Compliance 17:50 The Rubric Framework Explained 21:03 Capturing Authentic Progress 23:52 Implementing Rubrics in Practice 26:47 Preparing for the Rubric Reset Workshop goal writing, autistic students, rubrics, compliance, individualized education, therapy, progress measurement, child-led therapy, IEP, education system
In this conversation, Nicole Casey explores the discomfort surrounding the topic of therapy goals for autistic children, emphasizing the importance of listening to autistic voices. She discusses the harmful nature of compliance-based goals, such as suppressing stimming and forcing eye contact, and advocates for a shift towards neuroaffirming, child-led therapy that prioritizes the child's needs and experiences. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration among therapy teams and the importance of empowering autistic individuals to advocate for themselves. Takeaways: Discomfort can be a sign of growth and learning for us as professionals. Listening to autistic voices is crucial in therapy. Many traditional therapy goals can be harmful. Suppressing stimming can hinder a child's regulation. Eye contact is not necessary for effective communication. Goals should focus on the child's needs, not compliance. Neurotypical expectations can be limiting for autistic individuals. Empowering children to self-advocate is essential. Therapy should honor the child's authentic self. Shifting from compliance to connection can change lives.
In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the challenges therapists face when children disengage during sessions. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the reasons behind disengagement, advocating for a child-led approach, and recognizing signs of fatigue or burnout. Nicole shares strategies for managing disengagement, building trust with families, and reframing engagement. She encourages therapists to shift their mindset, prioritize connection, and be present with the child, even in quieter sessions. The conversation concludes with practical tips for therapists to enhance their practice and foster meaningful connections with their clients. Disengagement is a common experience in therapy sessions. It's important to understand the reasons behind a child's disengagement. Child-led therapy focuses on following the child's lead. Recognizing signs of fatigue can help tailor sessions effectively. Effective communication with families is crucial for understanding the child's needs. Therapists should prioritize building trust and connection with their clients. Not every session will be filled with engagement; that's okay. Therapists should reframe their understanding of engagement and disengagement. Mindset shifts can enhance a therapist's effectiveness in sessions. Practicing patience and presence can lead to meaningful connections.
In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the concept of toxic positivity, particularly in the context of workplace environments, especially in special education. She shares personal experiences and examples of how toxic positivity manifests in professional settings, often leading to a culture that dismisses genuine concerns and prioritizes a facade of happiness over accountability and safety. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity, open communication, and strategies to address toxic positivity to create healthier work environments. Toxic positivity dismisses genuine feelings and experiences. It often protects the system rather than individuals. Authenticity is crucial in addressing workplace issues. Leadership plays a significant role in perpetuating toxic positivity. Ignoring safety concerns can have serious consequences. Employees need to voice their concerns without fear of dismissal. Creating a culture of honesty can improve work environments. Strategies exist to combat toxic positivity effectively. It's important to document concerns and seek accountability. Small actions can lead to significant changes in workplace culture. To learn more, visit www.childled.org or follow @thechildledslp on instagram!
To learn more, follow: @thechildledslp and @ptsd.slp In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the importance of trauma-informed care in supporting autistic students. She emphasizes that trauma is widespread and often hidden, and that educators must approach their work with a mindset that prioritizes safety, trust, and connection. The discussion covers the four Rs of trauma-informed care, misconceptions about what it entails, the distinction between rules and boundaries, and practical strategies for implementing trauma-informed practices in educational settings. Casey shares real-life examples to illustrate the application of these principles, ultimately highlighting the interconnectedness of child-led and trauma-informed approaches in creating supportive environments for autistic children. Trauma-informed care is essential for supporting autistic students. Understanding trauma is crucial for effective education. Child-led therapy must be trauma-informed to be effective. Misconceptions about trauma-informed care can hinder progress. Rules in therapy should be flexible and reconsidered. Boundaries are about personal safety and respect. Language choices can impact students with trauma. Toxic positivity can be harmful in educational settings. Transparency with students builds trust and safety. Creating safe spaces is vital for student well-being.
Download the free "Multimodal Communication is NOT a Hierarchy" Visual here ! In this conversation, Nicole Casey explores the concept of multimodal communication, particularly in the context of supporting autistic children. She emphasizes that communication is not limited to speech but includes various modalities such as gestures, facial expressions, and actions. Nicole critiques the traditional hierarchy that places speech at the top, advocating for a more inclusive view that recognizes all forms of communication as valid. Through personal anecdotes, she reflects on the importance of how caregivers and professionals respond to different communication methods, urging a shift in mindset to foster a supportive environment for autistic individuals. Takeaways: Communication is multimodal and includes various forms. All modalities of communication are valid and should be respected. Speech should not be viewed as the ultimate goal of communication. Celebrating speech can unintentionally diminish other forms of communication. Reactions to communication can impact a child's willingness to engage. Creating a safe environment encourages authentic communication. We need to model and acknowledge all forms of communication. Redefining success in communication is essential for growth. Children can sense pressure from adults regarding communication expectations. Reflecting on our responses can lead to more inclusive practices. To learn more about a child-led, neuroaffirming approach, visit www.childled.org and follow @thechildledslp on instagram!
