Hallie and Brittney Adler discuss creating language goals for following directions.

Grab your coffee and get cozy for an exciting episode of SLP Coffee Talk! This week, Hallie chats with the amazing Brittney Adler—a neurodiversity-affirming SLP who’s all about celebrating the unique ways neurodivergent kids communicate. Brittney works her magic with AAC, gestalt language processing, and sensory-based strategies to help kids with high support needs shine.

Together, Hallie and Brittney unpack the age-old “following directions” goals, shake up compliance-based practices, and share fun, practical ways to teach self-advocacy and independence. It’s an episode full of laughs, aha moments, and fresh takes to inspire your therapy sessions. Whether you’re a seasoned SLP or new to the field, this one’s for you!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• Compliance vs. comprehension in therapy
• The power of child-led therapy
• Self-advocacy and independence
• Moving beyond traditional "following directions"

Here’s what we learned:

• Breaking down the nuances of following directions: compliance vs. comprehension.
• The shift from compliance to teaching self-advocacy and independence.
• Why child-led therapy isn’t just effective—it’s a game changer for planning.
• Practical, everyday strategies to make speech goals relevant and functional.
• A fresh perspective on receptive language goals in school settings.
• Encouragement to follow your instincts and embrace neuroaffirming approaches.

Learn more about Brittney Adler:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nycslpb
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nycslpb?_t=8r63oMxc3gc&_r=1 

Learn more about Hallie Sherman  and SLP:  

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets