Beyond Words Ep. 21 | Understanding Autistic Language Variability, Strengths, and Meaning with Rhiannon Luyster, PhD

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In this episode of Beyond Words, host Garrett Oyama, MS, CCC-SLP, sits down with researcher and clinician Rhiannon Luyster, PhD, to challenge some of the assumptions baked into how we assess and interpret autistic communication.

Dr. Luyster brings her research to life as she and Garrett explore why variability is not a problem to solve but a feature to understand. From the way caregivers naturally adapt their language in real interactions to how focused interests and unconventional word use can drive learning, this conversation reframes what “atypical” communication really means.

🎙️ Topics include:

• Sources of variability in language development among autistic individuals
• Unconventional language features (e.g., neologisms, focused interests)
• Meaningful linguistic systems
• Clinical implications for assessment and intervention
• Deficit-based models of autistic language