To grab your free ticket, visit: www.childledautismsummit.com I hope to see you all there!
Save your spot for The Child-Led Autism Summit here! In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the problematic strategy of withholding objects to encourage communication in autistic children. She emphasizes the emotional and relational damage this approach can cause, advocating for a more child-led, affirming method that fosters genuine communication and connection. Through personal anecdotes and practical examples, she highlights the importance of observing children's natural communication styles and creating a supportive environment that empowers them to express themselves freely. Takeaways Withholding objects is a deeply ingrained but harmful strategy. Building relationships with students is crucial for progress. Withholding creates power imbalances and frustration. Communication should be empowering, not transactional. Natural opportunities for communication should be prioritized. Observation is key to understanding a child's communication style. Joining in a child's play fosters trust and connection. Communication thrives in a safe and supportive environment. We need to move beyond teaching requests to broader communication skills. Empowering children to communicate is essential for their autonomy. keywords: autism, communication, withholding objects, child-led strategies, relationship building, speech therapy, neurodiversity, education, trust, empowerment
Summary: In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the critical importance of creating safe and sensory-friendly environments for autistic students. She emphasizes that the physical setup of therapy and classroom spaces can significantly impact children's engagement and comfort. Nicole shares practical strategies for enhancing sensory safety, including adjusting lighting, reducing visual clutter, and providing sensory tools. She also highlights the need for predictable routines while allowing for flexibility to accommodate individual needs. Overall, the conversation focuses on fostering an environment where autistic children feel safe, supported, and able to thrive. In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the importance of emotional consistency and predictability in creating safe environments for children. She emphasizes the need for calming spaces, respect for personal space, and reducing overwhelming demands in educational settings. Casey also highlights the significance of attuning to students' cues, incorporating movement into learning, fostering emotional safety, and using children's interests to enhance engagement. The discussion aims to provide practical strategies for caregivers and educators to support children's emotional and developmental needs. Takeaways: The environment plays a crucial role in supporting autistic students. Creating a safe and comfortable environment is essential for engagement. Visual clutter can be overstimulating for many children. Adjusting lighting can significantly impact sensory comfort. Providing sensory tools is vital for individual needs. Predictable routines help reduce anxiety in children. Flexibility within routines allows for better adaptation to changes. Safety should always be the top priority in educational settings. Children should have access to sensory tools without stigma. Understanding individual sensory preferences is key to effective support. We want to be consistent for our kids. Emotional stability requires discipline and self-reflection. Creating felt safety involves regulating our own responses. A calming area should be a regulation station, not a punishment zone. Respecting personal space is crucial for children's comfort. Movement is integral to learning and regulation. Fostering emotional safety starts with our language and actions. Using children's interests should enhance engagement, not manipulate them. Attuning to students' cues can prevent feelings of being unseen. Creating a safe environment is essential for building trust and skills. Keywords: autism, sensory environment, classroom setup, therapy space, safety, engagement, predictability, sensory tools, teaching strategies, child development, emotional consistency, calming spaces, personal space, overwhelming demands, attuning to cues, movement in learning, emotional safety, children's interests
Download The Child-Led Answer Guide here! Summary In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the challenges of implementing child-led approaches in systems that prioritize compliance and data collection. She emphasizes the importance of community support, building confidence in one's therapeutic approach, and making small shifts to create a more neuroaffirming environment for students. The conversation highlights the need for professionals to connect with like-minded colleagues and advocate for change, even in challenging work environments. In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the importance of empowering educators to adopt alternative approaches in their interactions with students, particularly those with communication challenges. She emphasizes the significance of reframing goals to prioritize connection, integrating sensory support, and navigating resistance within educational systems. Nicole also highlights the necessity of protecting one's energy while advocating for change, reminding listeners that every small shift contributes to a larger impact. Takeaways: Child-led approaches can be challenging in compliance-driven systems. Small shifts can lead to significant changes in practice. Community support is crucial for professionals feeling isolated. Confidence in one's approach is essential to advocate for change. Finding like-minded colleagues can enhance professional growth. It's important to prioritize co-regulation in therapy sessions. Data collection should