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SLP Talk Show

Cari Ebert

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!

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 30 min
  • English
  • #88
    August 6 · 29 min

    Episode 88: Why Caregiver Coaching Feels So Challenging

    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 Confidence in Early Intervention course: https://cariebert.com/coaching_course

  • #86
    January 7 · 34 min

    Episode 86: How Models of Disability Shape Our Practice

    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 and advocate more confidently for your child.

  • #85
    Nov 18, 2025 · 30 min

    Episode 85: Autism and Thanksgiving: A Survival Guide

    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.

  • #83
    Oct 21, 2025 · 27 min

    Episode 83: Beyond Requesting—The Power of Robust AAC

    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.

  • #82
    Oct 14, 2025 · 34 min

    Episode 82: AAC 101—Understanding the Basics

    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 you. Show Notes: Click here to start your ableEXPERIENCE through AbleNet Sign up for Cari's newsletter here

  • #81
    Oct 7, 2025 · 26 min

    Episode 81: AAC—Building a Culture of Communication

    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: Communication Bill of Rights QuickTalker Freestyle Speech Device from AbleNet Subscribe to Cari's Newsletter

  • #80
    Sep 23, 2025 · 18 min

    Episode 80: Life is Not a Quiz

    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.

  • #79
    Sep 18, 2025 · 29 min

    Episode 79: Understanding Play Schemas

    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. Defender of Play T-Shirt

  • #78
    Sep 9, 2025 · 39 min

    Episode 78: Myths About Learning and Play

    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.

  • #77
    Sep 2, 2025 · 21 min

    Episode 77: Rethinking School Readiness

    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

  • #76
    Aug 26, 2025 · 26 min

    Episode 76: From IEP to Employment

    Join Cari and Jim for a lively discussion about the school-to-work transition. Because Autistic kids become Autistic adults.

  • #75
    Aug 5, 2025 · 32 min

    Episode 75: Back-to-School Stress

    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. Subscribe to Cari's newsletter here: ⬇️ https://cariebert.com/mailing-list

  • #74
    Jun 24, 2025 · 29 min

    Episode 74: Affirming Food Strategies for Autistic Kids

    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: https://cariebert.com/mailing-list

  • #73
    Jun 18, 2025 · 19 min

    Episode 73: It's Not Just Picky Eating

    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.

  • #72
    May 28, 2025 · 44 min

    Episode 72: Creating Mindful Screen Time Habits at Home

    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 children with disabilities. Screen Time Mindfulness Books for Kids https://amzn.to/43tpRGh The Anxious Generation book https://amzn.to/4kkTDo6

  • #70
    Apr 22, 2025 · 29 min

    Episode 70: Autism Prevalence

    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 mentioned in the episode: 1013.full.pdf The Evidence on Vaccines and Autism | Johns Hopkins | Bloomberg School of Public Health

  • #69
    Feb 25, 2025 · 33 min

    Episode 69: Heavy Work for the Win!

    Join Cari and Jim for an informative discussion about the power of heavy work for young children with developing brains and bodies! The Anxious Generation Join Cari's Email List

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes