SLP Talk Show
Real talk with Cari about stuff that really matters. Each bite-sized episode will be filled with happy stuff, heavy stuff, light stuff, and of course some speech therapy stuff as well. Our time together will be fun and informative...and while you might gain a few speech therapy-related nuggets along the way, my primary goal is for you to walk away feeling rejuvenated, motivated, and excited to go to work tomorrow. If you’re a parent, please come along for the ride. There is a place for you in this space as well. But listener BEWARE: All episodes will be delivered with joyful passion! If you’re looking for a traditional interview format, this ain’t the podcast for you (I love using the word ”ain’t” in a written sentence...it feels so wrong!). So buckle up and let’s get this podcast party started!
Episodes
Are we helping Autistic children thrive, or simply teaching them to comply? In this though-provoking solo episode, Cari challenges professionals and caregivers to take a closer look at the goals, expectations, and practices shaping autism services. Are we honoring communication or rewarding obedience? Supporting autonomy or prioritizing adult agendas? Through 10 powerful questions, Cari invites listeners to rethink what progress re...
Cari and Jim discuss why caregiver coaching is such a challenging component of Early Intervention. They explore the mindset shift from treating children to empowering caregivers, explain the powerful M&M analogy, and share practical insights to help providers build caregiver confidence and create meaningful learning opportunities that extend far beyond the session.
Here's the link to learn more about Cari's Coaching with Confid...
Join Cari and Jim for an in-depth discussion about affirming speech therapy strategies to support children when autism and apraxia co-occur.
How we understand disability influences every decision we make as providers. In this episode, Cari and Jim unpack four models of disability and discuss how they show up in practice. You’ll walk away with a clearer lens for reflecting on your values and how they align with your work. If you're a parent or caregiver, this conversation is for you too. Understanding these models can help you make sense of the advice you're given ...
For many Autistic children, big family gatherings can be overwhelming, unpredictable, and absolutely exhausting. But with the right supports, these gatherings can feel more like a celebration and less like a survival mission.
In Episode 84, Cari and Jim unpack how to support AAC in daily routines, how to build a strong team around the communicator, and why communication is everyone's job—not just the speech therapist's.
In this episode, Cari and Jim explore what makes an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) system robust. They discuss how robust AAC goes far beyond requesting, giving users the ability to connect, share emotions, and express their full personalities.
In this episode, Cari and Jim break down the basics of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)—what it is, who uses it, and why early access matters. They unpack common myths, discuss practical strategies for modeling AAC in daily life, and remind us that every mode of communication deserves equal respect and celebration. Whether you're a seasoned SLP, an educator, a parent, or just AAC-curious, this episode is for y...
In this episode, Cari and Jim explore what it means to build a true culture of communication—one that values connection over compliance.
Show Notes:
Join Cari and Jim for a lively discussion on the difference between declarative and imperative language in supporting children's communication. They show how constant quizzing with imperatives can feel stressful, while declarative comments create shared attention, spark curiosity, and foster authentic connection.
Click here for "The Declarative Language Handbook" that is reference in this episode.
In this episode, Cari and Jim explore the concept of play schemas...repeated patterns of behavior that reveal how young children learn and make sense of the world.
In this episode, Cari and Jim bust nine common myths about learning and play. Together, they reframe play as the foundation for growth, creativity, and deeper learning.
Cari and Jim discuss the decline in play, the cognitive hypothesis, and the true building blocks of school readiness for young children. Hint: It's not knowing letters, numbers, shapes, and colors. It's all about executive function skills.
Click here for the book referenced in this episode: How Children Succeed by Paul Tough
Join Cari and Jim for a lively discussion about the school-to-work transition. Because Autistic kids become Autistic adults.
In this episode, we explore why the back-to-school season is one of the most overwhelming transitions for neurodivergent students. From decoding stress responses to building collaborative partnerships with schools, you'll learn practical, compassionate strategies to ease this high-stress season for the whole family.
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Join Cari and Jim for a follow-up to episode 73 as they continue the discussion on supporting Autistic children at mealtime. In this episode, Cari outlines three categories of safe, respectful strategies that prioritize trust, choice, and co-regulation.
If you're enjoying the podcast and want to keep the conversation going, join Cari's email list here:
Cari and Jim discuss the complex relationship that Autistic children often have with food.
One liner for this episode: For Autistic kids, mealtime is about survival, not stubbornness.
Nobody likes to talk about screen time. But we live in the Digital Age, and it's time to start supporting families of young children in creating mindful screen time habits at home. One thing that all children with developing brains and bodies need is VARIED EXPERIENCES! Screen time should be just one of many experiences young children have access to each day. Be sure to stay tuned until the end for a discussion about screen time in...
Cari and Jim discuss the bias in autism research and how this affects girls getting an autism diagnosis.
The CDC released the most recent autism prevalence numbers which showed an increase from 1 in 36 kids to 1 in 31 kids. In this episode, Cari and Jim discuss factors contributing to the increase in autism prevalence in the United States including 1) improved understanding of the Autistic neurotype, 2) increased identification of autism in previously under-identified groups, and 3) assortative mating.
Here are the 2 links ment...
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