In this conversation, TaraPhillips and Amy Zembriski discuss the intricacies of Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) in children, particularly autistic kids. They explore the differences between GLP and analytic language processing, the importance of presuming competence, and the role of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in supporting these children. The discussion emphasizes the need for meaningful communication opportunities, building relationships, and effective collaboration between speech-language pathologists and special education teachers. Amy shares practical strategies for AAC programming and modeling communication without pressure, highlighting the importance of understanding each child's unique needs and preferences.

Takeaways:

1. Gestalt Language Processing involves repeating chunks of language heard.

2. Children using GLP often have rich intonation and delayed echolalia.

3. Presuming competence is crucial for supporting GLPs.

4. AAC access is essential for communication development for many children.

5. There is no one-size-fits-all AAC system for GLPs.

6. Modeling communication should be done without expectation.

7. Creating meaningful opportunities enhances learning.

8. Building safety and trust is foundational in therapy.

9. Effective collaboration between SLPs and educators is vital.

10. Empathy and understanding are key in supporting AAC users.

Bio:

Amy is a certified speech-language pathologist with an extensive background working in a variety of settings, including acute care, skilled nursing facilities, schools, early intervention, and private practice. Additionally, she has had past experience working as an adjunct professor supervising graduate students during their diagnostic clinical practicum. Specializing in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and gestalt language processing, Amy offers expert support for families with autistic children. Her passion lies in educating and empowering families through neurodiversity-affirming practices, fostering an inclusive and progressive approach to speech therapy.

Links: 

Website: https://www.speech-therapy-connections.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyz.theslp/

Free Resources From Amy:

WeaveChat Guide (How to guide with getting started with this free app)

https://speechtherapyconnections.myflodesk.com/weavechataac

The Script Keeper (Supporting GLPs in early stages) https://speechtherapyconnections.myflodesk.com/ub8furzpiv

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set 

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

In this celebratory 100th episode of the Autism Little Learners podcast, host Tara Phillips reflects on her journey of creating the podcast and the resources for autistic children. Joined by her husband Jason, they discuss the inspiration behind Autism Little Learners, the evolution of the podcast, and the impact it has had on listeners and the community. They share milestones, audience feedback, and future plans, including new projects and the importance of maintaining a personal life amidst their work.

Gift for listening to the 100th episode: www.autismlittlelearners.com/penguin

Takeaways:

• The podcast started as a way for Tara to cope with grief after losing her father.
• Creating resources for autistic children was a response to a lack of suitable materials.
• The podcast aims to provide valuable information to educators and parents.
• Consistency in posting episodes has been key to the podcast's success.
• Audience feedback shapes the content and direction of the podcast.
• The impact of the podcast is felt through listener stories and feedback.
• Future plans include a second annual Preschool Autism Summit.
• Tara emphasizes the importance of community in her work.

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set 

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

Submit a question for the Q&A episodes.  Ask me anything and tune in to see if your question is featured on the show!

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Christina from Twinning with Autism, an inspiring advocate and mother of three autistic children. Christina shares her family's journey with authenticity, humor, and compassion, offering valuable insights into parenting, advocating, and navigating the world of autism. In this episode, we dive into her experiences raising twins diagnosed at 18 months, her journey as a self-diagnosed autistic adult, and the critical lessons she's learned about fostering acceptance and understanding. Get ready for an honest, heartfelt conversation that sheds light on the importance of connection, advocacy, and building a brighter, more inclusive future for autistic individuals. Let's get started!

In this episode of the Autism Little Learners podcast, Tara Phillips interviews Christina, a mother of three autistic children, including twin boys and a daughter. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of parenting autistic children, the importance of sharing experiences on social media, and the need for greater awareness and support for autistic girls. Christina shares her personal journey of self-discovery and the impact of COVID-19 on families with autistic children. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding neurodiversity and the concept of co-regulation in supporting children's emotional needs. In this conversation, Tara Phillips shares her insights on parenting autistic children, emphasizing the importance of understanding, compassion, and effective communication between parents and educators. She discusses the challenges faced by parents of autistic twins, the significance of respecting parental knowledge, and the need for safety protocols in schools. Tara advocates for a shift in societal perspectives towards autism, aiming for a future where compassion and understanding prevail. 

