In this episode of the Autism Little Learners podcast, I talked to Erin Forward, a speech pathologist specializing in trauma-informed feeding. Erin shares her journey and passion for working with neurodivergent children, emphasizing the importance of understanding trauma in feeding therapy. She discusses the principles of trauma-informed care, the nuances of each child's feeding experience, and the significance of building trust and engagement.

The conversation highlights the need for a shift in feeding therapy practices to better support children and their caregivers. Erin discusses the complexities of pediatric feeding disorders, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care and the role of caregivers in creating supportive mealtime environments. She highlights the need for understanding children's cues, the significance of allowing children to feel safe and in control during meals, and the necessity of slowing down to foster a positive feeding experience. The discussion also touches on the educational aspect of feeding and the importance of recognizing individual needs in children, particularly those with trauma or neurodiversity.

Bio

Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP, CLC is a speech-language pathologist and certified lactation counselor. Erin works as an SLP at a private practice She has advanced training in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, early language, AAC, and trauma, specifically for medically complex children. Erin holds an Expert DIR®Floortime Provider Certification and is a TBRI® Trained Practitioner. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor's degree in CSD and Psychology and graduated from the University of South Carolina with her Master's in Speech Pathology. She is the co-host of "First Bite: A Speech Therapy Podcast" with Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, where she shares her experiences and evidenced-based practices from her time working in early intervention/home health, NICU/PICU, GI clinic, and outpatient clinic settings. Erin truly values building relationships and helping a child be their authentic self.

Links

First Bite Podcast: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/podcast?name=Firstbite

Erin Forward's Website & Course: https://www.erinforwardslp.com

Takeaways

· Feeding therapy must be individualized for each child.

· Trauma-informed care includes principles like safety and trust.

· Children learn about food similarly to how they learn about toys.

· Building trust with caregivers is essential for feeding success.

· Children need to feel safe before they can explore new foods.

· Engagement and communication can lead to feeding progress.

· Understanding a child's unique cues is vital in therapy.

· The relationship between therapist and child is key to success.

· Feeding Matters is crucial for early identification of feeding disorders.

· Understanding the psychosocial aspects of feeding is essential.

· Children need to feel safe and in control during mealtime.

· A dysregulated adult cannot help a dysregulated child.

· Children should have access to their safe foods without earning them.

· Caregivers must recognize their own feeding-related trauma.

· Creating a safe mealtime environment is vital for progress.

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

Transitions are a natural part of any day—whether it’s moving from playtime to circle time, transitioning to lunch, or ending a fun activity to go home. While many children find transitions challenging, they can be particularly difficult for autistic kids. What may seem like a simple shift to others can feel overwhelming, disorienting, and even distressing for autistic kids.

Today I’m going to talk about why transitions are hard for autistic children and provide actionable strategies to support them. By understanding the underlying challenges and implementing thoughtful solutions, we can make transitions smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.

Takeaways

1. Autistic children thrive on routine and consistency.

2. Transitions can create anxiety due to unpredictability.

3. Sensory changes during transitions can be overwhelming.

4. Executive functioning challenges make shifting attention difficult.

5. Emotional attachments to activities can lead to distress during transitions.

6. Monotropism allows for deep learning and creativity.

7. Visual schedules can help children anticipate transitions.

8. Empathy and validation are crucial during difficult transitions.

9. Video modeling is an effective tool for teaching transitions.

10. Building predictable routines can ease transition anxiety.

Links

Video Modeling Guide: www.autismlittlelearners.com/video

Blog post about video modeling: https://autismlittlelearners.com/autism-video-modeling/

Related podcast episode #15: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-autism-little-learners-podcast/id1665404820?i=1000610719012

More information on Monotropism: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/monotropism-and-neurodiversity/id1729259545?i=1000659200713

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

In this episode of the Autism Little Learners podcast, Tara interviews Cari Ebert, a speech-language pathologist and advocate for neurodiversity-affirming approaches. They discuss the importance of recognizing autistic play as authentic play, the significance of deep interests in children's learning, and the need for meaningful connections between children and adults. Cari emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments that honor children's unique ways of learning and playing, and the necessity of presuming competence in autistic children. The conversation highlights practical strategies for educators and parents to foster engagement and connection with autistic children, ultimately celebrating their joy and individuality.

Takeaways:

1. Autistic children have different ways of learning and playing.

2. Play is a spontaneous activity and should be honored as such.

3. Deep interests can be leveraged to create meaningful connections.

4. Creating a supportive environment is crucial for learning.

5. Presuming competence in autistic children is essential.

6. Connection leads to meaningful communication.

7. Reflecting on practices helps improve outcomes for children.

8. Expanding play schemes can enhance engagement.

9. Individualized approaches are necessary for effective learning.

10. Autistic joy should be celebrated and honored.

Links:

Cari's free handout "Autistic Play Is Authentic Play": https://cariebert.com/freebie

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