Advertise on podcast: Teach Me To Talk the Podcast: Take 2

Some autistic children can name hundreds of objects but struggle to use those same words to communicate what they want or need. Others repeat entire phrases from favorite shows but have difficulty putting together their own sentences. And some children are communicating successfully through gestures, signs, or AAC while spoken language is still developing. So how do we help autistic toddlers and preschoolers develop expressive language when they may be learning language differently?In this episode of The NEW Autism Podcast Series, pediatric speech-language pathologist Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP from teachmetotalk.com discusses Focus Area 7: Increase Expressive Language from The NEW Autism Workbook.Laura explains why expressive language is about much more than the number of words a child can say. She discusses common differences in how autistic children learn and use language, including analytic versus gestalt language learning, limited vocabulary diversity, difficulty combining words, and challenges communicating for a variety of purposes.The goal isn't simply to get a child to say more words. It's to help that child become a more confident, flexible, and effective communicator using whatever communication system works best for them.Get CE credit for this episode at teachmetotalk.com at this link:https://teachmetotalk.com/ceu_course/asha-ceu-course-491-increase-expressive-language-the-new-autism-podcast-series/Therapists: Earn 1.5 hours / .15 ASHA CEUs for $12Parents: PDF + show notes $10*Want a Step-by-Step System?**https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-course-toddlers/**Get The NEW Autism Workbook (mentioned in this episode)*: *https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-workbook/**Chart/Worksheet:**https://teachmetotalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-NEW-Autism-Workbook-Worksheet.pdf**Questions for Laura or Macy? Email [email protected] or [email protected], subject line PODCAST**Join Laura's free daily email (nearly 50K subscribers!): https://teachmetotalk.com/**Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.com**The Late Talker Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta...**The NEW Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-...**Let's Talk About Talking UPDATED https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let...**Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...**Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui...**Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...**FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun...**Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the...**Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys: https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmetotalk*(Amazon affiliates earn *teeny tiny* commissions — still a great way to support our work!)*Get ASHA CE Credits + Parent Show Notes:*

Join pediatric speech-language pathologist Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP from teachmetotalk.com for this ethics course for any therapist in early intervention and pediatrics. In this course, participants learned how to apply six principles of ethical practice—autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, veracity, and fidelity—to common situations in early intervention. Using practical examples, the course addressed informed consent and family preferences, professional competence, confidentiality, treatment recommendations, workplace expectations, documentation, professional responsibilities, and conflicts of interest.Participants also learned a simple process for ethical decision-making by identifying the problem and who is affected, applying the six ethical principles, considering options and consequences, checking professional responsibilities, consulting when needed, and deciding, documenting, and reevaluating. Case studies demonstrated how to work through situations involving a parent who disagrees with a treatment recommendation and productivity expectations that may conflict with a child’s clinical needs.Here's the link for CE credit:https://teachmetotalk.com/ceu_course/asha-ceu-course-499-ethics-for-early-intervention/*Questions for Laura or Macy? Email [email protected] or [email protected], subject line PODCAST**Join Laura's free daily email (nearly 50K subscribers!): https://teachmetotalk.com/**Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.com**The Late Talker Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta...**The NEW Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-...**Let's Talk About Talking UPDATED https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let...**Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...**Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui...**Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...**FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun...**Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the...**Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys: https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmetotalk*(Amazon affiliates earn *teeny tiny* commissions — still a great way to support our work!)SLP ethics CEU courseASHA ethics CEU course1 hour ethics course for speech-language pathologistsonline ethics course for SLPspediatric SLP ethics courseearly intervention ethics courseinexpensive SLP ethics CEUASHA ethics requirement coursespeech therapy ethics continuing educationTimed Agenda00:00 — Course introduction and ethics in early intervention03:22 — Autonomy: informed consent, family choices, and professional responsibilities16:37 — Beneficence: individualized care and recommendations based on a child’s needs24:04 — Non-maleficence: avoiding harm, professional competence, safety, and appropriate treatment34:10 — Justice: fair and equitable treatment and access to services43:19 — Veracity: truthfulness, accurate reporting, and realistic treatment expectations48:32 — Fidelity: confidentiality, professionalism, follow-through, and appropriate attribution55:41 — A practical process for ethical decision-making58:58 — Case study: productivity demands versus appropriate discharge decisions64:04 — Applying the six principles when ethical situations are unclear

