Episode 17: Start with What They Love: Building Communication, Confidence & Connection Through Special Interests-with Speech Therapist Jennifer Cavallo

In this episode of Family Travel that Supports, I talk with speech-language pathologist Jennifer Cavallo about using children’s interests, or “enthusiasms,” to support language development, emotional regulation, social connection, and learning. From fishing and animals to music and minecraft, Jennifer shares how parents can turn what their children already love into opportunities for growth without making every experience feel like a lesson.

Topics Covered:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 00:59 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety
• 03:24 – Jennifer’s journey to speech-language pathology
• 04:52 – Reframing special interests as strengths and “enthusiasms”
• 13:09 – Travel as a natural learning experience
• 15:35 – Building connection through shared interests
• 16:43 – The Power of Playgroups
• 20:31 – Practicing through pretend play
• 21:16 – Preparing for comfort
• 21:41 – Using visual schedules
• 23:36 – Rapid Fire Round
• 25:27 – Helping children find their place in the world
• 26:28 – Connect with Jennifer Cavallo
• 27:45 – Building Communication, Confidence, and Connection

About Our Guest:

Jennifer Cavallo, M.A., CCC-SLP, is an experienced Early Intervention speech-language pathologist with more than 30 years of experience helping young children and their families build communication through the power of play. She specializes in working with children from birth to age three with speech and language delays, motor planning challenges, sensory differences, autism spectrum disorder, and other developmental communication needs.

Jennifer is the creator of MILO Bear and Playtime with MILO, a play-based therapy tool inspired by Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Her work helps parents, educators, and therapists recognize and build on each child’s unique strengths to support communication, learning, and confidence.

Connect with Jennifer:

• Web: https://milo-bear.com/
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/Iam.jenjoyslp/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferCavallo-j9k
• Resource: https://milo-bear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/MILO_Vacation_Social_Story_Fillable_Template_FIT-1.pptx

About Your Host:

Dr. Josette Bianchi is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences.

Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi:

• Email: familytravelsupport@gmail.com; josettemarie@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/
• Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports