

Sue Larkey Podcast - Autism (ASD), ADHD, ODD and PDA education
Sue Larkey
Sue Larkey enlightens, and entertains with valuable insights into Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, ODD and PDA. Covering strategies from the Early Years to Teens Years and Beyond.
Visit https://suelarkey.com.au/podcast-listing/ to get access to the books, downloads and extra information provided with each episode
To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD please visit my websites below.
https://suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue as she shares simple yet effective tips, supports and strategies on a range of topics including social skills, communication and positive behaviour support.
Sue Larkey is uniquely positioned within the education system having taught both as a primary school teacher and a special education teacher. She combines this practical experience with extensive research, having completed a Masters in Special Education and currently undertaking a Doctorate of Education, focusing on inclusive education.
Sue is unashamedly passionate about her mission – to inspire parents and educators and teach them how to Make it a Success.
Visit https://suelarkey.com.au/podcast-listing/ to get access to the books, downloads and extra information provided with each episode
To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD please visit my websites below.
https://suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue as she shares simple yet effective tips, supports and strategies on a range of topics including social skills, communication and positive behaviour support.
Sue Larkey is uniquely positioned within the education system having taught both as a primary school teacher and a special education teacher. She combines this practical experience with extensive research, having completed a Masters in Special Education and currently undertaking a Doctorate of Education, focusing on inclusive education.
Sue is unashamedly passionate about her mission – to inspire parents and educators and teach them how to Make it a Success.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 19, 2026 • 32min
SLP 329: Practical Tools for Childhood Emotional Regulation
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Emotional Literacy: Children learn language to understand feelings. ✅ Magical Metaphor: Book uses magic powers for engagement. ✅ Feelings Town: Story setting with different emotional stops. ✅ Stop Sign Strategy: Key tool for emotional regulation. ✅ Choice and Control: Children personalize their regulation approaches. ✅ Whole-Class Participation: Everyone creates stop signs together. ✅ Adult Modeling: Adults show their own emotional regulation. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/teaching-children-self-regulation Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au

Jan 12, 2026 • 42min
SLP 328: Understanding PDA: Why Common Strategies Don't Work for Every Child
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ PDA Profile: Pathological demand avoidance requires different strategies than autism. ✅ Consistency Over Routines: Adults must remain calm and consistent, not rigid. ✅ Tomorrow Box: Allow children to defer tasks without refusing them. ✅ Trust Building: Forcing compliance damages relationships with demand-avoidant children. ✅ Anxiety Reduction: Lower anxiety reveals humor, creativity, and resilience. ✅ Adult Adaptation: Professionals adapt their approach, not forcing child compliance. ✅ Interest-Led Connection: Meet children through gaming, drawing, cooking interests. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/pathological-demand-avoidance-strategies Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au

Jan 5, 2026 • 36min
SLP 327: Seven Hidden Triggers Behind Challenging Behavior in Children with Autism
Jed Baker, a clinical psychologist and director of the Social Skills Training Project, joins to discuss seven hidden triggers of challenging behavior in children with autism. He emphasizes the importance of identifying internal and sensory triggers, as well as factors like self-esteem and unmet attention needs. Traditional discipline methods backfire, and the 'Hulk' metaphor illustrates why. Jed suggests proactive strategies to prevent meltdowns and advocates for using self-modeling and mindfulness techniques to manage anxiety effectively.

Dec 15, 2025 • 36min
SLP 326: Guest Author Kate Swenson shares Choosing Joy Over Fear: One Family's Journey with Nonverbal Autism
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Forever Boy: celebrates positive aspects of nonverbal autism diagnosis. ✅ Cooper's Journey: severe autism, happy, social, communicative, thriving life. ✅ Strategy Selection: one strategy works for one in ten. ✅ Breaking Down: big goals require tiny steps over years. ✅ Behavior Tracking: data reveals what child actually communicates. ✅ Consistency: all caregivers must reinforce same communication methods. ✅ Joy and Purpose: The More Than Project supports special-needs moms. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/nonverbal-autism-communication-strategies Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au

Dec 8, 2025 • 38min
SLP 325: How to Navigate Difficult Conversations About Your Child's Diagnosis with Family and Friends - With Parent Anna Tullemans
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Relationship Closeness: How close you are determines how much detail needed. ✅ Child-Specific Information: Only share what's relevant to your specific child's diagnosis. ✅ Ongoing Conversation: Disclosure isn't one-time; understanding evolves with child's growth. ✅ Start Positive: Lead with strengths before discussing challenges or differences. ✅ Assess Understanding: Know what people already understand before explaining diagnosis. ✅ Boundary Setting: Teach child strategies to meet family members halfway. ✅ Balance Always: Always pair negative traits with positive qualities shown. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/sharing-autism-diagnosis-family Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au

Dec 1, 2025 • 46min
SLP 324: Understanding Interoception: Why Neurodiverse Children Need a Different Approach
Discover the importance of toilet timing over traditional training for neurodiverse children. Dive into interoception issues that delay bladder awareness and learn practical tips to establish effective routines. Explore the significance of sensory awareness around bathroom fears and the advantages of using visuals to enhance motivation. Find out how to create comfort throughout the process and the best ways to gradually fade rewards. Plus, get insights on managing nighttime routines and addressing sensory sensitivities effectively.

Nov 24, 2025 • 42min
SLP 323: Understanding and Teaching AuDHD, PDA, ODD and RSD - Insights from Expert Laura Kerbey
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ PDA Profile: Children with PDA are creative and amazing with support. ✅ Rejection Sensitivity: RSD affects ninety-eight percent of people with ADHD. ✅ PDA vs ODD: PDA is anxiety-based; ODD is oppositional defiant. ✅ Autonomy Needed: PDA students need structure but also personal autonomy. ✅ Coexisting Diagnoses: ADHD and autism can now be diagnosed together. ✅ Daily Variation: Neurodivergent students present differently based on daily needs. ✅ Genuine Interest: Show authentic interest in special interests without agendas. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/neurodiverse-student-support-techniques Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au

Nov 16, 2025 • 27min
SLP 322: Give the Gift of Understanding: Holiday Activities That Build Understanding of Neurodiversity
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Diversity Celebration: highlight cultural traditions through activities and foods. ✅ Fish Display: create classroom poster celebrating differences through symbols. ✅ Calendar Activities: mark important dates from different cultures worldwide. ✅ Autism Awareness: frame neurodiversity as acceptable and value difference. ✅ Cooking Integration: use recipes to teach skills and celebrate culture. ✅ Visual Timers: essential tools for managing transitions and anxiety. ✅ Inclusive Events: provide accommodations for overwhelmed students during gatherings. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/autism-classroom-inclusion-strategies Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au

Nov 10, 2025 • 28min
SLP 321: Using the Red Beast Books to Regulate Emotions
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Emotional Literacy: Teaching recognition of emotions, not demanding calmness. ✅ The Red Beast: Picture book metaphor for anger management. ✅ Interoception: Identifying where emotions feel in the body. ✅ Brain Function: Amygdala triggers freeze, flee, fight, fluster responses. ✅ Special Interests: Using children's obsessions for emotional learning. ✅ Facial Recognition: Photos help children recognize emotions in others. ✅ Calming Strategies: Creating individualized plans for emotional regulation. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/emotional-regulation-neurodiverse-students Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au

Nov 3, 2025 • 22min
SLP 320: Essential Cheat Sheets for Supporting Students moving between Year Levels
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Transition Cheat Sheets: One concise document shared by all adults. ✅ Five Key Areas: Academic, behavior, communication, social, and general information. ✅ Self-Advocacy Tool: Students introduce themselves through "10 Things About Me." ✅ Individual Strategies: Every child with autism is uniquely different. ✅ Communication Needs: Document how child asks for help and expresses needs. ✅ Calming Strategies: Identify what works before frustration escalates into meltdowns. ✅ Early Preparation: Share information from day one to prevent issues. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/student-transition-cheat-sheets Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au


