In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Libby Hill, a consultant speech-language pathologist with over 40 years of experience, about the fascinating connection between pathological demand avoidance (PDA) and selective mutism. Libby shares why students with PDA aren’t just being “naughty,” how their brilliant yet challenging language profiles can fool us into expecting too much, and why creating the right environment is everything. You’ll learn practical strategies like the “projects on pause folder” and why traditional therapy goals need to flip the script to focus on what the team needs to do, not what the student needs to fix. Whether you’re hearing about PDA for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode reminds us that sometimes the best therapy plan is building rapport and following the student’s lead.Bullet Points to Discuss: How a rain-soaked TV appearance opened the door to specializing in PDAKey differences between PDA and autism with extreme demand avoidanceThe connection between pathological demand avoidance and selective mutismWhy environment and relationship-building matter more than direct goalsPractical strategies like the “projects on pause folder” and flexible choicesHow to support students without triggering demand avoidanceHere’s what we learned: PDA and selective mutism? They’re more connected than you think.Getting the environment right beats direct intervention every time.Flexibility and choice look different for every student.Try the “projects on pause folder” - it removes pressure and sparks curiosity.Build rapport without an agenda, and watch progress happen.The right diagnosis matters - wrong strategies can do more harm than good.Learn more about Libby Hill: Website: www.smalltalk-ltd.co.ukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/smalltalkspeechandlanguagetherapy Let’s Talk Small Talk Podcast: https://letstalksmalltalk.transistor.fm Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-bookSubscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
--------
26:17
--------
26:17
Secondary SLP Unite
Hallie chats about the Secondary SLP Movement!If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in baby clipart while trying to make speech therapy work for middle and high schoolers, this episode is your life raft. Hallie is here to spark The Secondary SLP Movement — empowering SLPs to take back their time, make therapy functional, and show the world that speech therapy doesn’t stop after elementary school. 🙌💬From planning in 10 minutes flat to using real-world materials that actually engage teens, Hallie spills her best tips for keeping therapy fun, relevant, and stress-free. Get ready to laugh, nod along, and feel seen — because this episode proves that therapy for older students can be just as exciting (and way less exhausting)! 💡🔥Bullet Points to DiscussReal-World Therapy MagicGame-changing method for prepping effective sessions Build a go-to therapy toolkitHow tracking small victories keeps you inspired and recharged.Here’s what we learned: Redefining what it means to be a secondary SLP in today’s schools.Using real-life, functional materials to engage older students.Cutting planning time without sacrificing impact.Reusing and recycling frameworks for stress-free therapy.Building rapport and boosting buy-in with relevance and respect.Celebrating small wins and sharing them with the SLP community.Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
--------
14:43
--------
14:43
The Secondary SLP Roadmap is HERE!
Hallie's book The Secondary SLP Roadmap is finally here! Listen as Hallie chats about her new book!In this bonus episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie celebrates the launch of her brand new book, The Secondary SLP Roadmap, a guide designed to help SLPs working with grades 4–12 feel confident, equipped, and inspired. She shares the story behind why she wrote it, what makes it different from anything else out there, and how it’s packed with practical strategies, reflection prompts, and ready-to-use resources. If you’ve ever felt lost working with older students or wished for a clear plan to make therapy more meaningful (and fun), this episode is your invitation to grab your mug and your roadmap—because change starts here.Bullet Points to Discuss: Why Hallie created The Secondary SLP Roadmap for grades 4–12 SLPs.What sets this book apart from other secondary resources.How it helps you build trust and make therapy meaningful.The exclusive bonuses waiting when you grab your copy.Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
--------
12:14
--------
12:14
Working with a Parent Advocate
Hallie chats with Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC from Destiny Huff Consulting about working with a parent advocate and the role of the SLP.In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Dr. Destiny Huff—a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD therapist, trauma specialist, and special education advocate—about how SLPs can approach the IEP process with more empathy and collaboration. Dr. Destiny shares her journey from parent to advocate, common fears families bring into meetings, and how SLPs can communicate with compassion while standing firm in their expertise. You’ll also learn practical tips for writing neuroaffirming IEP goals and supporting students without losing sight of their individuality. Whether you’re new to advocacy or want to feel more confident at the IEP table, this conversation is full of insight, encouragement, and reminders that teamwork truly makes the difference.Bullet Points to Discuss: Dr. Destiny’s journey from parent to special education advocateHow to approach IEP meetings with empathy and collaborationThe SLP’s role in advocacy and teamwork at the IEP tableWriting neuroaffirming goals that honor student individualityCommunicating confidently in tough meetingsHere’s what we learned: Advocacy starts with empathy and understanding the parent perspective.SLPs and OTs are key allies in creating meaningful, student-centered IEPs.Neuroaffirming goals focus on support, not “fixing” differences.Collaboration—not confrontation—leads to better outcomes for everyone.Every IEP meeting is a chance to advocate with compassion and confidence.Learn more about Dr. Destiny Duff: Website: https://www.destinyhuffconsulting.com/ Instagram (@theaffirmingvillagepodcast): https://www.instagram.com/theaffirmingvillagepodcast/ Instagram (@destinyhuff_iep_advocate): https://www.instagram.com/destinyhuff_iep_advocate/ Destiny Duff Consulting – Teachers Pay TeachersLearn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-bookSubscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
--------
27:42
--------
27:42
BONUS: Why Building Rapport Is Everything in Secondary Speech Therapy
Hallie chats about the importance of building rapport with older speech students.In this bonus episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie shares the moment that completely changed how she approached working with older students—when one small connection turned reluctant teens into willing participants. She dives into how that experience inspired Chapter 7 of her new book, The Secondary SLP Roadmap, and why building rapport isn’t extra—it’s everything. If you’ve ever wondered how to get buy-in from your students or make therapy a space they actually look forward to, this one’s for you.Bullet Points to Discuss: What rapport really means—and why it matters most. The story that changed how Hallie connects with students. How trust turns reluctant learners into willing participants. Simple ways to build rapport while still hitting goals. A peek into Chapter 7 of The Secondary SLP Roadmap.Here’s what we learned: Connection comes before correction—rapport is the real starting point. Trust makes students more willing to try, fail, and try again. Small moments of authenticity build big buy-in. You can build relationships and meet goals—it’s not either/or. When students feel safe, real progress follows.Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate: 📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
A speech and language podcast to motivate and inspire school-based SLPs. Get the tips, strategies, and low-prep therapy ideas you need to confidently walk into your therapy room and plan with ease. Learn and hear stories from an SLP in the trenches just like you!
Colombia