Play Dumb & Sabotage: The Power of Doing Less
The Autistic Mile · Aug 19, 2026 · 46:41
The Autistic Mile · Aug 19, 2026 · 46:41
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Play Dumb & Sabotage: When Helping Less Helps More
What if one of the best ways to help a child communicate, learn, and grow is to sometimes…help less?
In this episode of The Autistic Mile, Jim Gaffney sits down with speech-language pathologist and author Jeaneen Tang to explore the ideas behind Play Dumb & Sabotage. Jeaneen shares how mindfully under-anticipating a child’s needs and creating natural opportunities for communication can encourage independence, language development, problem-solving, and confidence.
The conversation also explores AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices, the importance of giving children time and opportunity to express themselves, and why stepping back can sometimes be one of the most powerful ways we can help them move forward.
It’s not about withholding support—it’s about creating opportunities to grow.
Every Mile Matters. Together, We Go Further.
#TheAutisticMile #PlayDumbAndSabotage #JeaneenTang #SpeechTherapy #SpeechLanguagePathology #AAC #AACCommunication #Autism #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #Communication #LanguageDevelopment #Independence #SpecialNeedsParenting #EveryMileMatters
