Beyond the Echo: Honoring Autistic Communication with Farwa Husain - First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights

Practical strategies for supporting autistic communicators.

Guest: Farwa Husain, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD

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In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Farwa Husain, MA, CCC-SLP, bilingual speech-language pathologist, for a thoughtful conversation about supporting autistic individuals through relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming care. Together, they discuss how echolalia can be understood as meaningful communication rather than a behavior to eliminate. Farwa shares practical strategies for supporting autistic communicators who use echolalia, emphasizing how caregiver coaching and everyday interactions can create rich opportunities for connection, language, and participation.

About the Guest: Farwa Husain, bilingual SLP, is the Founder of First Phrases and Owner of One-on-One Speech Therapy. She specializes in relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming care, with a clinical and educational focus on supporting echolalia. Farwa is an international presenter who provides professional development training for schools and organizations worldwide.

Show Notes:

Contact Farwa:

IG: @firstphrasesofficialLinkedInwww.firstphrases.com

Related Course: Autism Conference: Embracing Joy Through Practical Intervention

Family Guided Routines Based Interventions

Morris County Speech and Hearing Association