In this episode of Tiny Talks on Early Learning, we explore the importance of collaboration between educators and families to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Dr. Tricia Shelton, an early childhood education expert, published author, and autism consultant, shares insights from both her professional experience and personal journey as a parent of a child with autism. Listeners will gain practical strategies for building strong family-educator partnerships, overcoming common challenges, and creating inclusive learning environments that help children with ASD thrive.

Key Topics Covered:

  • The Power of Collaboration – Strong family-educator partnerships are key to supporting children with ASD.

  • Effective Communication is Key – Open, honest, and regular communication helps align goals and strategies.

  • Utilize Available Resources – Families and educators should seek out support groups, autism consultants, and professional development opportunities.

  • Personalize Approaches – Every child with ASD is unique, and individualized strategies are essential for success.

  • Continuous Learning – Ongoing education is crucial for staying informed about best practices in autism education.Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or advocate, this episode offers valuable insights to help you build better programs and create lasting impact in 2025. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion and practical takeaways to start the new year with confidence.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Professional Organizations & Websites

  1. Autism Speaks (www.autismspeaks.org) – Offers toolkits, educational strategies, and information about autism research and advocacy.

  2. Autism Society (www.autism-society.org) – Provides resources for educators, families, and communities, including best practices for inclusion.

  3. Organization for Autism Research (OAR) (www.researchautism.org) – Features educator guides, professional development webinars, and practical tools for classroom use.

Books for Educators

  1. Practical Strategies for Supporting Young Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Gryphon House)

  2. No More Meltdowns by Jed Baker - behavioral support

  3. Thriving with Autism: 90 Activities to Encourage Your Child’s Communication, Engagement, and Play - Strategy ideas for toddlers and Pre-K

  4. Don't We Already Do Inclusion?: 100 Ideas for Improving Inclusive Schools by Paula Kluth

Online Courses & Webinars

  1. The IRIS Center (Vanderbilt University) (https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu) – Free online modules on ASD, inclusive practices, and behavioral interventions.

  2. Autism Internet Modules (AIM) (https://www.autisminternetmodules.org) – Interactive learning modules covering a wide range of ASD topics.

  3. EdWeb (https://home.edweb.net/)– Offers professional development resources and ASD-focused webinars.

Practical Classroom Tools

  1. Social Stories & Visual Supports – https://www.carolgraysocialstories.com (Great for teaching social skills and routines).

  2. Zones of Regulation (https://www.zonesofregulation.com) – Helps children with ASD understand and manage emotions. 

  3.  Reading Rockets (https://www.readingrockets.org/books-and-authors/booklists/kids-who-think-and-learn-differently/picture-books-featuring-characters) – List of Children’s about about children with ASD

Connect with Us:
Have thoughts or questions about the episode? Reach out to us at jessica@tinytalksearlylearning.com or join the conversation on FaceBook.

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