The Speech Teacher, Jenny Johns, ccc/slp

10/09/2023

Follow me to Speech From The Heart!

05/18/2023

I think I need this on a t-shirt!

Many, many autistic people will say what they mean.

Many, many non-autistic people will read our words and respond to our ‘tone’ or perceived judgement/intent. Classic double empathy problem at work.

Let me save you the trouble.

I will always say what I mean.

If you read my words and then respond to something that I did not write (such as an assumption, judgement, tone, insult)- I can promise you that it was not there.

The general vibe of my page is (I like to think) positive, educational, enlightening, and neurodiversity-affirming.

If you ask for information, I’m happy to give it.
If you want my opinion, I’m usually happy to share it.
If you come here using language that is not Neurodiversity affirming, I will probably correct you (in the nicest possible way), and then assure you that everyone is learning, everyone is doing their best, and thank you for listening to the autistic community.

If I disagree with you, I will do so respectfully, without judgement. I literally do not know how to be aggressive with someone. You are welcome to your opinion. I am welcome to mine. We don’t need to agree. I’m not going to fight about it. I get zero joy from arguing with people. It actually stresses me out hugely.

Everyone is welcome to go ahead and read literally all my words in a neutral or positive tone.

If you ever read a comment from me that you find offensive or judgemental or negative, please reread it a few times over and try to take all tone away. My words were probably not offensive. Whatever tone overlay you were using was likely the issue. If you read my comment aloud in a genuinely kind or helpful voice, is it still offensive? I’m guessing not. (Fun experiment: read that last paragraph aloud in a really scathing, annoyed voice. Then reread it in the kindest, most earnest voice you can. The message changes quite a lot with tone.)

Many autistic people don’t hear tone, in themselves or others.

Best thing to do is listen to our words.

Oh, and if you do still consider me to be offensive or judgemental, or just annoying, that’s fine. I’m not for everyone. You’re welcome to go (said in a genuine, kind tone ✌️)

Em 🌈🌻🫶
AuDHD SLP

05/26/2019

I've had to take a break to give special attention to my family for the last little while, but I am back in the game now! I am so happy to have The Crisman School in my life!

07/03/2016

Therapy tools are so expensive! So often, there are inexpensive ways of making them yourself, if you're just able to be creative and willing to take the time. Here's one:

06/09/2016

Coming up soon (maybe)...the story of why the posts on this page are so sparse! Isn't the suspense unbearable?!?!

02/19/2016

I can see your brain work, the same way you see the wind blow. ;)

06/02/2015

This is not just for kids with autism! Thank you, Ruth Anne Cox!

This inventive color picture book uses the metaphor of a train to teach basic conventions of conversation to children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Locomotives are like greetings; they get the train going. Train cars are like different speakers' turns; it is good to have at least a few w...

02/03/2015

The other will be great for artic! http://www.enchantedlearning.com/phonetic/shr.shtml
This is not a modern page, by any means. (I wish they had an app!) But, I love the concept! Each initial sound--consonant singletons and blends, vowels, and diphthongs--has at least four pictures (some of them have 20). Many of the pictures have links to activities related to the target word: dot-to-dot, activity sheets, info pages, etc.

Little Explorers Phonetic Picture Dictionary: Words starting with shr.

02/03/2015

I found two GREAT pages!! One will be great for vocabulary: http://www.visualdictionaryonline.com/about-visual_overview.php

The Visual Dictionary is designed to help you find the right word at a glance. Filled with stunning illustrations labeled with accurate terminology in up to six languages, it is the ideal language-learning and vocabulary dictionary for use at school, at home or at work.