not overshadow relationship building with students. Advocacy can start with small, subtle changes in practice. Toxic work environments can hinder professional development. Empowerment comes from connecting with others who share similar values. Empowering educators to try alternative approaches can lead to significant changes. Reframing goals to prioritize connection enhances the therapeutic process. Integrating sensory support is crucial for student engagement and comfort. Navigating resistance in educational systems requires patience and strategic communication. Protecting your energy is essential for sustainable advocacy. Small shifts in practice can lead to meaningful changes in student experiences. Modeling empathetic approaches can inspire others to adopt new strategies. Understanding the culture of a school can help in advocating for change. Every moment of connection over control adds up to a larger impact. You are not alone in your advocacy efforts; there is a community of support. Keywords: child-led therapy, neuroaffirming, systemic challenges, community support, confidence in therapy, small shifts, empowerment, education, autism support, professional development, education, advocacy, sensory support, child-led approach, communication, professional development, empowerment, reframing goals, resistance, burnout
Join the waitlist for the free Child-Led Autism Summit! https://thechildledslp.myflodesk.com/summitwaitlist Summary In this conversation, Nicole Casey explores the detrimental effects of compliance-based therapy on communication and relationships, particularly with autistic students. She shares personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of understanding power struggles, advocating for a shift towards child-led and neuroaffirming approaches that prioritize connection and co-regulation over control. The discussion highlights the need for educators and caregivers to preserve relationships and create safe environments for authentic communication. Takeaways Power struggles often arise from compliance-based approaches. Compliance-based therapy can lead to negative interactions and dysregulation. It's essential to view noncompliance as a potential internal struggle rather than defiance. Preserving relationships is more important than winning power struggles. Regulation should be prioritized before any demands are made on children. Humor and silliness can diffuse tense situations with children. Children deserve to express their emotions and frustrations. Advocating for change in compliance-based systems is crucial for better outcomes. Practicing standing up for values in low-stakes situations can build confidence. Connection and co-regulation are key to fostering meaningful communication. Keywords power struggles, compliance-based therapy, authentic communication, autistic students, co-regulation, child-led approach, neuroaffirming strategies, relationship preservation, education, therapy
www.childled.org In this episode, Nicole Casey explores how to support autistic children during challenging moments by reframing behaviors as stress responses rather than defiance. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying causes of these behaviors, which are often linked to the child's nervous system and anxiety levels. The conversation covers practical strategies for preventing dysregulation, recognizing early signs of stress, and the importance of co-regulation. Nicole also discusses the need for adults to adjust their expectations and environments to better support autistic children, ultimately advocating for a shift from control to connection in educational settings. Takeaways Understanding behaviors as stress responses is crucial. Changing our perspective can significantly impact support. Recognizing early signs of dysregulation is key. The four F's of nervous system responses are fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. Preventing unnecessary stressors helps maintain regulation. Co-regulation is essential during challenging moments. Post-dysregulation, reconnecting with the child is important. Adjusting expectations can prevent meltdowns. Children do their best with the skills they have. Shifting from control to connection changes lives.
Download the Free Framing Guide Here In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the challenges of articulating the value of child-led therapy sessions. She emphasizes the importance of reframing how therapists describe their work to parents and educators, focusing on the relational and developmental outcomes rather than traditional metrics of success. Through a structured 'framing framework', she provides a method for therapists to confidently explain their sessions, ensuring that the significance of their work is recognized and understood. Child-led approaches can feel challenging due to external judgments. Articulating the value of therapy sessions is crucial for understanding. Therapists often minimize their work due to traditional expectations. The real work in therapy is often relational and developmental. Parents may not understand the nuances of child-led therapy. A structured framework can help therapists explain their sessions. Therapists should highlight the skills practiced during sessions. Regulation and trust are foundational for effective therapy. Therapists need to recognize and document progress beyond compliance. Collaboration with parents and educators enhances therapy outcomes. This podcast is reviewed by our team member, Meghann Beaton, who is an autistic adult. Meghann provides feedback and recommended edits priort to releasing our episodes to help ensure our content remains aligned with neuroaffirming principles and lived experience. We are deeply grateful for her insights, which continue to shape this space into one that centers safety, connection, and authentic communication.
