Podcast Summary: The Autism Little Learners Podcast

Episode #107: From Grief to Growth – The Story of Autism Little Learners

Host: Tara Phillips
Date: January 28, 2025

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt, reflective episode, Tara Phillips shares the deeply personal journey behind the creation of Autism Little Learners. Marking six years since her father's passing, Tara honors her parents' legacy, recounts the story of her grief, and details how that pain became the driving force behind her growing endeavor to support young autistic children, their families, and the educators who serve them. The episode weaves together family tribute, personal anecdotes, and the mission to create meaningful resources—offering listeners inspiration to reflect on their own foundational relationships.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Channeling Grief into Purpose (02:08)

• Founding Autism Little Learners:
  Tara describes losing her father, Lee Livermore, to leukemia and how this profound loss compelled her to create Autism Little Learners only six weeks later.

  "His passing left a deep void, but it also inspired me to channel my grief into creating something meaningful." (02:20)

• Identifying a Need:
  Tara saw a major gap in quality, age-appropriate resources for autistic children ages 3-5. Much of her early work was driven by creating the materials she couldn’t find elsewhere.

2. Building an Impactful Resource Ecosystem (03:10-06:30)

• From Side Project to Global Reach:
  Initially unsure about how to share resources, Tara used Google and YouTube to learn how to sell on Teachers Pay Teachers. The pandemic greatly amplified demand, as parents and educators sought resources for home learning.

• Viral Social Stories:
  Tara created free stories to help children through COVID changes—mask-wearing, school closures—that were downloaded tens of thousands of times.

  "I found myself working around the clock ... Seeing the positive feedback and hearing how these stories help children understand and adapt ... was incredibly rewarding." (04:50)

• Expanding Offerings:
  Realizing resources alone weren’t enough, Tara launched the Autism Little Learners membership, combining tools, training, and community.

• Innovative Courses:
  Courses such as “Potty Train with Compassion” and “Visual Schedules Made Easy" were developed, and a new course is in progress to help educators build neurodiversity-affirming self-contained classrooms.

  "This new course will combine practical strategies with a deep understanding of how to honor and celebrate each child's unique strengths and needs." (07:25)

3. A New Career Chapter (08:00-09:00)

• Full-Time Leap:
  Tara details the difficult decision to leave her classroom position and devote herself to Autism Little Learners full-time, vastly expanding her impact.

  "By serving educators and parents through Autism Little Learners, I realized that I could have a far greater impact... Than I ever could have within the four walls of my classroom." (08:45)

4. The Preschool Autism Summit (09:10)

• Summit Success:
  In 2024, Tara hosted the first Preschool Autism Summit, bringing together over 33,500 participants to share strategies and foster a neurodiversity-affirming approach. The reach reaffirmed the massive need for this type of specialized training.

  "The response was overwhelming and it confirmed that there's a huge need for this type of training." (10:15)

• Looking Forward:
  Planning is already underway for the 2025 summit.

5. Spirit of Collaboration, Not Competition (10:30-11:05)

• Learning from Mentors:
  Tara shares her guiding motto, “there's room for everyone on the playground,” learned from mentor Casey Morris.

• Resource Referrals:
  Tara routinely refers listeners to other specialists, mentioning several by name for their expertise in fields such as Gestalt language processing, AAC, and strengths-based goal writing.

  "It's not about competition, it's about working together to create the best possible outcomes for kids." (11:00)

6. Family Influence: A Tribute to Her Parents (11:06-12:10)

• Mother’s Impact:
  Tara discusses the influence of her mother, Mary Livermore, who ran an at-home daycare and modeled deep kindness and an easygoing spirit.

  "She's always been the kindest, most giving person I know... my mom is always ready for a little adventure." (11:30)

• Endearing Family Stories:

  • Fun anecdotes about Tara making her mother laugh, a former student visiting Mary, and Mary's role as Tara’s #1 Facebook fan bring warmth and levity.

• Legacy of Love:

  "Her love and support, along with the love she shared with my dad, have shaped so much of who I am. They taught me the value of family, connection and laughter, and I'm so grateful..." (12:00)

7. Letter from Her Father: Words That Guide (12:11-12:25)

• A Moving Farewell:
  Tara reads her father’s final letter, sharing his pride, love, and vulnerability as a Vietnam veteran. The letter’s wisdom and encouragement continue to drive her every day.

  “You can be sure that I am now free from the demons that have haunted me since my year in Vietnam… I want to be remembered as a good husband, a good dad, and a good American citizen. I hope that I have lived a good life.” (12:18)

  "I love you with eternal love and gratefulness to you. Lee Livermore, your dad.” (12:20)

• Ongoing Mission:
  Tara concludes that her work is an ongoing tribute to her father and an extension of his legacy of service.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On transforming grief into service:

  "His passing left a deep void, but it also inspired me to channel my grief into creating something meaningful." (02:20)

• The pandemic’s impact:

  “I found myself working around the clock to create these social stories because I knew how much families were struggling.” (04:50)

• On collaboration:

  "Collaboration and connection are key to making a lasting impact." (11:00)

• Her mother's humor and warmth:

  “Tara, you’re the only person that makes me laugh so hard that I almost pee my pants.” (11:37)

• A father’s legacy (reading from his final letter):

  “You’re one of the most beautiful people on the face of this earth and I will always love you… I love you with eternal love and gratefulness to you. Lee Livermore, your dad.” (12:18-12:20)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Tribute Intro & Purpose – 00:00–02:08
• Founding Story & Resource Gap – 02:08–04:00
• Pandemic Adaptation & Free Stories – 04:00–05:40
• Creation of Membership & Courses – 05:40–07:50
• Full-Time Transition & Wider Impact – 08:00–09:00
• Hosting the Preschool Autism Summit – 09:10–10:15
• Collaborative Mindset & Notable Mentors – 10:30–11:05
• Homage to Her Mother – 11:06–12:10
• Father’s Goodbye Letter – 12:11–12:25

Closing Reflection

Tara’s narrative is as much a tribute to her parents as it is an invitation for listeners to consider how love, legacy, and community interweave with service. Through honest storytelling, practical strategy, and a spirit of collaboration, she demonstrates how personal history and professional mission can create widespread, compassionate change for young autistic children.