This is one of my favourite free resources I've been sending to families who are interested in learning more about gestalt language processing and the stages of Natural Language Acquisition (NLA).
Instagram is great for sharing information about NLA, but there's nothing like hearing directly from the leaders in the field in an easily digestible and comprehensive one hour, on-demand video training. Natural Communication also offers full courses on NLA for professionals and parents wanting a more in-depth look into NLA. I'm currently enrolled in their English course now (their original course was in Spanish!). I also love all of the free handouts on their website. Definitely check them out if you are on your GLP and NLA journey! by Halle Demchuk, SLPPaediatric SLP | GLP-Trained Clinician | Owner of HAEPI SLP You've likely heard of echolalia or 'scripting,' but did you know there is an immediate echolalia and a delayed echolalia? Immediate echolalia refers to a word or phrase that a child repeats *immediately* after it is heard, whereas delayed echolalia refers to utterances that are repeated moments, days, weeks, or even months after it was originally heard. Both are likely to be repeated using the exact same intonation as the original source. It is important to make the distinction between the two types when scoring language samples of gestalt language processors while monitoring their progress through the stages of Natural Language Acquisition (I typically score Immediate Echolalia as '0' and Delayed Echolalia as '1'). Working with a speech-language pathologist or team that is well-versed in understanding and honouring echolalia will help kids who process language this way! At HAEPI SLP, we are so excited to have SLPs, CDAs, and a music therapist on board who honour all types of communication. by Halle Demchuk, SLPPaediatric SLP | GLP-Trained Clinician | Owner of HAEPI SLP
A common misconception is that AAC is not needed or useful for children who can access verbal speech.
While this may be true for some kids, AAC in verbal children can be used to support verbal speech, especially during times of dysregulation, illness, or stress. I had a client like this I saw for consult recently -- she used to use an AAC device, but it fell by the wayside once she gained more verbal speech. However, in moments of dysregulation, she began to experience self-injurious behaviour, notably head-banging. She was frustrated because she had no way of communicating in moments like these. Once we introduced AAC again (even though it was years later), she was immediately interested. We were able to program some of her new visual supports from her behaviour team into the program (i.e., "I need a pillow," "it's too loud," etc.) and this helped those behaviours immensely. Just because our children may seem like they no longer need AAC (or funding services don't want to cover it because they use verbal speech), we need to advocate for our children to have a reliable method of communication available to them at all times. Do you struggle getting AAC support when a child also uses verbal speech? by Halle Demchuk, SLPPaediatric SLP | GLP-Trained Clinician | Owner of HAEPI SLP
We are thrilled to announce our new service: Music-Directed Speech Therapy! Swipe through the images above for more information and answers to FAQs (or click here to check out our page dedicated to this new service), and keep reading to watch a clip from a real MDST session!
This new type of treatment, overseen by a registered Speech-Language Pathologist (Halle!) and carried out by a board-certified Music Therapist (Kaelyn!), utilizes Music Therapy practices while working towards Speech-Language Pathology goals.
Music therapy is the clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to address and accomplish individualized health, educational, and therapeutic goals, such as:
Music therapy is provided by a registered music therapist who has completed an approved music therapy program. Music-directed speech therapy is still classified as speech therapy (*not* music therapy), and it falls under the domain of speech-language pathology. However, with music-directed speech therapy, core aspects of music therapy are incorporated into the speech therapy treatment plan. This creates a customized treatment modality that highly benefits music-loving kids. By combining music therapy and speech pathology, we are able to offer an interactive and engaging rehabilitation program that is especially effective for music-prone children (such as nearly all Gestalt Language Processors). An added bonus: Music-directed Speech Therapy is eligible for OAP funding and private insurance! by Halle Demchuk, SLPPaediatric SLP | GLP-Trained Clinician | Owner of HAEPI SLP
Having a robust AAC system can feel overwhelming at first, and as SLPs we completely understand that there will be a learning curve! However, the pros of having a robust AAC system (which may seem complicated at first) far outweigh the cons.
But first... what is a robust AAC system? A robust AAC system will allow an AAC learner to be able to completely express themselves with their system to the same extent as a verbal communicator. While it may be difficult to imagine our 2-3 year old using sentences, we need to start with the end in mind. If we put our kids in a box from the beginning, it will be a lot harder for them to have the opportunities to become independent communicators. So what are the components of a robust AAC system?
One of the best ways to ensure that a system will grow with a child is to start with the largest grid size possible, so motor planning stays consistent as the child learns more vocabulary. Encourage exploration of the device -- that is one of the ways the child will learn it! Many of our Autistic kids are amazing with navigating televisions, iPhones, and YouTube... and this is another great indication that yes, they can "handle" a robust language system! by Halle Demchuk, SLPPaediatric SLP | GLP-Trained Clinician | Owner of HAEPI SLP As the school year approaches, we wanted to answer some FAQ about in-home or in-school speech & language therapy with HAEPI SLP Therapy Services. It can be nerve-racking inviting someone new into your home to provide SLP services. However, there are TONS of benefits to home-based or community-based therapy, such as:
I've had many sessions where teachers, SSPs (school aids), respite workers, siblings, or grandparents are present, and this allows for them to see how therapy happens first-hand! Plus, who doesn't love a summer session at the playground or while getting ice cream? (Yes, we can do that!) by Halle Demchuk, SLPPaediatric SLP | GLP-Trained Clinician | Owner of HAEPI SLP |
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