In this episode of The NEW Autism Podcast Series, pediatric speech-language pathologist Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP from teachmetotalk.com dives into expanding play skills for autistic toddlers and preschoolers. Play is closely connected to how young children learn, interact, and develop language, but supporting play does NOT mean changing the authentic ways an autistic child prefers to play. Instead, Laura explains how to recognize a child’s current play strengths, determine when expanding play may be helpful, and build new skills from what the child already enjoys and does well. Throughout the episode, Laura emphasizes an important principle: **meet the child where they are, respect the ways they authentically enjoy playing, and then support the next developmental step.***Get ASHA CE Credits + Parent Show Notes:***https://teachmetotalk.com/ceu_course/asha-ceu-course-488-expand-play-skills-the-new-autism-podcast-series/Therapists: Earn 1 hours / .1 ASHA CEUs for $7Parents: PDF + show notes for $5*Want a Step-by-Step System?**https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-course-toddlers/**Get The NEW Autism Workbook (mentioned in this episode)*: *https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-workbook/**Chart/Worksheet:**https://teachmetotalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-NEW-Autism-Workbook-Worksheet.pdf**Questions for Laura or Macy? Email [email protected] or [email protected], subject line PODCAST**Join Laura's free daily email (nearly 50K subscribers!): https://teachmetotalk.com/**Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.com**The Late Talker Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta...**The NEW Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-...**Let's Talk About Talking UPDATED https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let...**Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...**Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui...**Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...**FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun...**Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the...*Use the coupon code PODCAST20 for 20% off any therapy manual or advanced course purchase*Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys: https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmetotalk*(Amazon affiliates earn *teeny tiny* commissions — still a great way to support our work!)0:00 Intro0:16 Welcome to the New Autism Podcast Series1:42 Focus Area 4: Expanding Play Skills2:14 Respecting Autistic Children's Authentic Play4:14 What Play Skills Are and How They Connect to Language7:42 When to Focus on Play and When It's Not a Priority11:10 5 Questions to Identify a Child's Play Strengths14:11 Example Goals for Expanding Play15:30 How Sensory Preferences and Routines Shape Play24:05 Imitation, Motor, and Cognitive Factors in Play25:37 Using a Child's Interests to Support Regulation and Connection30:22 How to Explain to Parents Why Play Builds Language32:52 Teaching Play with Tell, Show, Help, Repeat37:15 The Stages of Play, from Exploration to Games with Rules46:26 Choosing a Starting Point by Developmental Level48:11 Supporting Exploratory and Early Play with Container Play50:38 The Deconstruction Strategy52:59 Expanding Functional Play and Simple Pretend Play56:28 5 Steps Toward Early Pretend Play59:42 Recap: Meet the Child Where They Are1:01:36 Handout and Workbook Discount Code

Imitation is the MOST important skill we can teach a child who isn't talking yet... autistic or not! But imitation doesn't always develop in the same way for autistic children. Some autistic toddlers can repeat entire phrases, songs, or scripts they've heard before but have difficulty imitating simple actions with toys, body movements, gestures, or sounds during everyday interactions. Get CE credit for this episode at teachmetotalk.com at this link:Therapists: Earn 1 hours / .1 ASHA CEUs for $7Parents: PDF + show notes $5*Want a Step-by-Step System?**https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-course-toddlers/**Get The NEW Autism Workbook (mentioned in this episode)*: *https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-workbook/**Chart/Worksheet:**https://teachmetotalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-NEW-Autism-Workbook-Worksheet.pdf**Questions for Laura or Macy? Email [email protected] or [email protected], subject line PODCAST**Join Laura's free daily email (nearly 50K subscribers!): https://teachmetotalk.com/**Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.com**The Late Talker Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta...**The NEW Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-...**Let's Talk About Talking UPDATED https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let...**Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...**Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui...**Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...**FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun...**Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the...*Use the coupon code PODCAST20 for 20% off any therapy manual or advanced course purchase*Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys: https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmetotalk*(Amazon affiliates earn *teeny tiny* commissions — still a great way to support our work!)*Get ASHA CE Credits + Parent Show Notes:*Therapists: Earn 1 hours / .1 ASHA CEUs for $7Parents: PDF + show notes for $5Timed agenda00:00 — Welcome and episode overview01:41 — Early language development: the 12 focus areas04:17 — Why imitation matters05:28 — Relationship-based teaching09:27 — Echolalia and delayed imitation11:21 — Why imitation may look different in autism18:19 — Reciprocal imitation and connection23:24 — When to consider PT, OT, or AAC27:01 — The developmental hierarchy for teaching imitation29:46 — Actions with objects31:13 — Body movements and gestures32:33 — Face and mouth actions34:34 — Vocalizations in play35:19 — Exclamatory words and verbal routines56:26 — Functional words and short phrases60:23 — Tracking mastered, emerging, and absent skills65:03 — Immediate versus delayed imitation69:37 — A practical teaching sequence73:37 — Practicing imitation in everyday routines75:48 — Final takeawaysIn this episode of The NEW Autism Podcast Series, pediatric speech-language pathologist Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP from teachmetotalk.com explains why imitation is so important for language development and how to use her 8-Level Imitation Hierarchy to identify a child's strengths, recognize where imitation skills are breaking down, and select meaningful goals.Laura also shares her clinical experience working with autistic children who are gestalt language processors. Many of these children demonstrate strong delayed imitation of familiar phrases but struggle with immediate imitation. By strengthening other forms of imitation, Laura has seen improvements in play skills, gestures, social engagement, and communication.

