Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat26 Maalis

Rethinking Speech Goals: Communication That Truly Supports Autistic Kids (Neurodivergent Pulse Podcast cross-release with Laetitia Andrac)

This episode is a cross-release from the Neurodivergent Pulse Podcast, hosted by Laetitia Andrac from Understanding Zoe. In this chat I shared big shifts to how we think about what 'communication support' should really look like for Autistic kids.

"We need to ensure that if somebody has a different way of communicating, we are supporting them to find their best way to communicate in that moment for that person, not for what the world around them is asking." - Adina Levy

We cover:

Why the word "speech" in speech therapy is part of the problem, and what communication support should actually prioritise
How to question goals and expectations for autistic children, including the difference between safety-based compliance and neurotypical conformity
Reframing "use your words" and table-sitting compliance goals into child-led, interest-based approaches
A beautiful moment where a five-year-old made her own AAC board because she just didn't feel like talking
A call to action for professional bodies and policymakers to actually live the inclusive values they claim to uphold

Connect with Laetitia, Understanding Zoe and the Neurodivergent Pulse Podcast:

Neurodivergent Pulse Podcast (hosted by Laetitia Andrac) - listen and subscribe - https://understandingzoe.com/podcast/
Understanding Zoe - Laetitia's incredible platform for parents of neurodivergent kids - https://understandingzoe.com/
Laetitia on Instagram - @understanding.zoe - https://www.instagram.com/understanding.zoe

Connect with Adina, Play. Learn. Chat:

Neurodiversity Affirming Practice Learning Hub Membership for professionals who support neurodivergent children - https://playlearnchat.com/learning-hub/
2026 Neurodiversity (Un)Conference - August 2026 - https://playlearnchat.com/neurodiversity-affirming-unconference/
Play. Learn. Chat. freebies (free webinars, resources, and parent checklist) - https://playlearnchat.com/freebies/
Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast - https://playlearnchat.com/exploring-neurodiversity-podcast/
Connect with me on Instagram - @play.learn.chat - https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat/
Differently Aligned Business Coaching - https://differentlyaligned.com/
Differently Aligned Podcast - https://pod.link/1729123916

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