Join The Child-Led Collective as a Founding Member for only $20/mo: Learn More & Join the Community Here! In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the complexities and challenges of writing effective therapy goals, particularly focusing on the common practice of measuring progress with 80% accuracy. She reflects on her personal struggles with goal writing and emphasizes the need for more meaningful and individualized goals that align with a child-led approach. The discussion encourages therapists to rethink traditional measurement methods and consider how they can better support their students' unique needs. In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the complexities of setting effective communication goals for children, particularly those with autism. She emphasizes the importance of meaningful, individualized goals that reflect authentic communication rather than rigid metrics. Nicole introduces the concept of using an Aligned Rubric to track progress in a more nuanced way, focusing on frequency and context rather than strict accuracy. She also announces the launch of the Child-Led Collective, a membership aimed at supporting professionals in child-led therapy practices. 80% accuracy is often misapplied in goal writing. Goals should be meaningful and individualized. Therapists often feel pressured to conform to traditional metrics. Child-led approaches require flexibility in goal measurement. Overthinking can hinder effective goal writing. Goals should reflect authentic communication, not just compliance. The history of 80% accuracy is rooted in tradition, not necessity. Vague goals can lead to less progress for students. Therapists need creative liberty to measure progress effectively. It's important to challenge the status quo in goal writing. It's important to lead by example in team discussions. Goals should reflect authentic communication, not just metrics. Communication success should not be solely based on word count. Goals need to be individualized for each child's needs. Research supports the need for meaningful, flexible goals. Using rubrics can help track progress in a child-led way. Rubrics allow for customization and creativity in goal setting. The Child-Led Collective will provide resources for professionals. You can measure growth in ways that honor student development. This podcast is reviewed by our team member, Meghann Beaton, who is an autistic adult. Meghann provides feedback and recommended edits priort to releasing our episodes to help ensure our content remains aligned with neuroaffirming principles and lived experience. We are deeply grateful for her insights, which continue to shape this space into one that centers safety, connection, and authentic communication.
Join The Child-Led Collective as a Founding Member for only $20/mo: Learn More & Join the Community Here! In this conversation, Nicole Casey explores the intricacies of child-led therapy, emphasizing the importance of planning, active engagement, and the adult's role in creating a supportive environment. She clarifies misconceptions about child-led approaches being passive and highlights the need for intentionality and presence in therapy sessions. The discussion also covers practical strategies for preparing for sessions, including self-regulation and setting intentions, ultimately underscoring the significance of connection in therapeutic interactions. Takeaways: Planning in child-led therapy focuses on presence and intention. Child-led does not mean passive; it requires active engagement. The adult's role is crucial in guiding child-led sessions. Creating a supportive environment is key to successful therapy. Self-preparation is essential for effective therapy sessions. Setting intentions helps guide the therapeutic process. Balancing speaking and pausing enhances communication. Connection is foundational for effective therapy. Child-led therapy is about honoring the child's process, not just outcomes. This podcast is reviewed by our team member, Meghann Beaton, who is an autistic adult. Meghann provides feedback and recommended edits priort to releasing our episodes to help ensure our content remains aligned with neuroaffirming principles and lived experience. We are deeply grateful for her insights, which continue to shape this space into one that centers safety, connection, and authentic communication.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MEMBERSHIP In this episode, Nicole Casey introduces the Child-Led Collective, a new membership aimed at providing support and resources for child-led professionals. She invites YOU to join as a founding member, for a limited time only, at the lowest price it will ever be ($20/month, no long term contract required). She emphasizes the importance of community, practical tools, and strategies to help members navigate the challenges of the upcoming school year with confidence and clarity. The membership offers unique features such as a custom GPT for personalized support, live Q&A sessions, and a collaborative environment for sharing ideas and resources. Takeaways: May can feel chaotic and overwhelming for many. The Child-Led Collective aims to provide support during this transitional time. Membership offers practical tools and strategies for professionals. Community engagement is a key component of the membership. Founding members will help shape the resources provided. The membership is designed to be user-friendly and accessible. Members will have access to a custom GPT for personalized advice. Live Q&A sessions will provide real-time support and insights. The membership is priced affordably at $20 a month for founding members. Joining now allows for preparation before the busy school year begins.
www.childled.org In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the importance of establishing boundaries within child-led therapy. She explains how locking the toy closet in her clinic serves as a safety measure rather than a restriction, emphasizing that structure and safety can enhance a child's autonomy. The conversation explores the balance between child-led practices and necessary boundaries, highlighting that boundaries are essential for creating a safe and predictable environment for children. Nicole encourages listeners to reflect on their own practices and consider how boundaries can support both the child's needs and the therapist's well-being. Takeaways: Locking the toy closet is for safety, not restriction. Structure and safety enhance a child's autonomy. Child-led therapy requires establishing boundaries. Boundaries serve the relationship, not just control. Predictability is more meaningful than strict structure. Being child-led does not mean self-sacrificing. Boundaries help in co-regulating with children. Safety is the foundation of child-led therapy. Balance between structure and flexibility is crucial. Reflect on personal boundaries in therapy practices. This podcast is reviewed by our team member, Meghann Beaton, who is an autistic adult. Meghann provides feedback and recommended edits priort to releasing our episodes to help ensure our content remains aligned with neuroaffirming principles and lived experience. We are deeply grateful for her insights, which continue to shape this space into one that centers safety, connection, and authentic communication.