Let Them Lead: The Child-Led Autism Podcast

Grab the FREE Quickstart to Rubric-Goal Writing resource here!   In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses her journey with goal writing, particularly for autistic students. She shares her struggles with traditional goal writing methods and introduces rubric-based goals as a more effective alternative. The discussion emphasizes the importance of mindset shifts in approaching goal writing, the need to question established norms, and the significance of aligning goals with personal and professional values. Nicole encourages educators and therapists to embrace new methods that better serve their students and themselves, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and effective practice. Takeaways Goal writing can be challenging for many professionals. Rubric-based goals provide a clearer framework for writing effective goals. Mindset plays a crucial role in how we perceive our abilities as goal writers. It's important to question traditional methods and seek better alternatives. Communication should be viewed as a personal expression, not just a metric of accuracy. Professionals are often not given the right tools for effective goal writing. Embracing ease in goal writing can lead to better outcomes for students. Collaboration and feedback from peers can enhance goal writing practices. Aligning goals with personal values can reduce burnout and increase job satisfaction. Educators should advocate for individualized approaches to goal writing.   Chapters 00:00 The Struggle with Goal Writing 10:37 Mindset Shifts in Goal Writing 22:16 Questioning the Status Quo 36:55 Aligning Goals with Values     goal writing, rubric goals, autistic students, mindset shifts, education, therapy, communication, child-led approach, professional development, IEPs

In this episode, Nicole Casey discusses the challenges faced by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) when supporting autistic students, particularly the difficulty of starting communication support without knowing the child well. She emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to identify key communication functions, such as asking for help, protesting, and directing actions. Nicole advocates for a child-led approach that empowers students to communicate authentically and autonomously, moving beyond traditional methods that may hinder their development. The conversation highlights the significance of rubrics in goal setting and the need for a supportive environment that fosters trust and communication. Takeaways The system has flaws that impact how we support autistic students. It's challenging to write an IEP without knowing the child. A structured approach can simplify the process of supporting communication. Starting with requesting is common but not always the best approach. Protesting is a crucial skill for safety and autonomy. Communication should empower the child, not just be a performance. Directing actions helps children feel powerful in their communication. Child-led approaches foster authentic communication. Rubrics can help target a variety of communication skills. Building a communication ecosystem is essential for growth.   Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Challenges of Supporting Autistic Students 05:18 The Importance of a Systematic Approach 20:07 Identifying Key Communication Functions 23:37 Rethinking Strategies for Asking for Help 28:17 Creating Supportive Environments for Communication 39:37 The Importance of Protesting and Rejecting 46:05 Empowering Children Through Directing Actions 48:28 The Role of Requesting in Communication 56:04 Building a Communication Ecosystem     autism, communication, support, IEP, SLP, rubrics, child-led approach, education, special education, neurodiversity  

In this episode, Nicole Casey emphasizes the critical importance of collaboration among professionals supporting autistic students. She discusses the need for empathy, trust, and understanding within teams, particularly focusing on the roles of paraprofessionals and support staff. Nicole shares practical strategies for building relationships, advocating for change, and fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being of both students and staff. The conversation highlights the systemic challenges faced by educators and the necessity of a team-centered approach to effectively support autistic students. Takeaways Collaboration is essential for supporting autistic students. Support staff need empathy and understanding from professionals. Building trust within teams enhances collaboration. Generosity and service are key values in education. Human connection is vital for effective teamwork. Practical strategies can improve support for colleagues. Advocating for systemic change benefits everyone in education. Self-care is important for professionals in high-stress environments. Paraprofessionals play a crucial role in student support. Creating a culture of trust leads to better outcomes for students. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Collaboration in Supporting Autistic Students 02:50 Understanding the Role of Support Staff 06:09 Building Trust and Empathy in Teams 08:40 The Impact of Systemic Issues on Support Staff 12:02 The Value of Generosity and Service 14:54 Creating a Supportive Environment for Team Members 17:45 The Need for Human Connection in Professional Relationships 20:44 Practical Strategies for Supporting Colleagues 23:37 Advocating for Team Morale and Culture 26:31 Balancing Self-Care with Team Support 29:51 The Role of Presence and Action in Team Dynamics 32:46 Understanding the Challenges Faced by Support Staff 35:37 The Importance of Listening and Empathy 38:22 Future Directions for Team Support and Collaboration       autism, collaboration, support staff, education, empathy, trust, teamwork, communication, advocacy, self-care

In this conversation, Nicole Casey challenges traditional notions of attention and connection in learning, particularly for autistic students. She emphasizes the importance of accommodating diverse sensory needs and creating an engaging learning environment that allows students to feel regulated and at ease, thus enhancing their ability to learn and engage. Takeaways We need to rethink how we understand connection and attention. Attention doesn't mean sitting still; it can look different. Accommodating a child's sensory system is crucial for learning. Creating an engaging environment helps students feel regulated. Students are more likely to engage when they feel at ease. We should challenge traditional teaching methods that require stillness. Learning can be more effective when students are allowed to move. Understanding neurodiversity is key to effective teaching. Teachers should think outside the box for engagement strategies. A calm environment is essential for accessing learning. Chapters 00:00 Revisiting Eye Contact and Engagement 01:13 The Holy Trinity of Harm: Eye Contact, Calm Body, Quiet Hands 02:12 Empowering Autistic Students Through Understanding 02:14 Encouraging Growth and Change in Practices     autism, learning, attention, connection, sensory system, education, engagement, teaching strategies, neurodiversity, classroom management

In this episode of Let Them Lead, Nicole Casey discusses the concept of "yes spaces" in therapy and educational settings, emphasizing their importance for both autistic students and educators. She explains how creating environments where children can explore safely without constant redirection fosters authentic communication and co-regulation. Nicole shares practical tips for setting up yes spaces, highlighting the balance between freedom and safety, and the benefits for both students and educators. Takeaways: Creating yes spaces allows children to explore safely. Yes spaces reduce the need for constant redirection. They foster authentic communication and co-regulation. Yes spaces benefit both students and educators. Balance between freedom and safety is crucial. Yes spaces are not about chaos but thoughtful design. Boundaries are built into the environment, not enforced. Yes spaces make therapy feel lighter and freer. They help educators focus on connection, not crisis management. Yes spaces support nervous system regulation for all. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Yes Spaces 00:03:00 Benefits of Yes Spaces 00:06:00 Creating a Yes Space 00:09:00 Balancing Freedom and Safety 00:12:00 Practical Tips for Yes Spaces 00:15:00 Conclusion and Reflections   yes spaces, child-led therapy, autism, co-regulation, educational environments