In this episode of The NEW Autism Podcast Series, pediatric speech-language pathologist Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP from teachmetotalk.com focuses on receptive language development in autistic toddlers and preschoolers. Understanding language is foundational for learning, communication, and social interaction, but receptive language differences can sometimes be overlooked, especially when a child is already using words, scripts, or longer phrases. Laura explains why supporting receptive language is still important in neurodiversity-affirming intervention and how to help children understand spoken language without relying on compliance-based teaching. The goal is comprehension, NOT compliance.Get CE credit for this episode at teachmetotalk.com at this link:https://teachmetotalk.com/ceu_course/asha-ceu-course-489-prioritize-receptive-language-the-new-autism-podcast-series/Throughout the episode, Laura emphasizes an important principle: Neurodiversity-affirming intervention doesn't mean abandoning receptive language goals. It means changing HOW we teach those skills while respecting each child's strengths, sensory needs, regulation, autonomy, and preferred ways of communicating.*Get ASHA CE Credits + Parent Show Notes:***https://teachmetotalk.com/ceu_course/asha-ceu-course-489-prioritize-receptive-language-the-new-autism-podcast-series/**Therapists: Earn 1.5 hours / .15 ASHA CEUs for $12Parents: PDF + show notes $10*Want a Step-by-Step System?**https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-course-toddlers/**Get The NEW Autism Workbook (mentioned in this episode)*: *https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-workbook/**Chart/Worksheet:**https://teachmetotalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-NEW-Autism-Workbook-Worksheet.pdf**Questions for Laura or Macy? Email [email protected] or [email protected], subject line PODCAST**Join Laura's free daily email (nearly 50K subscribers!): https://teachmetotalk.com/**Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.com**The Late Talker Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta...**The NEW Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-...**Let's Talk About Talking UPDATED https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let...**Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...**Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui...**Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...**FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun...**Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the...*Use the coupon code PODCAST20 for 20% off any therapy manual or advanced course purchase*Get ASHA CE Credits + Parent Show Notes:***https://teachmetotalk.com/ceu_course/asha-ceu-course-488-expand-play-skills-the-new-autism-podcast-series/Therapists: Earn 1 hours / .1 ASHA CEUs for $7Parents: PDF + show notes for $5

If you’re an SLP, you already know that ethics is one of those courses you HAVE to take for certification maintenance and, depending on your state, for license renewal too. But that doesn’t mean it has to be boring... or expensive!In this practical Ethics for Speech-Language Pathologists course, pediatric speech-language pathologist Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP walks you through the ASHA Code of Ethics and, more importantly, shows you how it applies to the kinds of situations we actually encounter in clinical practice. I’ve filled this course with case studies especially relevant for pediatric SLPs who specialize in early intervention... informed consent, competence and referrals, social media and therapy videos, conflicts of interest, clinical judgment, plagiarism, professional relationships, and even what to do when you’re concerned about a colleague. And because I want this to be an easy way for SLPs who may be new to teachmetotalk.com to meet their ethics requirement AND get to know my work, I’ve priced the entire course at just $7 for 1 hour/.1 ASHA CEUs.Here's the link for CE credit:*Questions for Laura or Macy? Email [email protected] or [email protected], subject line PODCAST**Join Laura's free daily email (nearly 50K subscribers!): https://teachmetotalk.com/**Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.com**The Late Talker Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta...**The NEW Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-...**Let's Talk About Talking UPDATED https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let...**Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...**Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui...**Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...**FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun...**Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the...**Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys: https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmetotalk*(Amazon affiliates earn *teeny tiny* commissions — still a great way to support our work!)SLP ethics CEU courseASHA ethics CEU course1 hour ethics course for speech-language pathologistsonline ethics course for SLPspediatric SLP ethics courseearly intervention ethics courseinexpensive SLP ethics CEUASHA ethics requirement coursespeech therapy ethics continuing education

