Visual schedules are one of the most powerful tools in a SPED teacher’s toolkit, but only if students actually use them. In this episode, I’m walking you through how to create a visual schedule that’s meaningful, accessible, and part of your students’ daily rhythm (instead of just decoration on the wall).

We’ll cover the “why” behind visual schedules, how to match them to your students’ developmental level, and step-by-step tips to make them stick. Whether your learners are working with real objects, photos, or picture symbols, you’ll leave with practical strategies to set up schedules that truly support regulation, independence, and success.

✨ Why visual schedules are more than organization, they’re regulation, communication, and independence tools
✨ The research that proves their effectiveness in improving behavior and transitions
✨ How to scaffold schedules from real objects ➝ photos ➝ picture symbols
✨ Step-by-step guidance for building schedules that reflect your students’ actual day
✨ How to keep schedules interactive and student-centered
✨ Tips to make schedules stick as part of the daily routine (instead of collecting dust)
✨ Why consistency, updates, and personalization are key to success

• Explore ready-to-use Visual Schedule resources, social stories and supports in my TpT store.

• Connect with me on Instagram @teachingautism and share your visual schedule setups- I love seeing how you make them work for your students!

👉 Tune in and discover how to set up visual schedules that actually get used, and transform transitions, behavior, and independence in your classroom.

Echolalia and scripting are often misunderstood as “parroting” or “meaningless talk.” But the truth? They’re powerful communication tools and an important stage of language development, especially for autistic and neurodivergent students.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what echolalia and scripting really are, why they matter, and how you can embrace them as stepping stones to authentic, spontaneous communication.

✨ What echolalia and scripting are (immediate vs. delayed)
✨ Why they’re not meaningless, but valuable communication attempts
✨ How to figure out the function behind scripts and echoes
✨ Practical ways to acknowledge, validate, and expand student scripts
✨ How to intentionally use scripts as teaching tools in daily routines
✨ Tips for making room for media-based scripts (yes, even Bluey and Minecraft)
✨ Why reducing pressure and avoiding correction helps language flourish

• Explore my Core Vocabulary Activities Bundle, Adapted Books, and Matching Visuals Set to pair with scripting and support natural language growth.

• Connect with me on Instagram @teachingautism and share how you’re embracing echolalia in your classroom, I’d love to celebrate those wins with you!

• Read my blog post on Functional and Non-Functional Echolalia
• Want to learn more about scripting and how to respond to it? Read my blog post!

👉 Tune in to reframe echolalia and scripting as what they really are: bridges to meaningful communication.

Play isn’t “just play” - it’s one of the most powerful ways to support communication growth. In this episode, we’re diving into how to turn everyday play moments into opportunities for language, connection, and confidence.

Whether you’ve wondered how to support non-speaking students, embed speech goals into centers, or make playtime truly meaningful, this episode will give you strategies that are simple, fun, and effective.

✨ Why play is a natural foundation for language development (backed by research)
✨ How to follow your student’s lead to spark authentic communication
✨ The difference between modeling vs. quizzing during play
✨ Core vocabulary words that fit seamlessly into playtime
✨ How to set up communication-rich play spaces with intentional choices and visuals
✨ Ways to weave language into snack time, sensory play, and messy activities
✨ Why it’s essential to celebrate all forms of communication, not just speech

• Explore my Core Vocabulary Adapted Books, Activities Bundle, and Matching Visuals Set to help you embed communication into play

• Come hang out with me on Instagram @teachingautism and share your favorite play setups, I love celebrating those wins with you!

👉 Tune in and discover how to use play as a communication powerhouse for your students.