Let Them Lead: The Child-Led Autism Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Supporting Hyperlexic Gestalt Language Processors with Dyan Robson, Hyperlexia Educator and Coach Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Katja and Nicole discuss supporting hyperlexic gestalt language processors with Dyan Robson. Dyan is a fierce advocate for her two boys and passionate about all things hyperlexia and autism. She's an avid book reader, lifelong learner, and former piano teacher. She likes Toad as her Mario Kart driver and prefers to listen to audiobooks and podcasts at 3x speed. Her idea of a perfect lunch is nachos. You can frequently catch her saying, "It's Dyan, not Dylan. There's no L," which might also explain her blog's unusual name of "And Next Comes L"...

Katja, Nicole, and Dyan discuss: what is hyperlexia, the overlap of hyperlexia/autism/GLP, how to support hyperlexic learners at home or clinically, and more.

To Connect with Dyan:

Dyan's Website: https://www.andnextcomesl.com

Dyan's IG : https://www.instagram.com/andnextcomesl/

Free Hyperlexia Handbook: https://www.andnextcomesl.com/p/hyperlexia-handbook.html

Free Hyperlexia Quiz: https://www.andnextcomesl.com/p/hyperlexia-quiz.html

To learn more about gestalt language processing, as well as access Nicole and Katja's resources, courses, and more, visit our websites:

www.greatlanguagepartner.com

https://www.bohospeechie.net/

The Great Language Partner Workbook is here! Learn more here! Use code PODCAST at checkout for a discount!

Avenlur Link code BOHOSPEECHIE: https://avenlur.com/BOHOSPEECHIE

BONUS: Affirmations for Parents and Professionals Supporting GLPs Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

This is a quick episode to express how thankful we are for you!

Take a few minutes to reflect on these affirmations and remind yourself of what an incredible job you are doing as you help your GLP on their communication journey.

To learn more about The GLP Workbook for parents and professionals, visit:

https://nicole-casey.mykajabi.com/glpworkbook

*Use code PODCAST for an extra discount at checkout!

Supporting Motor Planning in Autistic Kids with Erin Clarelli, OT Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

In this conversation, Erin Clarelli, an occupational therapist, discusses the importance of understanding motor planning, apraxia, and dyspraxia in supporting autistic individuals, particularly those who are non-speaking or minimally speaking. She emphasizes the need to presume competence in these individuals and the role of motor coaching in helping them navigate their challenges. The discussion also covers the interconnectedness of motor skills and communication, the impact of dyspraxia on behavior, and the importance of collaboration between occupational therapists and speech therapists. Erin shares practical strategies for supporting children with dyspraxia and highlights the significance of understanding the whole body in the context of communication and motor planning.

Key Takeaways:

Presuming competence is crucial when working with non-speaking autistic individuals.
Motor coaching can help individuals execute motor plans more effectively.
Dyspraxia often leads to a disconnect between intention and action.
Understanding apraxia and dyspraxia is essential for effective support.
Motor loops can be both soothing and dysregulating for autistic individuals.
Collaboration between OTs and speech therapists enhances support for autistic children.
Standardized testing may not accurately reflect the abilities of non-speaking children.
The whole body must be considered in communication and motor planning.
Feedback from individuals is vital for tailoring support strategies.
Resiliency and growth mindset are important in therapy.

To learn more about Erin:

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/sunrise.therapies?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Websites: www.sunrisetherapiesinc.com and www.otlevelup.com

OT Impact Freebie: https://www.otlevelup.com/otimpactblueprint

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To learn more about gestalt language processing, as well as access Nicole and Katja's resources, courses, and more, visit our websites:

www.greatlanguagepartner.com

https://www.bohospeechie.net/

The Great Language Partner Workbook is here! Learn more here! Use code PODCAST at checkout for a discount!

A Step-By-Step Guide to Supporting Early GLPs with Nicole Casey Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

The Great Language Partner Workbook will be here on 11/25/2024!!

Want to pre-order your copy of this amazing digital resource?

Use code PODCAST at checkout for 5% off of your total!

Get the workbook here: The GLP Workbook by Nicole Casey

Neurodiversity Affirming Speech Therapy Goals with Amy Zembriski, SLP Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Katja is joined by Amy Zembriski, a speech therapist who specializes in gestalt language as well as AAC. Amy and Katja discuss neurodiversity affirming goal writing. They share thoughts about what makes a goal neurodiversity affirming, IEP accommodations that might support neurodiversity affirming goals, joint attention looks different for autistic kids (and why most joint attention goals are harmful) as well as what good ones can look like, avoiding prompt dependency and creating self agency.

The Neurodiversity Affirming Goal Bank for SLPs by Amy Zembriski:

*Use code NICOLE at checkout for 10% off!

https://amy-zembriski.mykajabi.com/neurodiversity-affirming-goals

Follow Amy on Instagram: @amyz.theslp

Avenlur Link code BOHOSPEECHIE: https://avenlur.com/BOHOSPEECHIE

To learn more about gestalt language processing, as well as access Nicole and Katja's resources, courses, and more, visit our websites:

Reserve your copy of The GLP Workbook- launching 11/25/24!

www.greatlanguagepartner.com

The GLP webinars, handbooks, and more by Katja: https://www.bohospeechie.net/

Trauma Informed Feeding and Mealtime Literacy with Erin Forward Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode, Katja and Nicole are joined by Erin Forward. Erin is a speech therapist and certified lactation consultant at a children's hospital. She has advanced training in pediatric feeding disorders, early language, AAC, and trauma, specifically for medically complex children. She is also a DIR floor time provider and a TBIR trained practitioner. Erin is a regular cohost of the First Bite podcast with Michelle Dawson. On top of all of that, Erin also educates other therapists on trauma informed feeding therapy in her course: Nourishing Connections. You can sign up now for her winter cohort at the link below!

In this episode we discussed her idea of mealtime literacy, trauma informed therapy, the emotional aspects of feeding, Erin's 3 C's of feeding therapy (comfort, connection, curiosity), what to look for in trauma vs. not trauma informed therapy, dealing with the stress of your child not eating, medical diagnosis that might underlie feeding challenges, and more. Erin shared some serious knowledge in this episode and we can't wait for you to hear it.

First Bite podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-bite-a-speech-therapy-podcast/id1399630680

Erin Forward's IG: https://www.instagram.com/erinforward_slp/

Erin Forward's website: https://www.erinforwardslp.com/

Nourishing Connections course: https://www.erinforwardslp.com/trauma-informed-feeding-course

Avenlur Link code BOHOSPEECHIE: https://avenlur.com/BOHOSPEECHIE

To Learn More About Gestalt Language Processing:

To learn more about gestalt language processing, as well as access Nicole and Katja's resources, courses, and more, visit our websites:

Reserve your copy of The GLP Workbook- launching 11/25/24!

www.greatlanguagepartner.com

The GLP webinars, handbooks, and more by Katja: https://www.bohospeechie.net/

Intro to Natural Language Acquisition and the Stages of Gestalt Language Development Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Katja and Nicole give an introduction to gestalt language, what it means to be a gestalt language processor, and the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) stages.

The Gestalt Iceberg Visual PDF: https://connectionsspeech.myflodesk.com/z6tg5aaz6i

Avenlur Link code BOHOSPEECHIE: https://avenlur.com/BOHOSPEECHIE

To Learn More About Gestalt Language Processing:

To learn more about gestalt language processing, as well as access Nicole and Katja's resources, courses, and more, visit our websites:

Reserve your copy of The GLP Workbook- launching 11/25/24!

www.greatlanguagepartner.com

The GLP webinars, handbooks, and more by Katja: https://www.bohospeechie.net/

Topics: neurodiversity affirming speech therapy, gestalt language processing, AAC, echolalia, child-led therapy, holistic therapy, language development, autism

Becoming Neurodiversity affirming with Cari Ebert Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

In today's show, Nicole and Katja discuss becoming a neurodiversity affirming practitioner with Cari Ebert, (She/Her). Cari Ebert, MS, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist in private practice in the Kansas City, Missouri area. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa in 1993 and her master's degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1995. Cari is a therapist, consultant, author, product developer, and nationally recognized speaker who gets paid to do what she loves most—TALK! She has an animated personality, and this translates to a high-energy speaking style. Most importantly, Cari has an Autistic son, allowing her to engage audiences both as a professional and as a parent of a neurodivergent child. Katja, Nicole, and Cari discuss the neurodiversity affirming movement, becoming an ND-affirming therapist, and what that means. Cari also discusses the experiences she had when her son was diagnosed with autism in 2007 and offers her perspectives both as an allistic ally and parent as well as a credentialed professional and leading expert in her field. This episode provides a dynamic and radically affirming perspective on some of the most essential areas of speech language pathology in need of reform in order to reduce harm and empower autistic students and their parents in their journeys to access more affirming care.