In this episode of The NEW Autism Podcast Series, pediatric speech-language pathologist Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP from teachmetotalk.com dives into Joint Attention and Turn Taking for autistic toddlers and preschoolers. Both skills are foundational for helping autistic toddlers and preschoolers learn from other people, build relationships, and become more interactive communicators. In this episode, Laura explains what joint attention REALLY looks like...and why it’s much more than simply getting a child to look at the same toy or make eye contact.You’ll learn how to:• Recognize true joint attention versus simply playing alongside a child• Look for meaningful ways autistic children may share attention without requiring eye contact• Identify early turn taking that happens long before a child begins using words• Find the specific point where an interaction is breaking down• Help a child notice and respond to another person• Use fewer words, visual cues, movement, and meaningful actions to keep an interaction going• Use Show—Hold—Give during everyday routines to naturally build joint attention and turn taking• Begin with fast trading games and ultra-quick turns so sharing feels safe• Join what already interests a child before trying to expand the play*Get ASHA CE Credits + Parent Show Notes:**https://teachmetotalk.com/ceu_course/asha-ceu-course-487-develop-joint-attention-and-turn-taking-the-new-autism-podcast-series/*Therapists: Earn 1.5 hours / .15 ASHA CEUs for $12Parents: PDF + show notes for $10*Want a Step-by-Step System?**https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-course-toddlers/**Get The NEW Autism Workbook (mentioned in this episode)*: *https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-workbook/**Chart/Worksheet:**https://teachmetotalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-NEW-Autism-Workbook-Worksheet.pdf**Questions for Laura or Macy? Email [email protected] or [email protected], subject line PODCAST**Join Laura's free daily email (nearly 50K subscribers!): https://teachmetotalk.com/**Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.com**The Late Talker Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta...**The NEW Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-...**Let's Talk About Talking UPDATED https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let...**Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...**Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui...**Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...**FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun...**Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the...**Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys: https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmetotalk*(Amazon affiliates earn *teeny tiny* commissions — still a great way to support our work!)Timed Agenda:0:00 - Welcome03:45 - What joint attention and turn taking mean08:17 - When to target joint attention and turn taking13:20 - Sample goals and autism-related differences22:31 - Regulation, processing time, and shared attention30:48 - How joint attention supports learning and language37:42 - Early turn taking and reciprocity41:31 - Identifying where interactions break down44:20 - Strategies for building attention and responsiveness52:31 - Supporting language and shifting attention60:50 - The Show, Hold, and Give routine67:06 - Building back-and-forth turns during play72:48 - Supporting sharing and joining without forcing76:35 - Regulation and meeting the child where they are78:30 - Case study84:00 - Expanding shared interaction and preferred activities89:31 - Wrap-up and preview of play skills90:11 - End Time

In this special 2-hour episode of The NEW Autism Podcast Series, pediatric speech-language pathologist Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP, takes a deep dive into Focus Area 2: Introduce Social Games from The NEW Autism Workbook.Social games are simple, repetitive, people-based routines designed to build connection and shared enjoyment between a child and another person. They don’t require elaborate toys, complicated instructions, or demands for a child to participate. Instead, we use the things a child already enjoys including movement, music, physical closeness, anticipation, repetition, and special interests to make interaction with another person rewarding.Laura explains how to choose social games based on an individual child’s strengths, interests, sensory preferences, and regulation needs, rather than expecting every child to enjoy the same activities. You’ll learn how to begin with just one or two highly engaging routines and gradually build a repertoire of social games a child knows, anticipates, and enjoys. Laura also explains how to extend these interactions over time so you’re not just getting a fleeting smile or a few seconds of participation—you’re building longer, richer periods of connection and engagement.Throughout the episode, Laura shares practical examples of different kinds of social games and explains how familiar routines, songs, movement, anticipation, and repetition can become powerful tools for strengthening interaction. Most importantly, the goal is shared enjoyment.. think connection over compliance and invitation over pressure. When a child genuinely enjoys interacting with us, we have a foundation for building shared attention, turn taking, imitation, language, and communication.BONUS: Watch Real Therapy Clips!Who This is For?This episode is designed for speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, developmental therapists, early intervention professionals, educators, and parents who want practical, strengths-based ways to support autistic toddlers and preschoolers.CHART LINK: https://teachmetotalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-NEW-Autism-Workbook-Worksheet.pdf Handouts mentioned in this podcast are included with purchase of CE credit for therapists Therapists - Earn 2 hours/.2 ASHA CEUs for $20Parents pdf - $5 includes the show notesCEU LINK HERE: Ready to Go Deeper?If you want a step-by-step system to apply this framework in real life with autistic kids, check out: https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-course-toddlers/Here's my newly updated therapy manual I mentioned The NEW Autism Workbook. Get info here: https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-workbook/Have a question for Laura and Macy?Email [email protected] or [email protected] with the subject line PODCASTJoin Laura’s daily email for free therapy ideas: (near 50K subscribers!!)https://teachmetotalk.com/Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.comThe Late Talker Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta...The NEW Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-workbook/Let's Talk About Talking UPDATED https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let...Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui...Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun...Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the...Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys:https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmetotalkAmazon affiliates earn *teeny tiny* commissions from purchases. It's still a great way to support our work!**

