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The NeuroAffirm Podcast

Speech Dude & Sensory SLP
The NeuroAffirm Podcast
Latest episode

147 episodes

  • The NeuroAffirm Podcast

    Ep. 123 Not Seeing Progress in Speech Therapy? Start Here.

    13/08/2026 | 21 mins.
    Ready to actually start making progress with your autistic clients?

    I'm going to show you steps you can take to build regulation, engagement and motivation in a live training on Substack.

    Click here to join Substack as a paid subscriber and get access to this training plus my full training archive: https://substack.com/@sensoryslp
  • The NeuroAffirm Podcast

    Ep. 122 Screen Time Considerations for Autistic Kids

    06/08/2026 | 28 mins.
    Are screens good or bad for autistic kids? Why are transitions away from the iPad so difficult? And what does the research actually say about screen time and autism?

    In this live discussion, pediatric speech-language pathologists Jessie & Chris Wenger explores the complex relationship between screen time, sensory regulation, and autism—without the guilt or fear-based messaging.

    We cover why screens can feel incredibly regulating for many autistic children, why ending screen time can trigger intense dysregulation, and how to create healthier, more successful screen time routines while supporting your child's nervous system.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    Why screen time can feel so regulating for autistic children

    Why transitioning away from screens is often so difficult

    The neuroscience behind dopamine, attention, and screen use

    What research says about screen time, executive functioning, sleep, and self-regulation

    Why the first two years of life are especially important for language and social development

    How monotropism and sensory processing influence screen use

    Practical, neurodiversity-affirming strategies for reducing transition struggles

    Realistic screen time tips for busy families—without shame or perfectionism

    Whether you're a parent, speech-language pathologist (SLP), occupational therapist (OT), educator, or caregiver, this conversation will help you better understand why autistic kids often rely on screens as a regulation tool and how to support them through challenging transitions.
  • The NeuroAffirm Podcast

    Ep. 121 The Biggest Sensory Mistakes SLPs Make

    02/07/2026 | 30 mins.
    On this episode, Jessie covers the biggest sensory mistakes SLPs make!

    This episode was the Pre-Party for our free training, the Sensory Intensive for SLPs.

    While the Sensory Intensive has ended, you can check out our other sensory trainings for SLPs here: Sensory Training for SLPs
  • The NeuroAffirm Podcast

    Ep. 120 Why Anxiety is So Common in Autism (And What Actually Helps)

    18/06/2026 | 24 mins.
    Anxiety is incredibly common in autistic people. But what if we're asking the wrong question? Instead of asking, "How do we reduce anxiety?" maybe we should be asking, "What is this anxiety trying to tell us?"

    In this episode, we'll explore why anxiety shows up so often alongside autism and why many traditional approaches miss the mark.

    You'll learn:

    Why anxiety rates are significantly higher in autistic people

    The hidden role of uncertainty and unpredictability

    How sensory experiences can impact anxiety levels

    Why seemingly small things like phone calls, haircuts, and schedule changes can feel overwhelming

    The connection between masking and anxiety

    Why "pushing through" often makes things worse

    What actually helps: predictability, autonomy, sensory supports, and clear communication

    How to view anxiety through a neurodiversity-affirming lens
  • The NeuroAffirm Podcast

    Ep. 119 From Behavior Therapist to NeuroAffirming SLP: Lessons that Shifted My Practice

    11/06/2026 | 24 mins.
    On this episode, you'll learn:

    Why behavior-focused approaches often miss the deeper reason a child is struggling

    The questions that helped me move beyond compliance and toward a neuroaffirming perspective

    How my experiences as a behavioral therapist influenced the philosophy behind my book

    How to begin shifting from behavior management toward connection, regulation, and meaningful engagement

    Want to learn more about the approach I use to build regulation, connection & communication? Then check out my best selling book, Ready Set Connect.

    And when you order the book, you also get some amazing high value bonuses to go with it…absolutely FREE (!!)...including:

    an awesome guidebook to implement what you’re learning

    a training webinar to walk you through the strategies

    PLUS the audiobook (narrated by me)!

    Click here to grab the book & bonuses: www.readysetconnectbook.com
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About The NeuroAffirm Podcast
We're Jessie & Chris, an SLP couple from California with 5 boys and a passion for finding better ways to support Autistic kids. Join us weekly to learn neurodiversity affirming ways to strengthen social-emotional development and regulation in your Autistic students.
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