Check out Jessie's full Sensory Based Routines Training on her Substack: https://sensoryslp.substack.com/p/engaging-the-most-difficult-to-engage?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true

Many SLPs are taught that routines are a cornerstone of language development, especially for younger autistic children. But routines designed for neurotypical children often fall short because autistic kids present with differences in joint attention, focus, and how they process sensory input.

On this live show, we’ll break down why typical routines can fail, how to honor a child’s autonomy and interests, and why meeting sensory needs is just as critical as engagement and communication.

Want more on Sensory-Based Routines? Check out the latest on Substack: https://substack.com/@sensoryslp 

One of the biggest myths in our field is that “sensory” and “speech” live in different lanes. In reality, how a child processes sensory input directly impacts how they attend, regulate, move, and communicate.

On this episode, we'll talk about what sensory-informed speech therapy really looks like in real-world settings, how to support regulation without stepping outside your scope, and why communication becomes more accessible when we stop separating “speech goals” from the nervous system.

Join me for my upcoming 2 Day Live Online Sensory Certificate Training for SLPs. https://www.sensoryslp.com/sensory-certificate-course-virtual

Check out my free Sensory Training for SLPs: https://www.sensoryslp.com/sensory-based-sessions-training 

Substack (mentioned on the episode): https://substack.com/@sensoryslp

Amazon Sensory Tools & Equipment Recs: https://www.amazon.com/shop/sensory.slp?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_GP17042MYT2SENW14JRW

In this episode, we're sitting down with Marge Blanc to trace the full history of Gestalt Language Processing and Natural Language Acquisition – from the earliest research, through Marge Blanc’s landmark 2005 case study, to the years of research that shaped the NLA framework used today.

On this episode, you'll learn:

Check out Marge's Natural Language Acquisition Book and Courses: https://www.northernspeech.com/school-age-strategies/natural-language-acquisition-on-the-autism-spectrum/

Ready to join us in the NeuroAffirm Academy & get access to our BRAND NEW NeuroAffirm Library? Click here to learn more: http://neuroaffirmacademy.com/ 

On this show, I'm sharing my three go-to activities that balance regulation, engagement, and skill-building – plus tips for adapting them so they stay fresh, flexible, and effective for every child.

On this episode, you'll learn:

And more!

For ALL of our trainings, resources, and new video library, join us in the NeuroAffirm Academy: http://neuroaffirmacademy.com/ 

Join us in the NeuroAffirm Academy to get a full training on my exact step-by-step process for training teams! http://neuroaffirmacademy.com/

Team collaboration can feel impossible – especially on teams supporting autistic kids. People often resist change, not because they’re difficult, but because they don’t feel safe, understood, or aligned.

In this show, we break down why collaboration falls apart, what really builds it, and how you can make progress even when you’re not on the same page.

On this episode, you'll learn:

To get more incredible resources on training teams, plus an entire library of trainings, monthly live calls, AND access to our brand new NeuroAffirm Therapy Video Library, join us in the NeuroAffirm Academy: http://neuroaffirmacademy.com/ 

This episode is about resetting your priorities for the new year in a way that’s sustainable, values-driven, and actually realistic, especially for therapists who give a lot of themselves to their work.

Instead of chasing goals, productivity hacks, or “new year, new you” pressure, we’ll focus on how to clarify what truly matters, identify what’s draining your time and energy, and intentionally choose where to put your focus in this season.

You’ll leave with a clearer sense of direction, permission to let go of what no longer fits, and a framework for setting priorities that support your nervous system, not just your to-do list.

Want to continue your neuroaffirming learning in the New Year? Click here to join us in the NeuroAffirm Therapy Academy: www.neuroaffirmacademy.com

Recently, there has been a surge of conversations and debates surrounding gestalt language processing (GLP) and the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) Framework. Between ASHA presentations, published responses, social media discourse, and growing criticism of NLA, many clinicians are left wondering: “Is GLP valid?”, “Does the research support it?”, and “Am I doing something wrong if I don’t fully buy into it?”

In this episode hosted by Melanie Weber (SLP & NeuroAffirm Team Member), we’ll unpack what’s actually being debated in the GLP conversation and break down the key criticisms alongside the shared points of agreement through a thoughtful, neuroaffirming perspective.

Want to learn more about supporting your gestalt language processors?

Jessie puts every one of her team members through the Meaningful Speech Course by Alex Zachos. Use code SENSORYSLP for 15% off.

If you loved this conversation and want to continue to stay on top of what's new and relevant in autism, join us in the NeuroAffirm Academy: http://neuroaffirmacademy.com/

Trauma-informed care isn’t just about avoiding harm – it’s about intentionally creating therapy experiences where autistic kids feel safe, respected, and in control. Because trauma isn’t always a “big event.” It’s often subtle, ongoing, and woven into traditional compliance-based approaches.

On this episode, you'll learn:

Join the NeuroAffirm Academy to get the resources we mentioned today, including 1) The Trauma & Regulation Lens Packet, 2) our NeuroAffirm SAFE System & training and 3) the Trauma-Informed Reframe Cheat Sheet!

http://neuroaffirmacademy.com/ 

Trauma doesn’t always look like abuse - it can be subtle, ongoing, and systemic. And for autistic kids, many “traditional” or compliance-based therapy approaches can actually retraumatize the very children we’re trying to support.

In this episode, we'll break down how familiar methods like suppressing stims, forcing eye contact, withholding AAC, or correcting natural autistic communication can trigger the nervous system into protection mode.

We’ll talk about what it truly means to follow a trauma-informed approach. And why this shift is a non-negotiable one.

On this episode, you'll learn:

Want access to our Trauma & Regulation Lens Packet? It's available in our NeuroAffirm Academy: www.neuraffirmacademy.com 

On this episode of the NeuroAffirm Show, we'll dive into strategies to strengthen foundational skills that make attention, focus, and daily planning easier, explore practical ways to support kids in staying on track, and share tips for building routines that actually stick. 

Joined by Tera Sumpter, an SLP who specializes in executive functioning, this episode will give you actionable insights you can use right away.

Whether you’re a professional, caregiver, or loved one, you’ll walk away with tools to help kids feel more confident, capable, and supported in their everyday lives.

Learn more about Tera on IG @terasumpter_slp

And about Tera's courses: https://terasumpter.com/