The NeuroAffirm Podcast

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

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