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Supporting gestalt language processors with AAC

Supporting gestalt language processors with AAC

SLP
Early Ed/Parents: assistive tech
SLP: AAC & assistive tech
OT: AAC & assistive tech
SLP: neurodiversity
OT: school based

There has been a lot of conversation recently in our field about gestalt language processing and how to adapt augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for gestalt language processors (GLPs). With the ultimate goal of having our students’ communication styles be fully reflected in their AAC device, this presentation will give you multiple ideas of how to better support your students who are GLPs and use AAC.

Presenters

  • Paulina Elias

    M.Cl.Sc. SLP Reg. CASLPO

    Paulina Elias is a multilingual Speech-language Pathologist (SLP) who was born in Guatemala but has been living in Canada for the last 12 years. She received her undergraduate degree in Linguistics and Psychology from McGill University in 2018 and her master’s degree in Speech-language Pathology from Western University in 2021. In 2021, Paulina began working alongside Marge Blanc, author of “Natural Language Acquisition on the Autism Spectrum” (2012), to adapt the material of Marge’s book into Spanish. While also working as a private-based SLP in Canada, Paulina has continued her work surrounding Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) and Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) through the creation of educational and practical clinic material (handouts, videos, presentations, workshops, etc.), including a virtual 16-hour course about NLA, which she teaches in Spanish, alongside colleague, Dr. Amanda Blackwell. Paulina has experience with clients of all ages and with different communicative challenges in person and via teletherapy. She feels the most passionate about working with autistic individuals and serving as an advocate for the essential role of echolalia in communication. In her work, Paulina strives for diversity and inclusion, especially in the context of multilingual healthcare service delivery. She loves to work alongside and learn from colleagues of varying disciplines to help clients and families achieve their communication goals and participate in everyday meaningful activities. In her day-to-day life, Paulina enjoys keeping up with friends and family, including those who reside in Guatemala, throughout Europe, and in the U.S.

  • Amanda Blackwell

    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 clinical doctoral 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).

Learning Objectives

1. Cite the primary sources of foundational research information supporting gestalt language processing and gestalt language development (Ann Peters, 1983 and Barry Prizant, 1983)
2. Identify three types of AAC adaptations for GLPs
3. Describe how to incorporate emotional and energy regulation supports in AAC.

Agenda

Agenda

15 minutesIntro and general details (how we got to where we are with autism and language development within autism
20 minutes Intro to/review of Communication Styles + the importance of connection
15 minutesWhat is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and who would benefit from it?
50 minutesIdeas for adapting AAC based on the Gestalt style of communication - real-time examples for modifying P2G, GRID, TD Snap, Avaz applications
15 minutesFuture research - how to document/monitor the use and effectiveness of the modifications/adaptations we make
5 minutesQ & A

Disclosures

Disclosures

Financial Disclosures:Paulina receives compensation for her work in teaching of the Spanish and English courses through Natural Communication, LLC Amanda receives compensation for her work in teaching of the course "Comunicación Natural: Siguiendo el camino natural del lenguaje" in Spanish through Comunicación Natural, LLC.
Non-Financial Disclosures:Paulina Elias has no non-financial relationships to disclose. Dr. Amanda Blackwell has no non-financial relationships to disclose.
Content Disclosures:Paulina Elias has no additional content information to disclose Dr. Amanda Blackwell has no additional content information to disclose

ASHA

ASHA

This course is offered for .2 ASHA CEUs, Intermediate Level, Professional Area

Customer Reviews

Supporting gestalt language processors with AAC

Your event registration includes access to (1) recorded course and submittal of your participation to the ASHA registry. *You must opt-in and add your ASHA credentials after completing all course steps. Courses can be viewed through 12/31/2025.
One time fee
$49.00

Purchase the whole Augmentative and Alternative Communication Series

Your event registration includes access to (5) recorded courses plus a 30 min bonus recorded course and submittal of your participation to the ASHA registry. *You must opt-in and add your ASHA credentials after completing all course steps. Courses are available through 12/31/2025.
One time fee
$149.00