You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/D0MF8oYPVUs

Bio: Christina Young is a proud mother of nine year-old twin-boys, and a six year-old daughter, all of which are autistic. She began sharing their family's journey with autism in 2021 on her blog (www.twinningwithautism.com), and through her Instagram Feed (@twinningwithautism). She's been happily married to her wife, Steph, for over a decade, and has spent the majority of her career in Fundraising, Event Planning, and Operations. Her passions are understanding human behavior, and how we communicate both verbally and nonverbally, which led her to discovering the Enneagram in 2022 which she now spends all her free time learning about and sharing with others. She's also a practiced photographer and storyteller, who's working on a memoir and children's book, both which will share deeper stories about autism. She actively engages with other parents on Instagram and is always willing to lend a listening ear when needed.

Connect With Christina:

1. Website: www.twinningwithautsim.com

2. Instagram: @twinningwithautism

Takeaways:

1. Social media can provide vital support for parents.

2. Sharing experiences helps parents feel less isolated.

3. Understanding autism requires a shift in perspective.

4. The diagnosis process can be emotional and complex.

5. COVID-19 has significantly impacted autism families.

6. Advocacy for autistic girls is crucial for their well-being.

7. Co-regulation is essential for emotional support in children.

8. Parents need to understand their child's neurodiversity.

9. It's important to break the stigma around autism.

10. Every child deserves to be seen and supported authentically. Some kids need space to feel their feelings.

11. Stopping a child's stim can contradict self-regulation.

12. Parenting requires flexibility and understanding of each child's needs.

13. It's essential to prioritize the child's safety and well-being.

14. Parents should not feel pressured to implement every educational strategy at home.

15. Trusting parents' insights about their children is crucial for educators.

16. Video modeling can effectively bridge skills between home and school.

17. Compassion in education fosters a supportive environment for all children.

18. Documentation in IEPs is vital for continuity and understanding.

19. Inclusive classrooms promote compassion and understanding among students.

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set 

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

Submit a question for the Q&A episodes.  Ask me anything and tune in to see if your question is featured on the show!

Today, we’re diving into such a fun topic: the power of music in language development, especially for children who are Gestalt language processors. My guest, Victoria Matkowski, is a dedicated pediatric speech-language pathologist with several years of experience, and she’s here to share her unique approach to helping young children communicate by tapping into the natural rhythms and melodies they’re drawn to. If you’ve ever wondered why so many autistic kids seem to connect with music or how you can use music to support language development, you’re in the right place.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AF6ZYDFbTvM

Bio: 

Victoria Matkowski A.K.A. Tor is a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric speech-language pathologist with 13 years of experience. She has a particular interest in and passion for supporting Gestalt Language Processors. Tor believes therapy starts with connection and promotes using all communication modalities. She strives to empower families by educating and providing guidance and support. She provides clinic-based and in-home therapy, virtual parent coaching sessions, and has a YouTube channel called Playtime with Tor, that is specifically intended to support Gestalt Language Processors.

Connect With Victoria:

1. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playtimewithtor/

2. Website: https://playtimewithtor.co/

3. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@playtimewithtor

4. Free Resource Library: https://playtimewithtor.co/newsletter-sign-up

Summary:

In this conversation, Tara Phillips interviews Victoria (Tor’) Matkowski, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, about Gestalt language processing (GLP) and its significance in language development, particularly for autistic children. They discuss the differences between analytic and gestalt language processing, the importance of video modeling in teaching language, and how music plays a crucial role in engaging GLPs. Victoria shares insights on creating content for her YouTube channel (Playtime With Tor’) aimed at supporting GLPs and offers practical tips and resources for parents and educators.

Takeaways:

1. Gestalt language processing involves using chunks of language as units of meaning.

2. Delayed echolalia is a common characteristic of GLPs.

3. Video modeling can effectively demonstrate language use for GLPs.

4. Music is a powerful tool for engaging children with GLP.

5. Co-watching videos with children enhances understanding and language acquisition.

6. Songs can be tailored to model specific language for everyday situations.

7. Parents and educators can use video content to support language development.

8. Understanding the emotional context of language is crucial for GLPs.

9. Routine-based videos help children learn language in familiar contexts.

10. Resources are available to support families and educators working with GLPs.

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set 

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

Submit a question for the Q&A episodes.  Ask me anything and tune in to see if your question is featured on the show!

