Many SLPs were taught the medical model of working with autistic children where we found the deficit and worked to fill it. However, we know now that autistic children develop differently, and we need to focus on helping them become the most successful version of themselves, not more like their neurotypical peers. There’s a lot of unlearning to do here, so in this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, I sat down with Cari Ebert to talk about becoming a relationship-based therapist, the best methods for working with autistic children, and more. Cari Ebert, MS, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist in private practice in the Kansas City, Missouri area. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1993 and her master’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1995. Cari is a therapist, consultant, author, and nationally recognized speaker who gets paid to do what she loves most…TALK! She has dedicated her career to helping young children achieve their maximum potential with speech, language, and social-emotional development. Cari has an autistic son, allowing her to engage audiences both as a professional and as a parent of a neurodivergent child.With our autistic students, we need to look at what they love most and use it to support and facilitate their development. Tune in to learn more from Cari about neurodiversity-affirming therapy and autistic play. Full show notes available at www.speechtimefun.com/144Resources Mentioned: Visit Cari’s website: https://www.cariebertseminars.com/Follow Cari on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cari.ebert.seminars/Follow Cari on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cariebertseminars/Interests and Preferences Inventory: https://www.cariebertseminars.com/store/p96/Interests_and_Preferences_Inventory.htmlListen to the SLP Talk Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/slp-talk-show/id1616911064Where We Can Connect: Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/slp-coffee-talk/id1497341007Follow Hallie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechtimefunFollow Hallie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpeechTimeFun/Follow Hallie on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/missspeechie/Take advantage of this podcast exclusive deal for SLP Elevate - speechtimefun.com/podcastelevate