Autism Live 3.25.26: Ebony Turner-Bailey, M.S. CCC-SLP

·1 hr 9 min·5 clips

Ebony Turner-Bailey outlines the exact ages when children should babble, use single words, and form phrases—and what to do if they don't.

The episode begins with host Shannon Penrod introducing herself as a parent of a neurodivergent individual and emphasizing the show's mission to support the broader autism community. She outlines the show's interactive format, inviting live questions from viewers on platforms like Facebook and YouTube. Penrod previews the month's focus on education and IEP struggles, noting budget cuts impacting services. She introduces the jargon of the day, SLP (speech-language pathologist), providing definitions from ASHA and WebMD that include swallowing disorders. Guest Ebony Turner-Bailey, founder of Prime Speech Solutions, joins to discuss early communication signs. She explains developmental milestones, such as babbling by six months, single words by twelve months, and joint attention—where a child looks between an object and a caregiver. Turner-Bailey advises parents to consult pediatricians, developmental pediatricians, or speech pathologists if concerns arise and to bring lists of observations to appointments. She shares practical home strategies, like using picture cards for snacks and modeling language during play. The conversation addresses common myths, with Turner-Bailey clarifying that sign language and AAC devices reduce frustration and support speech development, calling communication access a civil rights issue. Penrod adds personal anecdotes, including her regret over not acting sooner when her son regressed in language. They discuss systemic issues, such as insurance limits on speech therapy and disparities in underserved communities, encouraging parents to build networks for advocacy. The episode concludes with Turner-Bailey sharing contact details for her practice and a preview of next week's guest, Dr. James Adams, who will discuss gut flora and autism.

As heard by us

A clear guide to language milestones, regression, and where parents should start.

The segment tracks language milestones, regression, and the signs parents should notice if development slows or stalls. It points to single words around 16 months, two words or more by 24 months, and treats any loss of skills as something worth paying attention to.

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Why you'd press play

For when you need the language-milestone talk before the pediatrician's office.

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