In this episode, we welcome Sarah Habib, founder of The Calm Caterpillar, who shares her journey in creating tools that help children, both neurotypical and neurodivergent, manage big emotions. Sarah’s calm corner kits and sensory aids are transforming classrooms and homes by fostering emotional regulation and reducing disruptions. Hear how she’s making a difference nationwide, including her inspiring work in Uvalde, Texas. Tune in to learn more about building compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming spaces for kids!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1kzqoTm_XGM

Bio: 

Sarah Habib

Sarah is a renowned educator and advocate for student wellness, with extensive experience spanning hundreds of schools and districts nationwide. Over her career, Sarah has collaborated closely with principals from elementary through high schools, helping to shape and support environments where both students and educators thrive. Her leadership in professional training has empowered countless administrators and teachers, equipping them with the tools and strategies needed to foster holistic development within their schools.

One of Sarah's notable contributions includes her work with the Uvalde school district, where she trained guidance counselors to implement calm spaces in schools, fostering environments that support emotional regulation and improve classroom behavior. This initiative exemplifies her commitment to providing actionable, compassionate solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term well-being.

As an inventor and entrepreneur, Sarah developed unique tools that enhance children's breathing techniques and emotional regulation, impacting thousands of families. Since 2017, her curriculum has grown from a single-school initiative to an essential program across 45 schools, reaching over 10,000 students, with more than 2,000 engaging weekly. Her program serves students from ages two to eighteen and fulfills Ohio's state requirements for Social and Emotional Learning for Cincinnati Public Preschool students.

Sarah's dedication to mindfulness extends through her nearly decade-long leadership of a non-profit focused on movement and mindfulness, promoting a balanced approach to education that values both mental and physical well-being. To ensure the effectiveness of her curriculum, she has co-sponsored a range of scientific studies, establishing an evidence-based foundation for her tools and training programs.

Academically, Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts from Tufts University. She also has a certification in Z-Health, a movement training system that uses neuroscience to enhance performance, and a certification from Mindful Schools. Her work is a testament to her vision of education as a comprehensive journey, where wellness and learning go hand in hand, fostering environments where both students and educators can thrive.

Connect With Sarah:

1. Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thecalmcaterpillar/?hl=en

2. Website: thecalmcaterpillar.com

3. Email: [email protected]

Resources Mentioned:

1. ACES info: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/about.html

2. ACES info: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.understanding-how-adverse-childhood-experiences-aces-can-affect-children.acm1499

3. The Calm Caterpillar products: https://thecalmcaterpillar.com/collections/shop-all

4. Discount code of 15%: AutismLittleLearners

Topics Covered:

1. Introduction: Sarah Habib, founder of Calm Caterpillar, aims to help neurodivergent children manage emotions through practical skills.

2. Origin: Launched during the pandemic to support families in Cincinnati Public Schools, fostering consistency between home and school.

3. Calm Corner Kits: Distributed 2,200 kits to preschoolers, featuring meditation cushions and breathing tools, with 86% parent engagement through bi-weekly texts.

4. Behavioral Impact: Reduced classroom disruptions and enhanced pro-social skills, highlighting the need for emotional regulation practice at home and school.

5. Product Development: Created tools like "Calming," a weighted plush, and "Bloomy," a tactile breathing tool for teaching breathing techniques.

6. Teaching Techniques: Focuses on teaching breathing in calm states, using co-regulation, and modeling behavior for children.

7. Buddy Breathing: Introduced a hand-tracing breathing technique adaptable for both neurotypical and neurodivergent children.

8. Calm Corner Implementation: Advocates for calm corners in classrooms for self-regulation and independent breathing practice.

9. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Addresses ACEs' impact on emotional health and the role of mindfulness in mitigation.

10. Uvalde Initiative: Provided calm corner kits and training to Uvalde school counselors post-shooting, emphasizing emotional management.

11. Collaboration and Resources: Offers customizable kits for schools and promotes collaboration with educators and caregivers for emotional regulation strategies.

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set 

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

Submit a question for the Q&A episodes.  Ask me anything and tune in to see if your question is featured on the show!

Is PECS out as an AAC tool for autistic kids? Today, we’re diving into a hot topic in the world of autism and communication: the Picture Exchange Communication System, or PECS. Over the years, PECS has been widely used as a way for autistic children to communicate, but as new research and insights have emerged, there’s been a lot of conversation—some of it controversial—around its effectiveness and limitations.

