14: Rethinking speech goals: Communication that truly supports autistic kids with Adina Levy

How can we support neurodivergent kids to communicate in their own way?

In this vibrant, practical and inspiring episode, Laetitia is joined by Adina Levy, a proud AuDHDer, speech therapist, educator, podcaster, and business coach for neurodivergent folks.

Adina is the founder of both Play. Learn. Chat. and Differently Aligned Business Coaching, and she's on a mission to reframe communication goals in therapy, and in life. Together, they explore why traditional “speech” goals often do more harm than good, what it means to truly honour autonomy in communication, and how therapists and parents can reframe expectations to support neurodivergent ways of being.

They dive into goal-setting that centres safety, autonomy and respect—not compliance. And if you’ve ever wondered how affirming support actually looks in real life? You’ll love Adina’s story about her daughter’s self-made AAC tool at school.

✨ Try Understanding Zoe free for 30 days – the neuroaffirming app turning every report, observation and meltdown into an actionable next step.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇

🧠 Why “speech” is a limiting term, and how to shift our focus to communication

🧠 The harm of compliance-based goals (and how to do better)

🧠 How therapists and parents can reframe expectations in real-time

🧠 Why self-advocacy begins with being heard in your own way

🧠 What systemic change we need in professional bodies and policy

🧠 A powerful example of child-led communication support in action

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🔗 Try Understanding Zoe for free today

ABOUT THE GUEST 👇

Adina Levy (she/her) is a proud AuDHDer (Autistic ADHDer), Speech Therapist, Professional Educator, Podcaster, Speaker, and Business Coach for Neurodivergent folks. She runs Play. Learn. Chat. and Differently Aligned Business Coaching. Adina is on a mission to shift the perception of the global community, to understand neurodivergence as difference (which is fine!). She believes (and lives) that it's possible to be Neurodivergent and thrive. To live outside of burnout and stress. This takes greater acceptance of neurodivergence from others, shifting environments to be most supportive, and a dash of self-acceptance.

🎧 Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast: https://playlearnchat.com/exploring-neurodiversity-podcast

🎧 Differently Aligned Podcast: https://differentlyaligned.com/podcast/

💻 Website: https://playlearnchat.com/ https://differentlyaligned.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat/ https://www.instagram.com/differently.aligned

📝 Get Adina’s free guide: How Neurodiversity Affirming is Your Child’s Team? → playlearnchat.com/freebies

ABOUT THE HOST 👇

Laetitia Andrac (Autistic & ADHDer) is an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, and podcast host.

She is the bestselling author of Light It: How to Trust Your Intuition and Build a Thriving Business. With over 15 years of experience in consulting, strategy, and innovation, Laetitia has worked with industry leaders like Deloitte and Telstra.

Inspired by my journey as a neurodivergent parent, she co-founded Understanding Zoe, an AI-driven solution dedicated to supporting caregivers of neurodivergent children.

Her passion is creating a more neuroinclusive world, where everyone can thrive—whether in their homes, communities, or workplaces.