Speech Pathologist-Approved Podcasts for Children with Autism and Language Delays

Replace Screen Time with Podcasts for Kids to Spark Communication

In today’s world, it feels tough to find screen-free activities that capture kids’ attention. Tablets, phone apps and TV shows can be fun, but too much screen time can be overstimulating. It often limits opportunities for conversation and language development. This can be especially challenging for families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or speech delays.

That’s where podcasts come in! Unlike passive screen time, audio-based content promotes active listening and auditory processing skills. Audiobooks have been known to help second-language learners, students with learning disabilities, and struggling readers, but their benefits – as well as those of storytelling podcasts – are vast for people of all ages and abilities.

Listening to audiobooks and other forms of spoken stories and discussions can:

• Strengthen a child’s ability to follow directions
• Improve word recognition
• Expand their vocabulary
• Encourage more rich language opportunities
• Improve overall communication abilities
• Reduce stress
• Inspire children to read

For children with speech disorders like apraxia, exposure to clear and expressive language in a fun and engaging format is beneficial, especially alongside speech therapy and/or applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy).

The best part? Even without specific podcasts for kids with autism, many podcasts are designed with young learners in mind—and happen to be great for the autism community and neurotypical individuals. Through repetition, interactive elements and other storytelling techniques, they directly support language development.

Whether you’re looking for bedtime stories, educational adventures or silly songs, you’ll want to check out our list of podcasts. These seven options – plus one bonus playlist – are approved by speech-language pathologists and serve as better alternatives to screen-time. These kid-friendly podcasts for communication skills will also support your child’s growth in focus, attention and imaginary play.

Best Podcasts for Toddlers and Children Working on Speech and Language

1. Deep Blue Sea
   Kids love this podcast, where they “climb aboard” the submarine, Sea Lab Alpha, to join underwater explorers, Marina and Reef, as they embark on adventures across Earth’s magical oceans. Featuring diverse character voices and fascinating marine life facts, Deep Blue Sea captivates young listeners’ imaginations. It often poses questions for kids and gives time for them to respond before sharing the answers, making it even more engaging. This podcast is geared toward ages 3-5, but in our experiences, even younger and older children enjoy the silly sounds and characters, like Syd the Giant Squid!

 

2. Work It Out Wombats!
   Listeners join wombat siblings, Zadie, Zeke and Malik, in the “Treeborhood” as they tackle everyday challenges. Produced by PBS Kids, this slower-paced podcast offers interactive “party playdates” with music and intentional pauses that encourage problem-solving and active participation. Suitable for preschoolers, children will adore interacting with prompts like, “Who’s your favorite stuffy?”

 

3. CoComelon Story Time
   This audio adaptation of the popular series features beloved CoComelon characters. In our opinion, the podcast a better choice than the Netflix show, which tends to move too quickly and for developing brains to compute. The CoComelon podcast offers a preschool-friendly twist on classic fairy tales, global folktales and nursery rhymes. The engaging narratives encourage imagination and language development, making it an excellent screen-free alternative for children aged 2-5.

 

4. Gardenkeeper Gus
   Immerse your child in the gentle adventures of Gus and his squirrel friend, Rel, as they explore a larger-than-life garden filled with animal noises, various character voices and soothing nature sounds. These sweet, original stories promote relaxation and attentive listening, supporting language development in young children aged 3-5.

 

 

5. Little Stories for Tiny People
   This podcast features stories of charming characters like Little Hedgehog and Felicia the Fox. It offers episodes of different lengths set to light music, with options that are ideal for bedtime or quiet time. The single-narrator format encourages children to visualize stories in their minds, enhancing imagination and listening skills. It is suitable for toddlers and young children.

 

 

6. 6. Super Truck: Stories for Kids

Adapted from “Carl the Super Truck” series, this podcast follows a superhero truck dedicated to protecting Car City, transforming into various vehicles to assist friends. Each episode delivers engaging adventures and lessons, appealing to children’s love for vehicles while promoting problem-solving and listening skills.

Note: This podcast contains vehicle-related sound effects (e.g. horns, sirens, alarms), so if your child has auditory sensory aversions, you may want to steer clear of this one. Understanding that all children have their unique preferences, we still added it to the list because some children crave auditory sensory stimulation and might have a great time listening to and mimicking the sounds!

7. Story Pirates
   This award-winning podcast transforms stories written by children into sketch comedy. Adults love it too, as comedians, songwriters and celebrity guests often perform the stories. This show is aimed at older children who are ready to create their own stories. However, even toddlers enjoy the catchy songs, lively performances, and “DJ mixes” from DJ Squirm-a-Lot, the “world’s most famous DJ who also happens to be a worm.”

 

8. Bluey Storytime
   Experience Bluey audio stories from the beloved “Bluey” series. This podcast uses a simple storytelling style without sound effects or multiple voices. This stripped-down style is good for children who prefer clear and direct stories without the added bells and whistles. It encourages imagination and attentive listening, supporting language and development in young listeners.

 

Bonus! Hopebridge Circle Time Experience Play List

Explore Hopebridge’s own curated playlists designed to engage children in interactive activities that promote communication, participation and social skills. In English and Spanish, these playlists provide a blend of fun and learning to support your child’s growth. The songs and stories are also included in our Circle Time Curriculum within our therapy centers, which can help children prepare for school.

Extra Tips for Listening to Podcasts with Kids

Before you introduce these podcasts to your child, we recommend listening to a few episodes on your own. Then, you can ensure the content is a good match for their age and developmental level, while also noting any possible triggers.

“My biggest tip is to listen to podcasts along with your kiddo. Engaging with the podcast together as a fun family activity provides an opportunity for even more access to spoken language, rather than solely the audio,” said Hopebridge Speech Language Pathology Clinical Specialist Ashley Marshall.

Ashley notes that human interaction for language development is key, so it’s most powerful when you listen along with your kids. Ask them questions, make comments … and maybe even find out who your own favorite characters are!

If your child enjoys these podcasts, consider getting Tonie Box or Yoto Player. Both options make it easy for kids to choose and listen to audiobooks and music with more independence.

Get More Communication and Behavior Support with Autism Therapy

These podcasts are a great way to add more communication-building moments to your child’s day. You can use them at home, in the car or winding down for bed, but they do not replace other therapeutic services.

If you are looking for more strategies and support around communication, socialization or other behaviors, contact us for help. Hopebridge offers high-quality, personalized care through services like applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy and occupational therapy across the country to support your child’s development.

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