The NeuroAffirm Podcast

In this episode, we'll dive into strategies to prevent and address parental burnout, explore self-care practices that actually work, and share ways to build a supportive network for families. Hosted by Celina Wright & Casey Mouton, both clinicians and parents of disabled children, this episode will give you actionable insights you can use right away. On this episode, you'll learn: How to recognize the signs of parent burnout Simple, realistic ways parents can recharge without guilt Tips for creating a network of family, friends, & professionals to lighten the load Whether you’re a professional, caregiver, or loved one, you’ll walk away with tools to help parents feel seen, supported, and empowered. Learn more about Casey here: https://www.caseymouton.com/ And on social: @therapy.with.casey Looking for more resources to support your neurodivergent clients and their families? Check out our training and tools in the NeuroAffirm Academy: http://neuroaffirmacademy.com/ 

In this quick tip show, Chris, aka Speech Dude, will dive into how SLPs can use ChatGPT to save time, generate creative therapy ideas, and support neurodiversity-affirming practices. Whether you’re curious about AI or looking for practical ways to integrate it into your sessions, this episode is packed with insights and demos you can start using immediately. Want to learn more about using AI in your therapy? Click here to catch the replay of Chris's free webinar: ChatGPT for SLPs - https://www.speechdude.com/replay-chatgpt-for-slps-oct-2025 

Want to learn more about supporting language development in autistic trainings? Catch trainings with Melanie & Jessie inside the NeuroAffirm Therapy Academy: http://neuroaffirmacademy.com/ Today we're talking about how to decode the meaning behind repeated phrases and understand what autistic kids are really trying to say. “What if the words we’ve been trying to quiet are actually the ones we need to hear most?” On this episode of the NeuroAffirm Show, we're diving into echolalia and how scripting is not a deficit but instead a bridge to communication. You’ll walk away with practical insights on decoding meaning, validating scripts, supporting Gestalt language development, and embracing neurodiversity-affirming practices in your work. We're discussing: How to decode the meaning behind repeated phrases and understand what children are really trying to say. Real-life examples of echolalia in action and how to support self-generated communication. How echolalia fits into Gestalt Language Development and why it’s a natural part of language growth. Practical tips for validating scripts, modeling new language, and fostering connection with autistic children. Join us in the NeuroAffirm Academy for continuous trainings to better support your clients! http://neuroaffirmacademy.com/ 

Get all of these activities in our NeuroAffirm Academy! https://neuroaffirmacademy.com/ Learn how to design sensory-friendly Halloween sessions that build regulation and language. Are you overwhelmed trying to plan fun, themed sensory activities? This week on our live show, we’re diving into sensory-friendly Halloween sessions that actually work. Join us to learn how to plan ready-to-use, neuroaffirming activities that keep kids regulated, engaged, and having fun! And walk away with session plans you can use right away! Want these activities to print out and use this Halloween? Join us in the NeuroAffirm Academy to access to these (plus so much more!) https://neuroaffirmacademy.com/ Save your seat for the free Sensory SLP Workshop on October 24th: https://www.sensoryslp.com/workshop

To get our "When to Refer" packet, plus tons of trainings, monthly live calls, and an incredible community, join us in the NeuroAffirm Academy: https://neuroaffirmacademy.com/ Did you know that only 15% of autistic preschoolers receive early intervention before age 2? That number should shock us all. Because the truth is, early intervention changes everything. Every $1 invested in early intervention saves between $7 and $17 later in educational and social costs. But beyond money, it’s about giving autistic kids the best possible chance at thriving and giving families the confidence they need to support them. On this episode, we're discussing: ✔️ Why doctors often miss early referrals (and how it leaves kids behind) ✔️ The real developmental milestones most parents don’t hear ✔️ The science-backed benefits of early intervention: higher language, higher IQ, less stress for families, and long-term cost savings ✔️ How to normalize early intervention so families feel supported References: Karoly, L. A., Kilburn, M. R., & Cannon, J. S. (2005). Early Childhood Interventions: Proven Results, Future Promise. RAND Corporation. AEIOU Foundation. (2023). Investing in autism-specific early intervention yields long-term dividends. Report summary via The Sector.  Rogers, S. J., Dawson, G., & Mandell, D. S. (2019). Early intervention for autism: Penn study finds significant cost savings. University of Pennsylvania / WHYY News. Learn more about the largest online community of neuroaffirming therapists: https://neuroaffirmacademy.com/ 

Want a Strengths Assessment you can use with your clients - the kind of tool that helps families and teachers focus on possibilities instead of limits? Join the NeuroAffirm Academy to get the brand new Strengths Assessment we just released! https://www.neuroaffirmacademy.com/ We're so excited to welcome Autistic Adult Kyle Manske to the show! When Kyle was three, schools and doctors told his mom he had just a 5% chance of finishing high school. He was diagnosed with autism, hearing loss, and a learning disability. His mom was told that he would likely never live on his own. But Kyle’s mom refused to accept that. She advocated relentlessly, fought for accommodations, and focused on his strengths. Today, Kyle lives independently in New York and has been a successful accountant for over 10 years. He credits his mom's fierce advocacy & love of baseball to helping him communicate and connect with others. In this powerful episode, Kyle shares: - The challenges and barriers he faced growing up autistic in the 90s - How his family’s advocacy changed his trajectory - The role of strengths, special interests, and self-identity in his success - Strategies for handling negativity and building confidence - Advice for neurodivergent individuals, families, and professionals

Do you feel stuck with writing neurodiversity affirming goals that actually work in practice? Then tune in for this special goal writing masterclass! On this episode, we're diving into: ✔️ How to align goals with a child’s authentic communication style. ✔️ Why traditional goals often backfire and how to reframe them. ✔️ A powerful framework for writing goals rooted in access and advocacy. ✔️ Real-life examples you can apply right away. ✔️ And more! Want to learn more about writing neuroaffirming goals? Join us in the NeuroAffirm Therapy Academy for a more comprehensive neuroaffirming goal writing training & guide: neuroaffirmacademy.com

Are you ready to transform your speech sessions with your autistic clients? On the final day of the Sensory Mini Course for SLPs we're focusing on preventing dysregulation before it starts—in a way that is neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based. In this episode, we'll explore: ✔️ Proactive strategies that honor a child’s sensory and emotional needs. ✔️ Practical tools to create a supportive, regulation-friendly environment for the kids you work with. ✔️ Real tips and advice from a teacher turned school-based SLP on how to use these principles in any setting. ✔️ And more! PLUS, you can earn PDHs for listening! All you have to do is listen to the episode and then request a certificate of attendance by clicking here: https://www.sensoryslp.com/sensory-mini-course-replay You can also use the link above to grab your free Sensory Mini Course Workbook. Click here to join our free Sensory Mini Course facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sensoryminicourse If you enjoyed this free bonus training, you're going to love the Sensory Certificate Program. Enrollment is officially OPEN for our brand-new cohort of the Sensory Certificate Program for SLPs! 🎓 For the first time in 3 years, we’re bringing back LIVE sensory + speech coaching calls 🎉 That means real-time support, expert guidance, and a community of SLPs who get it—all while learning practical sensory strategies you can use right away in your sessions. Join the movement of SLPs who are transforming their therapy sessions with their autistic clients. Learn more or join now at https://www.sensoryslp.com/sensory-certificate-course 

Are you ready to transform your speech sessions with your autistic clients? Day 2 of the Sensory Mini Course for SLPs is all on sensory strategies for your speech sessions.  In this episode, we’re diving into: ✔️ How to use sensory strategies effectively in speech sessions (without turning you into an OT). ✔️ The 2 types of kids who benefit from sensory strategies —those who needsensory input throughout the entire session and those who need sensory activities strategically dispersed. ✔️ How to build regulation within sessions to help kids stay engaged, regulated, and communicative. ✔️ And more! PLUS, you can earn PDHs for listening! All you have to do is listen to the episode and then request a certificate of attendance by clicking here: https://www.sensoryslp.com/sensory-mini-course-replay You can also use the link above to grab your free Sensory Mini Course Workbook. Click here to join our free Sensory Mini Course facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sensoryminicourse If you enjoyed this free bonus training, you're going to love the Sensory Certificate Program. Enrollment is officially OPEN for our brand-new cohort of the Sensory Certificate Program for SLPs! 🎓 For the first time in 3 years, we’re bringing back LIVE sensory + speech coaching calls 🎉 That means real-time support, expert guidance, and a community of SLPs who get it—all while learning practical sensory strategies you can use right away in your sessions. Join the movement of SLPs who are transforming their therapy sessions with their autistic clients. Learn more or join now at https://www.sensoryslp.com/sensory-certificate-course 

Are you ready to transform your speech sessions with your autistic clients? This special bonus episode kicks off our Sensory Mini Course for SLPs — and it’s all about a topic we get asked about constantly: how to support “challenging” behavior through a neuroaffirming lens. In this episode, we’ll break down: ✔️ Why kids struggle with regulation using the iceberg analogy—because behavior is just the tip of the iceberg! ✔️ The hidden causes of dysregulation, from sensory processing challenges to emotional and physiological factors. ✔️ Sensory-based strategies SLPs can start using right away to support regulation and connection ✔️ And more! PLUS, you can earn PDHs for listening! All you have to do is listen to the episode and then request a certificate of attendance by clicking here: https://www.sensoryslp.com/sensory-mini-course-replay You can also use the link above to grab your free Sensory Mini Course Workbook. Click here to join our free Sensory Mini Course facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sensoryminicourse If you enjoyed this free bonus training, you're going to love the Sensory Certificate Program. Enrollment is officially OPEN for our brand-new cohort of the Sensory Certificate Program for SLPs! 🎓 For the first time in 3 years, we’re bringing back LIVE sensory + speech coaching calls 🎉 That means real-time support, expert guidance, and a community of SLPs who get it—all while learning practical sensory strategies you can use right away in your sessions. Join the movement of SLPs who are transforming their therapy sessions with their autistic clients. Learn more or join now at https://www.sensoryslp.com/sensory-certificate-course 

Why "Just Use Your Words" Doesn't Work... and What to Do Instead! Tell me if this sounds familiar... You’re working with a neurodivergent student, and then suddenly, they shut down. Their words? Gone. They can’t communicate, and you’re left thinking, “What happened?!” Maybe you prompted them to just tell you using their words... but nothing happened. Sound familiar? Here’s the reality - dysregulation doesn’t just make communication harder, it completely shuts it down. Expecting kids to just “use their words” without considering their emotional and physical state is setting both of you up for frustration. So what does work? It’s not about pushing harder; it’s about understanding how to support communication from a place of empathy and connection. On this episode, we're diving into: ✔️ Why language access is state-dependent, not just skill-dependent ✔️ The 3-part brain model and what it means for therapy ✔️ Why "behavior" might actually be a nervous system saying "I need help" ✔️ Why neuroaffirming practices lead to better outcomes for everyone ✔️ And more! Want to learn more about supporting kids in ND affirming ways? Check out the NeuroAffirm Therapy Academy: https://www.sensoryslp.com/neuroaffirm-therapy-academy

There’s a debate that keeps popping up in autism conversations, often whispered like a secret... "But what about autistic people who suffer? Shouldn’t they have the option to remove their autistic traits?” It’s a question rooted in misunderstanding. And it’s time to set the record straight. On this episode, we're diving into: ✔️ Why the autism “cure” narrative is harmful and how it negatively impacts autistic individuals. ✔️ How to differentiate between autism and co-occurring conditions ✔️ How to shift the focus from “fixing” autism to true support ✔️ And more! Want to learn more about supporting kids in ND affirming ways? Check out the NeuroAffirm Therapy Academy: https://www.sensoryslp.com/neuroaffirm-therapy-academy

Autism vs. ADHD: What’s the Difference? Is it ADHD? Is it autism? Or both?! So many parents, educators, and even professionals struggle to tell them apart. And no wonder - there’s a LOT of overlap! But understanding the key differences is essential for supporting our neurodivergent kids in the best way possible. On this episode, we're diving into: ✔️ The core traits of ADHD & autism (and why they get confused) ✔️ Where they overlap—executive functioning, sensory processing, social differences, and more ✔️ The biggest mistakes people make when supporting ADHDers & autistics (and how to avoid them!) ✔️ What happens when someone has both (AuDHD) and how to individualize support Want to learn more about supporting neurodivergent kids? Join us in the NeuroAffirm Therapy Academy: https://www.sensoryslp.com/neuroaffirm-therapy-academy

Are we expecting kids to “tough it out”… when they really need support? If you’ve ever wondered whether you should help a child adjust to sensory challenges or adjust the environment to support them, you’re not alone. Sensory overwhelm, meltdowns, and shutdowns aren’t random—they’re a direct response to an environment that isn’t working for a neurodivergent brain. But how do we actually create spaces that feel safe and supportive? That’s exactly what we’re tackling on this episode of Making the Shift!  If you want to learn more about neurodiversity affirming therapy approaches, join us in the NeuroAffirm Therapy Academy! https://www.sensoryslp.com/neuroaffirm-therapy-academy

"But they seem so high-functioning…" That one phrase has left countless Autistic individuals without the support they desperately need. Meanwhile, those labeled “low-functioning” often have their autonomy dismissed before they even get a chance to show what they’re capable of. These labels? They don’t help—they harm. They misrepresent abilities, erase real struggles, and hold back progress in education, therapy, and everyday life. On this episode of Making the Shift, we’re talking why it's time to ditch the functioning labels and shift to a more accurate, affirming way of talking about autism. We're diving into: ✔️ The biggest misconceptions about "high-" and "low-functioning" labels. ✔️ How these labels affect everything from accommodations to autonomy. ✔️ Why autism is a spiky profile, not a straight line from mild to severe. ✔️ A more affirming way to describe support needs—without limiting anyone’s potential. ✔️ And more! If you're a professional and want to learn more, join us in the NeuroAffirm Therapy Academy: https://www.sensoryslp.com/neuroaffirm-therapy-academy