If your toddler isn’t talking yet, don’t start with words — start with imitation! In today’s Teach Me To Talk podcast, pediatric speech-language pathologists Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP and Macy Mize Usher, M.S., CCC-SLP explain the 8 essential stages a nonspeaking child must master before they’re ready to imitate words.In this episode, you’ll learn:✨ Why imitation is the foundation for all speech✨ The hierarchy of imitation from easiest to hardest✨ How to teach imitation step-by-step✨ What to do when a child refuses or can’t imitate words✨ Real examples for toddlers with language delays or autism✨ How parents and pediatric therapists can get better results by starting earlier in the processThese practical strategies are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who are not yet talking, barely talking, or struggling to imitate words. Designed for parents and professionals working with babies, toddlers, and young preschoolers with communication delays.If you'd like detailed instructions with lots of examples and activities for you to try at home, check out Laura's best selling therapy Building Verbal Imitation in Toddlers. Check it out here: https://teachmetotalk.com/product/building-verbal-imitation-skills-in-toddlers/Handouts mentioned in this podcast are included with purchase of CE credit for therapists Therapists - Earn .5 ASHA CEU for $5Parents pdf - $5 includes the show notes + 2 additional handouts1. Tool for Assessing Imitation2. Vocabulary List for Late Talking Toddlers and Preschoolers LINK HERE: https://teachmetotalk.com/?post_type=ceu_course&p=73056&preview=trueHave a question for Laura and Macy?Email [email protected] or [email protected] with the subject line PODCASTJoin Laura’s daily email for free therapy ideas: (near 50K subscribers!!)https://teachmetotalk.com/Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.comThe Late Talker Workbook NEW https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta...The Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/product/aut...Let's Talk About Talking https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let...Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui...Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun...Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the...Learn about our Strengths-Based Approach for Helping Autistic Toddlers and Preschoolers Connect and Communicate:Shift from deficits-focused to strengths-based speech therapy — using goals and activities that build genuine connection while honoring neurodiversity.https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-course-toddlers/Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys:https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmetotalkAmazon affiliates earn *teeny tiny* commissions from purchases. It's still a great way to support our work!**Watch more videos and get free speech therapy ideas:https://teachmetotalk.com

