The NeuroAffirm Podcast

Building rapport is important...but rapport isn’t the end goal. It’s the beginning of the therapeutic relationship.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the difference between rapport and the therapeutic relationship and exploring an idea that can completely shift the way we think about therapy: the therapist is part of the intervention.

We’ll talk about what it actually means for a child to experience us as safe, trustworthy, responsive, and attuned - and why autonomy, flexibility, and repair matter just as much as having a “good connection.”

I’ll also introduce therapeutic use of self: intentionally adapting your presence, energy, voice, pacing, body language, expectations, and responsiveness based on what a particular child needs from you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The difference between rapport and the therapeutic relationship

Why building rapport shouldn’t simply lead to increasing demands

The roles of trust, safety, autonomy, responsiveness, attunement, and repair

What “therapeutic use of self” means—and what it looks like in practice

How your energy, affect, voice, pacing, and physical presence can shape an interaction

Why being a great pediatric therapist is about more than being fun or likable

How to ask, “What does this child need from me right now?”

If you want to attend the upcoming training: Ready, Set, Connect: The Roadmap to Better Engagement & Communication - then click here to become a paid subscriber on Substack to join this training (plus trainings every month!) https://substack.com/@sensoryslp

And for Chris's upcoming AI Webinar, click here: https://www.speechdude.com/ai-for-slps-webinar-reg-aug-2026

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

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.

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

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