Best Cari Ebert Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 85: Autism and Thanksgiving: A Survival Guide 30:53

Play Pause

1M ago30:53

30:53

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.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 84: AAC in Action—Building a Communication Team Around Every Child 27:21

2M ago27:21

27:21

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.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 83: Beyond Requesting—The Power of Robust AAC 27:57

2M ago27:57

27:57

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.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 82: AAC 101—Understanding the Basics 34:10

2M ago34:10

34:10

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 …

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Episode 81: AAC—Building a Culture of Communication 26:32

3M ago26:32

26:32

By Cari Ebert

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Episode 80: Life is Not a Quiz 18:43

3M ago18:43

18:43

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 Lan…

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Episode 79: Understanding Play Schemas 29:30

3M ago29:30

29:30

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-ShirtBy Cari Ebert

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Episode 78: Myths About Learning and Play 39:43

4M ago39:43

39:43

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.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 77: Rethinking School Readiness 21:27

4M ago21:27

21:27

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…

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Episode 76: From IEP to Employment 26:04

4M ago26:04

26:04

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

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Episode 75: Back-to-School Stress 32:26

5M ago32:26

32:26

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 h…

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Episode 74: Affirming Food Strategies for Autistic Kids 29:13

6M ago29:13

29:13

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 h…

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Episode 73: It's Not Just Picky Eating 19:39

6M ago19:39

19:39

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.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 72: Creating Mindful Screen Time Habits at Home 44:40

7M ago44:40

44:40

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 t…

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Episode 71: Girls Can Be Autistic Too 30:17

8M ago30:17

30:17

Cari and Jim discuss the bias in autism research and how this affects girls getting an autism diagnosis.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 70: Autism Prevalence 29:12

8M ago29:12

29:12

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…

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Episode 69: Heavy Work for the Win! 33:17

10M ago33:17

33:17

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 ListBy Cari Ebert

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Episode 68: Supporting Oral Sensory Seekers 30:45

10M ago30:45

30:45

Cari and Jim discuss strategies for supporting older kids who are constantly putting their hands, toys, and other objects in their mouth or chewing on their hair or shirt. You'll walk away with actionable strategies and activities to begin using immediately! Shop Cari's Amazon Store - Sensory Tools and Toys Join Cari's Email List…

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Episode 67: Board Games and Executive Function Skills 22:50

11M ago22:50

22:50

In the first episode of 2025 Cari and Jim discuss the benefits of playing board and card games with kids of all ages. The primary emphasis of this conversation is about the link between playing board games and building executive function skills. Play-based learning for the win! Defender of Play T-Shirt - Cari Ebert Building Brains T-Shirt - Cari Eb…

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Episode 66: Takeaways from ASHA 2024 33:30

1y ago33:30

33:30

This is episode 66 (Cari incorrectly refers to it as episode 65...please forgive her error!). In this episode Cari discusses key takeaways from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) national convention that took place in Seattle, WA. Even if you're not a speech-language pathologist, you will enjoy hearing about Cari's learning and…

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Episode 65: Being an Ally to the Autistic Community 25:05

1y ago25:05

25:05

Join Cari and Jim as they discuss what it means to be an ally to the Autistic community and how trauma informed services fit into neurodiversity-affirming practices.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 64: Autism and Authentic Connections 17:37

1y ago17:37

17:37

Cari and Jim discuss how to build authentic connections with Autistic children. This is a short but powerful episode that will give you a lot to think about.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 63: The Roller Coaster Ride of Parenting an Autistic Child 26:41

1y ago26:41

26:41

Cari and Jim talk about the emotional roller coaster ride of parenting an Autistic child. In the introduction, Cari misspeaks and calls this episode 62...sorry for the error!By Cari Ebert

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Episode 62: Strategies for Supporting Autistic Toddlers Part 5 45:39

1y ago45:39

45:39

Join Cari and Jim as they discuss Chapter 5 of Cari's book, "The Learning to Learn Program." This episode is all about supporting early language development in Autistic children. AAC and gestalt language processing are a couple of the topics discussed. This is a longer episode, so buckle up for some helpful tips! THE LEARNING TO LEARN PROGRAM - Car…

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Episode 61: Strategies for Supporting Autistic Toddlers Part 4 34:05

1y ago34:05

34:05

Join Cari and Jim for a lively discussion about supporting Autistic children through play. Cari provides specific strategies from Chapter 5 of her book "The Learning to Learn Program" and reminds listeners that there is no right or wrong way to play! Links to the books discussed in episode 61: The Learning to Learn Program A Moving Child is a Learn…

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Episode 60: Strategies for Supporting Autistic Toddlers Part 3 37:19

1+ y ago37:19

37:19

In this episode, Cari and Jim discuss Chapter 3 of The Learning to Learn Program. After reminiscing about their son's sensory differences, Cari provides strategies for supporting the sensory needs of young Autistic children. The Learning to Learn ProgramBy Cari Ebert

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Episode 59: Strategies for Supporting Autistic Toddlers Part 2 29:07

1+ y ago29:07

29:07

In this episode, Cari discusses Chapter two of her book The Learning to Learn Program. Cari and Jim outline specific strategies for supporting joint attention in Autistic toddlers and preschoolers. Hint: It has nothing to do with eye contact! See below for link to Cari's book. Learning to Learn Program…

