Expert Tips for Educators & Therapists

Neuroaffirming Learning: Supporting Families & Children with PDA and Beyond

In this episode of Bright Conversations, we explore the real-world experiences of speech-language pathologists and the support professionals who make a difference every day. Our guest shares valuable insights on leadership, advocacy, and creating inclusive spaces in educational and clinical settings. From navigating professional identity to building community and pushing for equity, this episode offers both inspiration and practical tools for anyone working in special education, speech-language pathology, or related fields. Whether you're a seasoned SLP or just starting your career, you'll walk away with a renewed sense of purpose, actionable strategies, and a deeper understanding of the systemic changes needed to support all professionals and students.

Understanding PDA: What Speech-Language Pathologists Need to Know

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), also called Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, is a profile often linked to autism that involves an intense need for control and autonomy. Individuals with PDA may resist everyday demands, show extreme mood swings, and appear social—but only on their terms. For SLPs, understanding PDA is critical to providing compassionate, tailored support that fosters trust and engagement. By shifting perspective, recognizing stress responses, and adapting strategies, SLPs can better meet the needs of students who are often misunderstood or misidentified.

Culturally Responsive Practice Matters—For Our Clients, Our Communities, and Ourselves

ASHA requires SLPs to complete 30 hours of professional development every three years—at least 2 of which must focus on cultural competence, humility, or DEI. This isn’t just a requirement; it’s about delivering inclusive, responsive care to diverse clients and communities. Bright Ideas Media makes it easy to meet this standard with courses led by experts from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and lived experiences. Our offerings span topics like equitable assessment of bilingual clients, LGBTQIA+ inclusive practices, communication equity in the Deaf community, and neurodiversity-informed interventions. By learning from diverse voices, you’ll not only fulfill certification requirements but also strengthen your practice and impact.

Teaching Body Safety & Autonomy: Adaptations for Neurodivergent Learners

A free, printable guide with practical, evidence-informed strategies to help families, educators, and therapists teach body safety and autonomy to students with language delays and neurodiverse profiles. Learn how to adapt lessons with visual supports, sensory considerations, and collaborative approaches to make this critical education accessible, affirming, and empowering.

Culturally Responsive Assessment of South Asian Languages

SLPs Prabhu Ashwaran and Puja Goel join us to discuss culturally responsive assessment strategies for students who speak South Asian languages. Learn how to honor linguistic diversity and improve outcomes through more inclusive, informed practices. Topics discussed include recommendations for modifying standardized tests and using dynamic assessment, caregiver interviews, and barriers in school-based practice.

Seen & Supported Courses

September is here—and with it comes a fresh opportunity to reimagine how we show up for our students. At Bright Ideas Media, we’re dedicating this month to our Seen & Supported campaign, focused on making sure every learner feels recognized, valued, and empowered. When students feel truly seen and supported, their engagement and outcomes improve—and so does our sense of purpose as educators, SLPs, OTs, and special education professionals. This month, we’ve curated courses to help you put this philosophy into action, from designing neuroaffirming IEPs to creating grammar lessons that stick.

Top 5 Inclusive Communication Strategies for Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

A free, printable guide with five practical strategies to help SLPs, educators, and school teams create accessible, inclusive, and affirming learning environments for Deaf and hard of hearing students. Learn how to honor communication preferences, improve visual access, facilitate equitable participation, and collaborate effectively—while celebrating Deaf culture and identity.