By popular demand, we’re bringing back one of the most impactful episodes! This conversation dives into the powerful link between stress and behavior in autistic children, and why compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming approaches make all the difference.

You’ll discover how to reframe behavior as communication, support self-advocacy, and create environments that reduce stress and meet the unique needs of autistic children. Whether you’re an educator, therapist, or parent, this episode offers practical tools you can use right away.

Key Takeaways:

1. Stress and behavior are closely linked for autistic children.

2. Environments that increase stress can make behaviors harder.

3. Behavior is communication—understanding it is essential.

4. Compassionate approaches focus on unmet needs, not compliance.

5. Compliance-driven methods can harm emotional well-being.

6. Self-advocacy is critical for safety and empowerment.

7. Protests and refusals are valid forms of communication.

8. Predictable routines can ease anxiety.

9. Co-regulation helps children manage emotions.

10. Communication tools empower autistic children to thrive.
    
    

Resources & Links:

Research article #1: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6061115/

Research article #2: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3245359/

Calming Kit for preschoolers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calm-Down-Kit-For-Calming-Corner-In-Special-Education-8140160

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

Hi friends, welcome back to the Autism Little Learners Podcast. I’m Tara, a speech-language pathologist who has spent over 25 years working with young autistic children and their families.

Today, we’re going to talk about a topic that brings up a lot of feelings for educators, therapists, and parents: the Picture Exchange Communication System, or PECS. Specifically, why PECS isn’t enough for preschoolers.

Now, before I dive in, I want to be clear—PECS is not evil. It’s not “bad.” For many kids, it has opened the door to communication, and that’s something to celebrate. But PECS, on its own, isn’t enough. Our preschoolers need more than compliance-based exchanges to build rich, lifelong communication.

Takeaways

• PECS was created in the 1990s to teach kids to request items using pictures.

• Traditional PECS training often emphasized compliance over authentic communication.

• Rigid use of PECS protocols sometimes caused frustration and meltdowns in children.

• PECS has major limitations, including prompt dependency and a narrow focus on requests.

• Research shows PECS helps with requesting, but not broader communication or social connection.

• Evidence-based practice must balance research, clinical experience, and client perspectives.

• Autistic adults report that PECS can restrict autonomy, dignity, and language development.

• PECS can be a stepping stone, but should not be the final communication system.

• Robust AAC systems provide greater vocabulary, flexibility, and authentic language use.

• Communication should always prioritize connection, not compliance.

Resources & Links:

Jordyn Zimmerman’s Article: https://communicationfirst.org/slps-as-aac-gatekeepers/

Julie Roberts Article: https://therapistndc.org/the-problem-with-pecs/

Research Article: https://pure.psu.edu/en/publications/a-review-and-analysis-of-the-picture-exchange-communication-syste

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

I’ve got a short and sweet episode for you today! I’ll be sharing 3 tips for introducing a morning meeting or circle time to young autistic children in a self-contained preschool classroom. If you are an educator working in that setting, you don’t want to miss this episode!

Topics Discussed:

• Preparing and getting organized before starting a circle time for young autistic children in a special education preschool classroom

• Using visual supports, such as a visual mini-schedule, and all done bucket during group time

• Using songs to signal the end of group time

Links Mentioned In This Episode About Visual Supports:

• Visual Supports Starter Set

• Blog Posts Related To “Routines”

• What My Preschool Autism Classroom Looked Like

Save your seat at my upcoming Circle Time Masterclass here.

Other Links You May Be Interested In:

• Autism Little Learners on Instagram

• Autism Little Learners on Facebook

You can also join my free Visual Supports Facebook Group to “hang out” with like-minded educators and parents who want to take action and implement visuals at home or at school.