In this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by two speech-language pathologists, Paulina Elias, and Amanda Blackwell, from Natural Communication, who share their invaluable expertise on PECS and the bigger picture of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) for autistic children. We explore how PECS started, what it offers, and why more and more professionals are moving toward more flexible, child-led communication methods that honor autonomy and individuality.

You’ll hear us discuss everything from the importance of giving kids the freedom to say ‘no’ to strategies that empower communication beyond requests. Plus, we talk about the pitfalls of hand-over-hand prompting and the emerging preference for tools that grow with a child’s communication needs.

If you’re an educator, parent, or anyone working with autistic children, this episode will give you new perspectives on PECS, AAC, and the role of true connection in supporting autistic communication. Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion that might change the way you think about communication support!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Tu4rKeAM0dc

Connect With Paulina & Amanda:

• Our English website (for free resources, our parent and professional courses, professional development events, and individual consultations info): www.naturalcommunication.com

• Our Spanish website (for free resources, our parent and professional courses, professional development events, and individual consultations info): www.comunicacion-natural.com

• Our socials: @natural.communication (English) and @comunicacionnatural (Spanish)

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natural.communication/ and https://www.instagram.com/comunicacionnatural

Resources Mentioned:

• ASHA Journal Article: https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2023_PERSP-23-00098

• Playground AAC board:https://www.prc-saltillo.com/articles/playground-core-communication-boards-from-prc-saltillo?mode=view

• PRC Saltillo core: https://saltillo.com/chatcorner/content/29

• GRID core board: https://thinksmartbox.com/news/low-tech-super-core-resources/

• Avaz core board: https://avazapp.com/avaz-aac-coreboards/

• Assistiveware core boards in different languages: https://www.assistiveware.com/learn-aac/quick-communication-boards

• Project Core boards: https://www.project-core.com/communication-systems/

• Smarty Symbols Core: https://smartysymbols.com/free-core-board-download/

Bios: 

Paulina Elias, M.Cl.Sc., SLP Reg. CASLPO

Paulina is a multilingual speech language pathologist (SLP) living in Canada. Although she works with people of different ages and communicative needs, she has a special interest in the areas of multilingualism, gestalt language development, and autism. Paulina enjoys collaborating directly with families and interdisciplinary teams in each person's native language. At this time, Paulina offers international consults virtually, and evaluation and intervention services in Ontario, Canada. She regularly presents internationally on the topics of multilingualism, gestalt language development, and AAC.

Dr. Amanda Blackwell, EdD, SLPD, CCC-SLP

Dr. Amanda is passionate about communication in all forms. She has had the opportunity to learn from a variety of people from diverse cultural backgrounds as she has lived and worked full time as a bilingual (English/Spanish) SLP in Guatemala since 2013. Dr. Blackwell teaches postgraduate courses in autism and AAC at Minot State University and Saint Mary's College, and mentors SLPD students in their capstone research projects through the MGH Institute of Health Professions and Rocky Mountain University. She loves to travel around the world (with recent trips to Spain, Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Honduras, and Sri Lanka) to collaborate with professionals in presentations, workshops, research, and autism identification (ADOS-2).

Topics Covered:

1. Podcast features Paulina and Amanda from Natural Communication discussing updates in PECS and AAC.

2. Paulina is a multilingual speech-language pathologist from Guatemala; Amanda is a U.S. speech-language pathologist with 11 years in Guatemala, focusing on autism and AAC.

3. Both advocate for accessible information in multiple languages, especially Spanish, and are expanding to French and Portuguese.

4. PECS, created in 1985, is a structured communication system based on ABA principles, mainly for requests.

5. Criticism of PECS includes its rigidity and lack of fostering true communication skills beyond requests.

6. Hand-over-hand prompting is discouraged due to autonomy concerns; hand-under-hand is recommended for better control.

7. Communication books should enable autonomous communication, including the ability to protest or reject.

8. Building relationships and trust with clients is essential for effective communication and learning.

9. The podcast calls for a shift from traditional methods like PECS to more flexible, multimodal communication strategies.

10. Natural Communication provides resources in English and Spanish, including a crash course on Gestalt language development, and engages in research and workshops to enhance AAC practices.

11. Listeners are encouraged to explore free printable communication boards and resources to support AAC implementation.

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set 

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

Submit a question for the Q&A episodes.  Ask me anything and tune in to see if your question is featured on the show!

