Hosts:

Tara Ross and Kristen Smith, Speech-Language Pathologists from the Upper Grand District School Board

Guests:

• Linda Murphy, Author of The Declarative Language Handbook www.declarativelanguage.com
• Mary Ann Schouten, the manager of Communication, Language, and Speech Services with the Upper Grand District School Board

Key  Takeaways:

• What Visual Referencing Is: Linda explains the concept of visual referencing, highlighting its importance over the traditional focus on eye contact. She discusses how this shift can reduce stress for students with sensory processing differences and promote more meaningful engagement with their surroundings.
• How Declarative Language Supports Visual Referencing: Learn how using DL allows students the time and space to process information in their environment without the pressure of forced eye contact. By making simple comments about what’s happening in the room, teachers can help students engage naturally with the classroom context.
• The Role of Episodic Memory in Social Learning: Linda shares how episodic memory—our ability to remember past experiences—can help students navigate new or stressful situations. She explains how DL can help students access these memories, reducing anxiety and supporting social competence.
• Practical Examples for Educators: From navigating a change in the classroom to handling unfamiliar situations like visiting the library, Linda offers clear examples of how declarative language can be used to ease transitions and help students feel grounded in novel situations.