In this episode, Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP, and Macy Mize Usher, M.S., CCC-SLP, share their Top 10 toys for boosting early communication in toddlers and preschoolers. We intentionally chose familiar, affordable toys you’ll find in almost every home, not specialty therapy materials, so parents and therapists can put these ideas into action right away.We break down why each toy made our list, along with our favorite therapy activities, sample early communication goals, and practical tips for using each toy to target a wide range of skills—from engagement and connection…to imitation…to play development…to receptive and expressive language.Whether you're a therapist providing bagless, family-centered intervention in children’s homes or a parent looking for fresh ways to help your child learn to understand and use words, this episode gives you tons of new, do-able ideas using toys a family already own or use these classics in your office or clinic.LINK HERE: https://teachmetotalk.com/ceu_course/asha-ceu-course-0015-optimizing-play-based-intervention-for-early-language-development-with-our-top-10-toys/TOY LINKS WE RECOMMEND in this course:MY AMAZON STOREFRONT with this list https://amzn.to/4ra3wZpBubbles https://amzn.to/3K8lScx, https://amzn.to/3JKkih5Ball Toys https://amzn.to/48caQLr, https://amzn.to/47PnVLQ, https://amzn.to/482iQi4Barns & Animals https://amzn.to/4phnPlR, https://amzn.to/3XG9pjs, https://amzn.to/3X7UcaSCars & Vehicles https://amzn.to/3X4mumD, https://amzn.to/43F1Qx5, https://amzn.to/4rg9po4, https://amzn.to/488Sx9Z, https://amzn.to/4rc7UqWKey Toys https://amzn.to/3X7dxJa, https://amzn.to/4i8FKsB, https://amzn.to/3X3iUJr, https://amzn.to/3K6Uo75, https://amzn.to/4iaMqGTBowling Set https://amzn.to/4iaoH9DBaby Dolls https://amzn.to/4pfB8TU, https://amzn.to/4a4BUPf, https://amzn.to/4a4BUPfWater Play https://amzn.to/3JViLop, https://amzn.to/4rq1tRg, https://amzn.to/4o6hvN0Kitchen Play https://amzn.to/49qLGek, https://amzn.to/3Mdrumr, https://amzn.to/4pltfMI, https://amzn.to/44eAxtzBooks https://amzn.to/4rq3JIe, https://amzn.to/4iaulZn, https://amzn.to/43I6nPg, https://amzn.to/4oqxsy5Playground Equipment https://amzn.to/48qfgzu, https://amzn.to/4o37XlV, https://amzn.to/3K08KX6Wooden Puzzles https://amzn.to/4pnh8Ps, https://amzn.to/43CWlyT, https://amzn.to/44hbVAr, https://amzn.to/3LOdBv0** I earn a tiny commission off any purchase from the links.Have a question for Laura and Macy?Email [email protected] or [email protected] with the subject line PODCASTJoin Laura’s daily email for free therapy ideas: (near 50K subscribers!!)https://teachmetotalk.com/Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.comThe Late Talker Workbook NEW https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta...The Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/product/aut...Let's Talk About Talking https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let...Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui...Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun...Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the...Learn about our Strengths-Based Approach for Helping Autistic Toddlers and Preschoolers Connect and Communicate:Shift from deficits-focused to strengths-based speech therapy — using goals and activities that build genuine connection while honoring neurodiversity.https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-course-toddlers/Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys:https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmetotalkAmazon affiliates earn *teeny tiny* commissions from purchases. It's still a great way to support our work!**Watch more videos and get free speech therapy ideas:https://teachmetotalk.com

Want to help your child move from single words to more complex communication? Join pediatric speech-language pathologists Laura Mize and Macy Mize Usher from teachmetotalk.com as they explain how children learn to Communicate with Complex Language. This episode breaks down the “7 C’s” of communication and shows how to support the next language step in a way that actually makes sense. We talk about:-Why some kids aren’t combining words yet-The difference between language delay and language disorder-How vocabulary, sentence length, and language use all work together-Simple strategies parents and therapists can use right awayIf you work with early language learners, this one is packed with practical takeaways.#SpeechTherapy #SLP #EarlyIntervention #LanguageDevelopment #PediatricSpeechTherapy #CommunicationSkills #ParentTips #teachmetotalk Most importantly, we'll discuss why it's never too early—or too late—to support communication development and what you can do to help a child move toward meaningful, intentional communication.Handouts mentioned in this podcast are included with purchase of CE credit for therapists Therapists - Earn .5 ASHA CEU for $5Parents pdf - $5 includes the show notesLINK HERE: https://teachmetotalk.com/ceu_course/asha-ceu-course-0025-communicates-with-complex-language-the-7-cs-of-communication/Who This Is For:- Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) - Early intervention providers, developmental therapists, OTs - Parents of toddlers and preschoolers with speech delays - Parents of autistic children Ready to Go Deeper?This is the last episode in our 8 part series: The 7 C's of Communication: Developing Treatment Plans that WORK for Toddlers & Preschoolers with Language Delays. Check out the other episodes in this series.If you want a step-by-step system to apply this framework in real life with autistic kids, check out:https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-course-toddlers/Here's my newly updated therapy manual I mentioned Let's Talk About Talking: https://teachmetotalk.com/late-talking-toddler-speech-therapy/Have a question for Laura and Macy?Email [email protected] or [email protected] with the subject line PODCASTJoin Laura’s daily email for free therapy ideas: (near 50K subscribers!!)https://teachmetotalk.com/Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.comThe Late Talker Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta...The Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/product/aut...Let's Talk About Talking https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let...Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui...Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun...Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the...Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys:https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmetotalkAmazon affiliates earn *teeny tiny* commissions from purchases. It's still a great way to support our work!**

How can speech-language pathologists use sensory strategies to help toddlers and preschoolers communicate, engage, and participate more successfully in speech therapy?In this episode of **Teach Me To Talk: The Podcast – Take 2**, pediatric speech-language pathologists Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP, and Macy Mize Usher, M.S., CCC-SLP, share practical ways to become a more **sensory-informed SLP**—without stepping outside the speech-language pathologist’s scope of practice.Sensory processing differences can have a significant impact on a child’s regulation, attention, interaction, play, and communication. This is especially important when working with autistic toddlers and preschoolers. Instead of automatically viewing crying, hitting, running away, shutting down, or other challenging responses as “behavior,” Laura and Macy discuss how therapists and parents can first consider what the child may be experiencing from a sensory and regulation perspective.You’ll learn how to recognize hyperarousal and underarousal, reduce dysregulation during speech therapy, and create a more sensory-supportive therapy environment. Laura and Macy discuss simple changes involving lighting, noise, visual stimulation, movement, seating, tactile experiences, and even the way we use our own voices, facial expressions, and energy with a child.They also share favorite sensory-based speech therapy ideas including:• Movement and vestibular activities• Sensory bins and water play• Bubbles and songs• Swings, climbing, pushing, and pulling activities• Tents and alternative seating• Adapting your voice and interaction style• Using a child’s strengths and interests to support regulation• Recognizing sensory responses that may look like “behavior”Most importantly, you’ll learn why **regulation and co-regulation matter for communication**. A child who is dysregulated may not be available for interaction, learning, or language—and sometimes changing the environment or changing *our own approach* can make a tremendous difference.💙 **The NEW Autism Workbook**Learn how to choose meaningful priorities and treatment strategies for autistic toddlers and preschoolers using a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach.💙 **Strengths-Based Autism Course + Autistic Strengths Survey**Learn how to identify a child’s strengths, interests, and sensory preferences and use them to select engaging therapy activities.Ready to Go Deeper?If you want a step-by-step system to apply this framework in real life with autistic kids, check out:https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-course-toddlers/Here's my newly updated therapy manual I mentioned The NEW Autism Workbook. Get info here: https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-workbook/Have a question for Laura and Macy?Email [email protected] or [email protected] with the subject line PODCASTJoin Laura’s daily email for free therapy ideas: (near 50K subscribers!!)https://teachmetotalk.com/Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.comThe Late Talker Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta...The NEW Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-workbook/Let's Talk About Talking UPDATED https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let...Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui...Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun...Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the...Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys:https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmetotalkAmazon affiliates earn *teeny tiny* commissions from purchases. It's still a great way to support our work!**

Co-Regulate to Communicate: Helping Autistic Toddlers & Preschoolers Get Ready to LearnWhat if the first question we asked when an autistic child is struggling during therapy wasn’t, “How do I stop this behavior?” but instead, “What is this child’s nervous system telling me?”In this 1.5-hour episode of The NEW Autism Podcast Series, pediatric speech-language pathologist Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP, takes a deep dive into Focus Area 1: Co-Regulate to Communicate from The NEW Autism Workbook. Before we can expect a young child to attend, interact, learn, or communicate, we have to help that child reach the “just right” state for learning—calm, alert, connected, and engaged. In this episode, Laura explains what regulation and co-regulation actually mean and how dysregulation can affect both receptive and expressive communication. You’ll also learn a different way to think about many of the responses we have traditionally called “behaviors.” Laura walks through the 7 F’s of stress responses—Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fatigue, Flood, Feed, and Flock—and explains how this framework can help us determine what a child may be communicating through his actions. Laura also shares practical treatment strategies for helping autistic toddlers and preschoolers become more regulated and available for interaction and communication, including the 5 Universal Regulators. You’ll learn why co-regulation begins with the adult, how to “share your peace and regulate the pace,” when to reduce demands and use less language, how to choose activities that fit the child rather than trying to fit the child into the activity, and why sometimes the best clinical decision is to focus on practice rather than learning something new. Most importantly, Laura explains why helping a child regulate IS therapy.Who This is For?This episode is designed for speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, developmental therapists, early intervention professionals, educators, and parents who want practical, strengths-based ways to support autistic toddlers and preschoolers.CHART LINK: https://teachmetotalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-NEW-Autism-Workbook-Worksheet.pdf Handouts mentioned in this podcast are included with purchase of CE credit for therapists Therapists - Earn 1.5 ASHA CEU for $12Parents pdf - $5 includes the show notesCEU LINK HERE: Who This Is For:- Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) - Early intervention providers, developmental therapists, OTs - Parents of toddlers and preschoolers with speech delays - Parents of autistic children Ready to Go Deeper?If you want a step-by-step system to apply this framework in real life with autistic kids, check out:https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-course-toddlers/Here's my newly updated therapy manual I mentioned The NEW Autism Workbook. Get info here: https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-workbook/Have a question for Laura and Macy?Email [email protected] or [email protected] with the subject line PODCASTJoin Laura’s daily email for free therapy ideas: (near 50K subscribers!!)https://teachmetotalk.com/Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.comThe Late Talker Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta...The NEW Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-workbook/Let's Talk About Talking UPDATED https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let...Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui...Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun...Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the...Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys:https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmetotalkAmazon affiliates earn *teeny tiny* commissions from purchases. It's still a great way to support our work!**

