logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2025
20m 5s

Ep. 92 Eye Contact & Autism: Do's & Don'...

Speech Dude & Jessie Ginsburg
About this episode

Join us for the upcoming free live week long event full of neurodiversity affirming strategies for SLPs: https://www.sensoryslp.com/the-speech-shift

On this episode of Making the Shift, we’re tackling something BIG: eye contact.

We’ve all seen goals like:

✔️ Look for three seconds

✔️ Make eye contact 5 times in a 3-minute period

✔️ Display appropriate social skills, like eye contact, during conversation

But should we be teaching eye contact for autistic kids? Is it ever okay to write eye contact goals?

Whether you're a parent or a therapist, this show will help you better understand autistic joint attention and the harm that forcing eye contact can cause.

We're diving into:

✔️ The harm of eye contact goals

✔️ Why Autistic joint attention is different than neurotypical joint attention

✔️ Other ways to show attention

✔️ When it's okay (if ever) to address eye contact with autistic kids

✔️ And more!

Up next
Oct 9
Ep. 102 The Truth About Early Intervention & Autism
To get our "When to Refer" packet, plus tons of trainings, monthly live calls, and an incredible community, join us in the NeuroAffirm Academy: https://neuroaffirmacademy.com/ Did you know that only 15% of autistic preschoolers receive early intervention before age 2? That number ... Show More
27m 1s
Oct 3
Ep. 101 The Power of Strengths and Advocacy Ft. Autistic Adult Kyle Manske
Want a Strengths Assessment you can use with your clients - the kind of tool that helps families and teachers focus on possibilities instead of limits? Join the NeuroAffirm Academy to get the brand new Strengths Assessment we just released! https://www.neuroaffirmacademy.com/ We' ... Show More
34m 13s
Sep 26
Ep. 100 NeuroAffirming Goal Writing Masterclass + 100th Episode Celebration
Do you feel stuck with writing neurodiversity affirming goals that actually work in practice? Then tune in for this special goal writing masterclass! On this episode, we're diving into: ✔️ How to align goals with a child’s authentic communication style. ✔️ Why traditional goals o ... Show More
1h 14m
Recommended Episodes
May 2024
5 Signs Of AUTISM In Toddlers (MUST SEE)
Welcome to "Spotting Signs: Recognizing Autism in Toddlers." In this must-see episode, we uncover five crucial signs that may indicate autism spectrum disorder in toddlers, providing valuable insights for parents, caregivers, and early childhood professionals. Hosted by Dan, who ... Show More
7m 19s
May 2024
What is Autism in adults - 3 Common Sign (You NEED To Know)
Welcome to "Understanding Autism in Adults: Identifying Common Signs." In this insightful episode, we delve into the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adulthood, uncovering three common signs that are essential for listeners to recognize and understand. Hosted ... Show More
5m 8s
Apr 2025
7 Hidden Autism Traits (You NEED To Know)
Did you know that many autistic traits go completely unnoticed—especially in adults? In this episode, we explore 7 hidden signs of autism in adults that are commonly overlooked in traditional diagnoses.Many adults, particularly women, don’t receive an autism diagnosis until later ... Show More
12 m
May 2024
Why Autism Girls Do This One Odd Thing (INTERESTING)
Welcome to "Unraveling the Mysteries of Autism in Girls: Exploring Intriguing Behaviors." In this captivating episode, we delve into the fascinating world of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in girls, uncovering one particularly intriguing behavior that may puzzle many. Hosted by D ... Show More
6m 15s
Jun 2025
The "deep whys" behind autistic behaviors | with Barry Prizant
I talk to Barry Prizant, author of the popular book "Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism," about the often misunderstood world of autism. We explore the idea that many so-called “autistic behaviors” are actually meaningful responses to stress, overwhelm, or attempts ... Show More
1h 10m
Oct 2021
Autism Sensory Issues - [Why YOU Have Them]
Autism Sensory Issues - [Why YOU Have Them] This is exactly why you have and experience autism sensory issues. 🎉 To celebrate Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Month, Soundsory is giving a discount of 20% off on their website. Click on the link and use code THEASPIE10 to get an ... Show More
6m 15s
Apr 2023
Fresh Take: Dr. Lynn Koegel on the Hidden Brilliance of Autism
What if we're looking at autism in the wrong way? Dr. Lynn Koegel, co-author of Hidden Brilliance: Unlocking the Intelligence of Autism, explains how to engage with the strengths in kids with autism rather than focusing on what they're lacking.Dr. Lynn Koegel is a clinical profes ... Show More
39m 21s
May 2024
The AUTISM Meaning And What It Means For YOU!
Welcome to "Understanding Autism: Exploring its Meaning and Impact." In this enlightening episode, we unravel the complexities of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its significance for individuals, families, and society at large. Hosted by Dan, who shares his personal insights a ... Show More
5m 12s
Jun 2024
This Is Why Girls With Autism Are ALWAYS Forgotten
Welcome to "Unveiling the Overlooked: Understanding the Plight of Girls with Autism." In this thought-provoking episode, we shed light on the often-overlooked experiences of girls on the autism spectrum, unraveling the complex factors that contribute to their invisibility in main ... Show More
7m 54s
May 2024
AUTISM Definition (3 Ways YOU Can Understand)
Welcome to "Understanding Autism: Exploring Definitions and Perspectives." In this enlightening episode, we delve into the multifaceted nature of autism spectrum disorder, offering three distinct ways to comprehend and appreciate this neurodevelopmental condition. Hosted by Dan, ... Show More
7m 23s