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Episode 58: Strategies for Supporting Autistic Toddlers Part 1 46:05

1+ y ago46:05

46:05

In this episode, Cari discusses Chapter one of her book The Learning to Learn Program. Jim provides sports-related analogies while Cari outlines specific strategies for supporting non-verbal imitation skills in Autistic toddlers and preschoolers. See below for link to Cari's book. Learning to Learn Program…

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Episode 57: Talking to Caregivers About Autism 26:31

1+ y ago26:31

26:31

Cari and Jim have an important discussion about how to bring up autism to parents and caregivers without creating a sense of panic and fear.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 56: Autism: A Different Developmental Path 22:00

1+ y ago22:00

22:00

Cari and Jim discuss the different path that Autistic children take in their development. They share reflections of their Autistic son's developmental differences and convey the message that forward is forward...no matter the speed and no matter the path.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 55: Honoring All Emotions 24:14

1+ y ago24:14

24:14

Join Cari and Jim for a discussion of the "Inside Out 2" movie.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 54: Have adults forgotten how to play? 38:59

1+ y ago38:59

38:59

Cari and Jim chat in front of a live audience at the Michigan Division of Early Childhood Conference in Mount Pleasant, Michigan! In this episode we talk about the traits of playful adults and how important they are when supporting the development of young children.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 53: Autism Awareness vs. Autism Acceptance 37:45

1+ y ago37:45

37:45

Cari and Jim have a passionate discussion about the difference between autism awareness and autism acceptance. Because our words matter!By Cari Ebert

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Episode 52: Let's Talk About PECS and AAC 44:35

2y ago44:35

44:35

Cari and Jim discuss the reasons why Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is an outdated AAC option.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 51: Autism and Homeschooling 45:29

2y ago45:29

45:29

Cari and Jim talk about their journey homeschooling their Autistic child. They discuss the benefits and potential barriers of homeschooling a child with a disability.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 50: Let's Talk About Play-Based Therapy 40:58

2y ago40:58

40:58

Cari and Jim have an animated discussion about the history of play-based therapy, the importance of play-based therapy, and how child-led play differs from adult-directed play.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 49: We’ve Come So Far 23:57

2y ago23:57

23:57

Final episode of 2023!By Cari Ebert

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Episode 48: Making the Holidays Merry 40:11

2y ago40:11

40:11

Cari and Jim discuss strategies for making the holidays merry for children who struggle with changes in routines.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 47: Transition Strategies 37:38

2y ago37:38

37:38

Cari and Jim discuss why transitions can be so tough and provide 13 strategies for making transitions easier. Link to visual timer discussed in this episode: Time TimerBy Cari Ebert

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Episode 46: Neurodiversity Affirming Birthday Parties 36:38

2y ago36:38

36:38

Cari and Jim discuss thoughtful strategies for throwing a neuro-affirming birthday party for your autistic child.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 45: Parent Coaching in the Clinic Setting 40:07

2y ago40:07

40:07

While parent coaching is an integral part of early intervention home visits, it's not typically a big part of therapy visits that are done in the clinic setting. Cari and Jim discuss 10 strategies for bringing parent coaching into your clinic-based therapy sessions with toddlers and preschoolers.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 44: Neurodiversity Affirming Halloween Tips 27:06

2y ago27:06

27:06

Cari and Jim discuss how to create a neurodiversity-affirming Halloween experience for ALL kids. Free Halloween AACBy Cari Ebert

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Episode 43: What Does ’Neurodiversity-Affirming’ Mean? 32:45

2+ y ago32:45

32:45

Cari and Jim discuss the term neurodiversity affirming. Neurodiversity affirming services. Neurodiversity affirming therapy. Neurodiversity affirming provider. Neurodiversity affirming parent.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 42: What’s wrong with using food reinforcers? 20:27

2+ y ago20:27

20:27

Cari and Jim talk about the issues with using food (and other) reinforcers when supporting autistic children.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 41: Speech Therapy Tips for Toddlers 17:16

2+ y ago17:16

17:16

Join Cari and Jim as they discuss 8 speech therapy tips for use with minimally verbal toddlers.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 40: Apraxia: An explanation for parents and caregivers 22:50

2+ y ago22:50

22:50

Cari and Jim outline what parents and caregivers need to know about childhood apraxia of speech.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 39: Executive Function Skills (Part 2) 32:54

2+ y ago32:54

32:54

Cari and Jim continue the conversation about building executive function skills through play-based learning. Please be sure to listen to episode 38 before diving into this one.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 38: Executive Function Skills 31:12

3y ago31:12

31:12

Cari and Jim talk about school readiness and the importance of building executive function skills in early childhood.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 37: I just found out my child is autistic...now what? 30:40

3y ago30:40

30:40

Cari and Jim discuss what parents go through immediately following an autism diagnosis for their child. Choosing the best therapy journey for their child is a daunting task. This episode provides thoughtful guidance to help parents navigate the process.By Cari Ebert

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Episode 36: Bagless Visits in Early Intervention 25:53

3y ago25:53

25:53

What Part C of IDEA says about the natural environment and how this applies to the "magic toy bag" so often used in early intervention visits.By Cari Ebert