In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of The Authentic SLP, host Nicole Yates, MS CCC-SLP sits down with Dr. Joleen Fernald, a nationally recognized speech-language pathologist and DIRFloortime® training leader whose journey from aspiring Broadway performer to pioneering therapist reshaped the way she—and thousands of others—see children.Dr. Fernald shares how her daughter’s selective mutism led her to merge speech-language pathology with early-childhood mental-health training, earning a PhD focused on the mind-body-connection that underlies communication. Together, she and Nicole explore:What DIR Floortime® really means—and why “regulate, engage, communicate” should come before drills or data sheets.How selective mutism and autism overlap, and why anxiety and emotional regulation are central to both.The philosophy behind her Reconnections Education Center, where learning begins with safety, trust, and relationship.How parents can use intuition, self-regulation, and the right professional fit to support neurodivergent children.The “six F words we can say” when kids’ amygdalas go into fight, flight, freeze, fawn, flood, or fatigue.This episode offers wisdom for professionals and parents alike—reminding us that every child’s progress begins with connection, curiosity, and compassion.Resources:🔹 Learn more about Dr. Fernald’s work and the Reconnections Education Center at joleenfernald.com🔹 Follow Nicole Yates and The Authentic SLP for upcoming episodes on neurodiversity-affirming care and parent-empowered therapyEpisode Highlights00:00 – Intro — Nicole welcomes Dr. Joleen Fernald and sets the stage for her incredible 30-year journey in speech-language pathology.01:00 – From Broadway to SLP — How Joleen’s dream of performing turned into a lifelong passion for helping children communicate.03:40 – Discovering DIRFloortime® — What “regulate, engage, communicate” really means and how this model changes outcomes for anxious and neurodivergent kids.06:40 – Building the Reconnections Education Center — Why she founded a school centered on emotional regulation and relationship-based learning.10:40 – Public vs. Private Education — The key differences between traditional classrooms and individualized, therapeutic learning environments.13:40 – Anxiety, Behavior & the Brain — Understanding the six “F words we can say”: fight, flight, freeze, fawn, flood, and fatigue.19:30 – Parent Reflection — Joleen’s honest advice to her younger self: give grace, regulate yourself first, and be present.23:30 – Selective Mutism & Autism — What the latest research shows about overlap and the power of early intervention.28:00 – Finding the Right Therapist — How to trust your intuition, choose specialized providers, and know when to refer out.35:20 – Who Dr. Fernald Serves — The children best supported through her school and private practice, and what’s next with her new DIR-based center.38:45 – Closing & Resources — How to connect with Dr. Joleen Fernald and continue learning.

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