Language of Compassion, Autonomy, Shared Power: Modeling Positive Self-Talk

Cultural Autism Studies at Yale (CASY, ethnography project led by Dr. Dawn Prince-Hughes) is delighted to welcome Lindsey Mclaren M.S. CCC-SLP on Tuesday, January 6, 3-4pm EST (12pm PST, 8pm GMT, 9pm CET). There is no cost to attend, and international participants are welcome.

TITLE: Language of Compassion, Autonomy and Shared Power: Modeling Positive Self-Talk for the Next Generation of Autistics

DESCRIPTION: The goal of this presentation is to provide information about how to choose compassionate and respectful language, promote autonomy and share power when working with autistic children, creating a safe relationship. This safe relationship can then be utilized to promote self-reflection, self-talk, and pro-social self-to-self relationship awareness. I will discuss how this informs my profession as a Speech and Language Therapist.

BRIEF BIO: I am a person in their 17th year of practice as a Speech and Language Therapist. I was identified in April of 2025 as autistic, though I had self-identified for many years prior. I am committed to continual self-development, learning how to be part of a community, and using my skills as a communication therapist to develop autonomy in my students. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, sharing the company of animals, playing the drums, writing, and painting.

ABOUT Cultural Autism Studies at Yale (CASY): An 'ethnography' is an exploration of how a group of people express themselves in a cultural way. Autistic people have a growing kind of culture, and each autistic experience is a vital part of it. Dr. Dawn Prince-Hughes is an anthropologist, ethnographer, primatologist, and author who is autistic. Join her for an exploration of the importance of autistic self-expression and the culture that grows from it. Those who wish to share their content are free to do so on our private Facebook groups, organically contributing to a growing autistic culture: CASY Cultural Autism Studies at Yale (recommended for autistic adults) and SOCIAL CONNECTIVITY FOR AUTISM (recommended for allies, professionals, and family members).

CREDITS: The preparation of this material was financed under an agreement with the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities (CTCDD). CASY Sparks membership and events are free. CASY Sparks is sponsored in part by The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Research Fund, and Dr. Roger Jou

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