You know an autistic child needs help, but where do you begin when so many things seem important? In this 1.5-hour course, pediatric speech-language pathologist Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP, walks you through a decision making process for using a child's strengths, interests, current skills and needs to show you how to choose meaningful priorities. You’ll learn to select the one or two areas that will help you build a practical, individualized plan to help a child build communication skills using The NEW Autism Workbook Worksheet. CHART LINK: https://teachmetotalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-NEW-Autism-Workbook-Worksheet.pdf Handouts mentioned in this podcast are included with purchase of CE credit for therapists Therapists - Earn 1.5 ASHA CEU for $12Parents pdf - $5 includes the show notesCEU LINK HERE: Who This Is For:- Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) - Early intervention providers, developmental therapists, OTs - Parents of toddlers and preschoolers with speech delays - Parents of autistic children Ready to Go Deeper?If you want a step-by-step system to apply this framework in real life with autistic kids, check out:https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-course-toddlers/Here's my newly updated therapy manual I mentioned The NEW Autism Workbook. Get info here: https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-workbook/Have a question for Laura and Macy?Email [email protected] or [email protected] with the subject line PODCASTJoin Laura’s daily email for free therapy ideas: (near 50K subscribers!!)https://teachmetotalk.com/Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.comThe Late Talker Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/the-late-ta...The NEW Autism Workbook https://teachmetotalk.com/new-autism-workbook/Let's Talk About Talking UPDATED https://teachmetotalk.com/product/let...Teach Me To Talk The Therapy Manual https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...Building Verbal Imitation Skills in Toddlers https://teachmetotalk.com/product/bui...Teach Me To Play WITH You https://teachmetotalk.com/product/tea...FUNctional Phonology https://teachmetotalk.com/product/fun...Apraxia Workbooks 1 & 2 https://teachmetotalk.com/product/the...Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys:https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmetotalkAmazon affiliates earn *teeny tiny* commissions from purchases. It's still a great way to support our work!**

If you're worried because a child isn't talking yet, today's episode is for you.One of the biggest milestones in communication development happens when a child moves from simply copying words to using words independently to share ideas. In the 7 C's of Communication framework, we call this stage **Communicating Simple Ideas**.This is the exciting point where language becomes purposeful. A child begins using words, signs, AAC, or scripts and gestalts to tell you what he wants, comment on something he sees, answer questions, and share experiences. He's no longer just repeating what he hears. He's communicating his own ideas.In this episode, we'll talk about when first words typically emerge, what expressive language milestones look like by age two, how language development may differ for autistic and other neurodivergent children, and the factors researchers have identified that are associated with stronger language outcomes.Most importantly, we'll discuss why it's never too early—or too late—to support communication development and what you can do to help a child move toward meaningful, intentional communication.Handouts mentioned in this podcast are included with purchase of CE credit for therapists Therapists - Earn .5 ASHA CEU for $5Parents pdf - $5 includes the show notesLINK HERE: Who This Is For:- Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) - Early intervention providers, developmental therapists, OTs - Parents of toddlers and preschoolers with speech delays - Parents of autistic children Ready to Go Deeper?This is the next episode in our 8 part series: The 7 C's of Communication: Developing Treatment Plans that WORK for Toddlers & Preschoolers with Language Delays. Check out the other episodes in this series.If you want a step-by-step system to apply this framework in real life with autistic kids, check out:https://teachmetotalk.com/strengths-based-autism-course-toddlers/Here's my newly updated therapy manual I mentioned Let's Talk About Talking: https://teachmetotalk.com/late-talking-toddler-speech-therapy/Have a question for Laura and Macy?Email [email protected] or [email protected] with the subject line PODCASTJoin Laura’s daily email for free therapy ideas: (near 50K subscribers!!)https://teachmetotalk.com/Therapy Manuals from teachmetotalk.comhttps://teachmetotalk.com/product-category/therapy-manual/Shop Our Favorite Speech Therapy Toys:https://www.amazon.com/shop/teachmetotalkAmazon affiliates earn *teeny tiny* commissions from purchases. It's still a great way to support our work!**