Have you ever wondered why some kids struggle to understand their own emotions? The answer might be in their interoception—the body’s hidden sense that helps us recognize hunger, thirst, pain, and even emotions. On this episode of Making the Shift, we’re diving into how interoception affects emotional awareness and expression. Whether you’re a parent, therapist, or educator, this episode will help you learn how to help children connect their body signals to emotions for better self-regulation and self-advocacy. On this episode, we're diving into: ✔️ What interoception is and why it matters ✔️ How it shapes emotional regulation ✔️ Why some neurodivergent kids struggle with recognizing their own body signals ✔️ Practical strategies to support interoceptive awareness ✔️ And more! Autism Level Up Energy Meter: https://www.autismlevelup.com/ Want an in depth training plus resources to help your kids build their interoceptive skills? Check out the NeuroAffirm Therapy Academy: https://www.sensoryslp.com/neuroaffirm-therapy-academy

Big emotions can feel overwhelming—for kids and adults. Here’s the thing: emotional regulation isn’t just about the child—it starts with YOU. On this episode, we're diving into: ✔️ Why your emotional state impacts theirs—and how regulating yourself first helps kids regulate, too. ✔️ The secret to helping kids feel safe before addressing behavior with simple co-regulation techniques that work in tough moments. ✔️ Proactive sensory tools to prevent dysregulation before it starts. ✔️ How to help kids recognize and respond to their internal signals by building body awareness and interoception skills. ✔️ And more! To learn more about the NeuroAffirm Academy, click here: https://www.sensoryslp.com/neuroaffirm-therapy-academy

Join us for the upcoming free live week long event full of neurodiversity affirming strategies for SLPs: https://www.sensoryslp.com/the-speech-shift On this episode of Making the Shift, we’re tackling something BIG: eye contact. We’ve all seen goals like: ✔️ Look for three seconds ✔️ Make eye contact 5 times in a 3-minute period ✔️ Display appropriate social skills, like eye contact, during conversation But should we be teaching eye contact for autistic kids? Is it ever okay to write eye contact goals? Whether you're a parent or a therapist, this show will help you better understand autistic joint attention and the harm that forcing eye contact can cause. We're diving into: ✔️ The harm of eye contact goals ✔️ Why Autistic joint attention is different than neurotypical joint attention ✔️ Other ways to show attention ✔️ When it's okay (if ever) to address eye contact with autistic kids ✔️ And more!

On this week's episode of Making the Shift, we’re talking about common Autistic characteristics—and we’re not calling them red flags! No doom-and-gloom, no labels—just real, relatable traits we see every day in our clinic. Whether you're a parent or a therapist, this show will help you understand those early signs of autism. On this episode, we're diving into: ✔️ Communication differences in Autistic Kids ✔️ Understanding sensory preferences ✔️ Recognizing social-emotional Differences ✔️ Unique play patterns ✔️ And more! Grab my free Early Autism Characteristics Checklist here: https://www.sensoryslp.com/autism-characteristics-checklist Visit the past episode How to Bring Up Autism to Families, Ep. 60: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAkm7XOIOaM Check out the NeuroAffirm Therapy Academy: https://www.sensoryslp.com/neuroaffirm-therapy-academy Join us for the upcoming free live week long event full of neurodiversity affirming strategies for SLPs: https://www.sensoryslp.com/the-speech-shift

What if you could create the ultimate sensory gym for your clinic—one that’s fun, functional, and tailored to your space?  On this episode of Making the Shift, we’re taking you behind the scenes of our brand-new sensory gym. You’ll hear all about the process, the tools we used, and the vision that brought it all together! We're diving into: ✔️ The planning and challenges we faced, like designing without wooden beams. ✔️ Must-have sensory tools like ninja rings, swings, tunnels, and stepping stones—plus how to use them effectively. ✔️ How we turned a smaller gym space into a functional and exciting sensory haven. ✔️ And recommendations for equipment you can snag for your own space (Amazon links included!). Want to see the transformation? The podcast is packed with tips and details, but to catch the before, during, and after visuals, you’ll need to watch the replay of our live show! >> Click here to watch our Extreme Makeover: Sensory Gym Edition Whether you’re starting fresh or upgrading your clinic, this episode is full of inspiration and practical advice to help you create your dream sensory gym. Tune in now, and don’t forget to check out Jessie’s Amazon Storefront for every item we used to make it all happen! And if you’re looking for something custom-built, we can’t recommend Summit Sensory Gym enough. They’ll design a gym that’s perfect for your space, complete with 3D renderings to help you visualize the magic before it’s even built.