In today’s episode, I’m talking to Clay Hadden.  You might know him on Instagram or YouTube as Mister Clay.  Clay is a speech/language pathologist and he runs a popular YouTube Channel where he offers several videos that combine music and visuals to work on language skills in a super fun way.  Clay also just published his first children’s book.  In this interview we chatted about his new book…which I LOVE, as well as using video modeling for young autistic kids.  Jump in and listen now!

Bio: Clay Hadden, M.S. CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist with over 18 years of experience in providing child-centered therapy. He specializes in a play-based, child-led approach with a strong focus on augmentative and alternative communication in his speech clinic in Aiken, SC. Clay also creates children's music with The SOKS and offers educational content on his YouTube channel, Mister Clay. His goal is to one day fund therapy services for under- and uninsured families with proceeds from his creative ventures. His first picture book, 'I Hear Nature' from Ninewise Publishing comes out November 19th, 2024.

Topics Covered:

1. Clay’s Background: Journey from pre-med to becoming a speech-language pathologist, his transition to pediatric work, and establishing his own practice, Ready, Set, Talk.

2. Pandemic Pivot: Creation of his YouTube channel during the pandemic to provide AAC modeling videos for clients.

3. Encouragement for Content Creation: Clay encourages other speech therapists to try content creation, such as books, videos, and podcasts, even if it's intimidating.

4. Mission to Support Families: Clay’s goal to use income from his creative work to provide low-cost therapy services for families in need.

5. New Book for Young Children: Clay’s children's book, designed with onomatopoeic sounds and interactive elements, aimed at engaging young children, including nonverbal and early communicators.

6. Fundraising and Social Impact: Partnership with his publisher to donate books to children affected by Hurricane Helena in North Carolina.

7. Supporting Gestalt Language Processors: Clay’s use of book videos for children who are gestalt language processors, utilizing video models to provide consistent presentations for children who prefer it.

8. Video Modeling: Explanation of video modeling to aid in transitions, play, and skill development while respecting neurodiverse preferences.

9. Music in Therapy: Use of music as a tool to build relationships and teach language, modifying familiar songs to match children’s interests.

10. Adapting to Children's Preferences: Respecting individual children’s need for consistency and sameness in activities and using their interests as a bridge for engagement.

Connect With Clay + Resources Mentioned:

1. Mister Clay’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk5n1tO-ZAI81kcq07PyyYA

2. Website: www.misterclay.com

3. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mister_clay_slp/

4. Facebook: Facebook.com/misterclayslp

5. I Hear Nature (Clay’s new children’s book): https://www.ninewisepublishing.com/product-page/i-hear-nature

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set 

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

Submit a question for the Q&A episodes.  Ask me anything and tune in to see if your question is featured on the show!

Today I’m talking to Laura Hayes.  Laura is a speech/language pathologist who specializes in AAC and does a lot of work surrounding AAC for gestalt language processors.  You are going to LOVE Laura and everything she shares when it comes to AAC.  Be sure to head over and list now!

Bio: Laura Hayes is a speech-language pathologist with over 15 years of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) experience in both school and medical settings. Laura has presented across state, national, and international conferences. She has been published and supported both inpatient pediatric and educational augmentative and alternative communication research. She currently hosts a podcast for her school district, titled: “Innovative AAC Solutions”. She authored an online course on gestalt language processing and AAC found at www.meaningfulspeech.com, and she has supported thousands of AAC device users in moving towards autonomous communication.

In this episode, Tara speaks with Laura Hayes, an AAC expert and facilitator in St. Louis, about practical strategies for using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with young autistic children. Laura shares her journey into speech pathology and her inspiration from her sister with complex communication needs. Together, they dive into key topics around AAC, from presuming competence to the importance of modeling language and honoring all forms of communication.

Topics Covered:

• Laura's Journey and AAC Innovations Learn about Laura’s early inspiration and her path into supporting AAC users, leading her to create the AAC Innovations platform to share insights and strategies.

• Common Missteps in AAC Laura explains why phrases like "say it on your talker" can hinder rather than help and offers compassionate alternatives to support autonomy in AAC users.

• The Power of Modeling and Autonomous Communication Why AAC users benefit from watching adults model language, and how this exposure supports authentic, autonomous communication development.

• Presuming Competence Discover the importance of believing in a child’s communication potential from the start, as Laura discusses setting high expectations and the positive impacts this mindset has on AAC users.

• Gestalt Language Processing in AAC Laura breaks down Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), explaining how some children learn language in chunks and the adaptations required to support them effectively in AAC.