Communication Bill of Rights: https://www.asha.org/siteassets/njc/njc-communication-bill-rights.pdf

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CARI EBERT, VISIT HER WEBSITE:

Cari Ebert's Website: https://cariebert.com/

To Learn More About Gestalt Language Processing:

To learn more about gestalt language processing, as well as access Nicole and Katja's resources, courses, and more, visit our websites: www.greatlanguagepartner.com

The GLP webinars, handbooks, and more by Katja: https://www.bohospeechie.net/

The GLP Course by Nicole, for parents and professionals supporting gestalt language processors: https://nicole-casey.mykajabi.com/greatlanguagepartner

Topics: neurodiversity affirming speech therapy, gestalt language processing, AAC, echolalia, child-led therapy, holistic therapy, language development, autism

Life with Apraxia of Speech: Jordan LeVan Shares His Lived Experience Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

In today's show Nicole and Katja welcome guest and friend of the pod Jordan Levan, (He/Him) an apraxia, disability, and mental health advocate, to discuss his lived experiences of growing up with childhood apraxia of speech. He describes the life long speech disorder and helps to dispel some of the commonly misunderstood conceptions about apraxia of speech as well as the neurological differences between his form of apraxia and others that are acquired later in life. Jordan also describes the physical and mental exhaustion that folks with this form of apraxia experience and is supported in these experiences by Katja and Nicole from a clinical standpoint throughout the episode.

To learn more about Jordan LeVan, visit his website: https://fightingformyvoice.com/

Follow Jordan on Instagram: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.instagram.com/fightingformyvoice/&ved=2ahUKEwjv25iqp8iIAxVuGTQIHQTyIt4QFnoECEYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2uRqsipkQyyVeFezGUm2nG

Check out Jordan's books:

https://fightingformyvoice.com/product-category/books/

To Learn More About Gestalt Language Processing:

To learn more about gestalt language processing, as well as access Nicole and Katja's resources, courses, and more, visit our websites: www.greatlanguagepartner.com

The GLP webinars, handbooks, and more by Katja: https://www.bohospeechie.net/

The GLP Course by Nicole, for parents and professionals supporting gestalt language processors: https://nicole-casey.mykajabi.com/greatlanguagepartner

Topics: apraxia, childhood apraxia of speech, speech therapy, gestalt language processing, AAC, echolalia, child-led therapy, holistic therapy, language development, autism

AAC Considerations for Gestalt Language Processors with Emily Diaz, SLP! Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

In this conversation, Nicole Casey and Emily Diaz (@emilydiazslp) discuss the evolution of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and its intersection with Gestalt Language Processing (GLP). They explore the importance of core vocabulary, the myths surrounding AAC, and practical strategies for programming AAC systems for children, particularly those who are GLPs. The discussion emphasizes the need for personalized approaches, the role of modeling language, and the significance of AAC as a supportive tool for communication development. Takeaways:

AAC is crucial for children who are Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs).
Core vocabulary is essential for flexible communication.
The shift towards understanding GLP requires consideration of additional strategies beyond core vocabulary.
AAC should be introduced early for children with any child who cannot communicate whatever they want, whenever they want, to whomever they want, wherever they want.
Modeling language is key to effective AAC implementation.
Vocal smileys (https://www.acapela-group.com/voice-smileys/) can enhance communication by adding intonation.
Personalization of AAC systems can increase engagement, but we don't need to over-program.
Implementation of AAC should be manageable for families and professionals.

Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background of Emily Diaz 03:13 The Evolution of AAC and Gestalt Language Processing 05:59 Core Vocabulary vs. Gestalt Language Processing 09:04 The Importance of AAC for GLPs 11:54 Modeling Language and AAC Implementation 14:47 Debunking Myths about AAC 17:51 Programming AAC for Gestalt Language Processors 21:06 Practical Strategies for AAC Programming 23:57 The Role of Voice and Personalization in AAC 27:02 Vocal Smileys and Enhancing Communication 29:55 Final Thoughts on AAC and Language Development 33:03 Conclusion and Recommendations

To learn more about Emily and all of her amazing resources and upcoming offerings:

Visit her website: https://emilydiazslp.com/

Follow her on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilydiazslp?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Emily's Book Recommendation: Atomic Habits by James Clear https://a.co/d/ikadWCz

To Learn More:

To learn more about gestalt language processing, as well as access Nicole and Katja's resources, courses, and more, visit our websites: www.greatlanguagepartner.com

The GLP webinars, handbooks, and more by Katja: https://www.bohospeechie.net/

The GLP Course by Nicole, for parents and professionals supporting gestalt language processors: https://nicole-casey.mykajabi.com/greatlanguagepartner

Topics: speech therapy, gestalt language processing, AAC, echolalia, child-led therapy, holistic therapy, language development, autism

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