Connect with Laura Hayes: Follow Laura on Instagram at AAC Innovations for more tips, strategies, and resources. You can also reach her via email at [email protected] for specific questions.

Resources Mentioned:

• Lily’s Voice – AAC devices for children in need.

• Meaningful Speech – Beginner's Guide to AAC and Gestalt Language Processing w/Laura Hayes: https://www.meaningfulspeech.com/offers/4boeFFJ9/checkout

• IG: @aacinnovations

• The Role Of Perception In AAC: https://praacticalaac.org/praactical/25191/

• Stimming And AAC: https://www.youtube.com/live/RY06z0WzlFk?si=nHzEbNBMybE1VTE-

Key Takeaways:

• AAC support is ongoing and ever-evolving. Laura’s perspective reminds us that it's okay to learn as we go.

• Language development is unique to each child, and all communication attempts deserve validation.

• Microlearning AAC strategies can build confidence for educators and caregivers over time.

You may also be interested in these supports:

• Visual Support Starter Set 

• Visual Supports Facebook Group

• Autism Little Learners on Instagram

• Autism Little Learners on Facebook

Submit a question for the Q&A episodes.  Ask me anything and tune in to see if your question is featured on the show!

Today I’m talking to Katja Piscitelli, the Boho Speechie.  Katja is a speech/language pathologist who specializes in gestalt language processing.  She’s giving us so many tips and even some goal ideas!  Don’t miss this episode, because Katja is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to supporting GLPs in your classroom, practice, or home!

Today I’m talking to Katja Piscitelli, the Boho Speechie.  Katja is a speech/language pathologist who specializes in gestalt language processing.  She’s giving us so many tips and even some goal ideas!  Don’t miss this episode, because Katja is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to supporting GLPs in your classroom, practice, or home!

Bio: Katja Piscitelli is a pediatric speech therapist, owner of Total Spectrum Speech, and global presenter. Katja specializes in supporting gestalt language processors and AAC users and enjoys educating parents and therapists on this topic via social media as Boho Speechie, and on the podcast she co-hosts, the Great Language Partner.

In this episode, Katja and I talk about:

1. What is gestalt language processing

2. Stages of Natural Language Acquisition

3. Examples of gestalts

4. Strategies & practical tips for supporting gestalt language processors

5. Importance of connection with autistic kids

6. Examples of goals for GLPs

Links Related To This Week’s Episode:

Katja’s website: www.bohospeechie.net

Boho Speechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/bohospeechie/

Great Language Partner Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-great-language-partner-podcast/id1765331935

You may also be interested in these supports:

1. Visual Support Starter Set 

2. Visual Supports Facebook Group

3. Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4. Autism Little Learners on Facebook

October is AAC Awareness Month and I am thrilled to have Angela Moorad, SLP, on the show today.  We are going to be talking really specifically about how to use a split screen or a split view with AAC and another app or program, like YouTube or a book. Angela is going to show you step by step and what to do and how you can use these to enhance the communication of your child or students!

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP has 35 years of experience in AAC across the lifespan with a primary focus on ages birth to 21 years. She is the founder of OMazing Kids AAC Consulting, has done extensive beta testing and feedback for therapeutic, educational and AAC apps across the iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Chromebook, Windows and Web-Based platforms, is active on social media and in numerous AAC/AT related Facebook groups, and is the author of several in-depth AAC feature matching resources (including info about AAC features to support Gestalt Language Processors) + several other AAC related resources.

Be sure to watch this episode on YouTube too, so you can see Angela demonstrate how to use a split view on a tablet: https://youtu.be/lFq7R-iBYbA

In this episode, Angela Moorad and I talk about:

1. How to use an AAC app side by side with another app or program

2. Using a split view/split screen with an AAC app and YouTube

3. Using a split view/split screen with an AAC app and Kindle

4. There are no pre-requisites for a robust AAC device

Links Related To This Week’s Episode:

The best way to reach Angela is via Facebook messaging over on her OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

Email at: [email protected]

You can also connect with her on her blog, social media and TPT:

Teachers Pay Teachers Store:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting

YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1

Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac

OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/

AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group:

https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@omazingkidsaac

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac

AppRaven AAC App Collections: https://bit.ly/AAConAppRaven

Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com / Resource Links page:

https://omazingkidsllc.com/omazing-kids-aac-resource-links