How To Support Gestalt Language Processors Who Need AAC

Course Number: ABIO2403

When: Available February 7, 2024 – February 7, 2029

Where: Course available under “Course Content” at the bottom of this page.

Description: We will discuss skills for providing evidence-based therapy for Gestalt Language Users (GLP) who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). We will discuss the difference between analytic language processing (ALP) and GLP, misconceptions about AAC and GLP, and AAC support with stage 1 and 2 GLPs. We will also examine how to determine if someone with complex communication is a GLP.

Who This Course Is Good For:

Any ASHA member, CCC holder, or other professional who is licensed or credentialed to practice speech-language pathology (SLP) or audiology or preparing to earn ASHA CEUs
A professional who works with pediatric clients that have limited natural speech
A professional who works with pediatric clients that use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems or may be good candidates for AAC
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) who works in a school-based setting
A professional who wants to learn about trauma-informed care and how to identify implement it into therapy

Who This Course Isn’t Good For:

Any professional who is not familiar with the term AAC
Any professional that does not currently work with any pediatric clients or plan to in the near future
Professionals that solely provide one on one therapy in a medical setting as this course is focused on AAC implementation in a school-based setting

Presenters:

Venita Litvack, M.A, CCC-SLP (she/her)

Venita is an Assistive Technology (AT) Consultant in south Florida. She has a passion for using AAC, AT, and literacy to support individuals with complex communication needs, autism, and other disabilities. Venita has delivered poster presentations on several topics related to AAC at ASHA and co-presented several ASHA CEU accredited courses. Venita co-authored two articles published in ASHA Leader’s online publication, as well as the Lou Knows What to Do book series published by Boys Town Press. Recently, Venita started utilizing the power of social media to empower and motivate educators across the country through the Speechie Side Up podcast, blog, Instagram account, and YouTube channel.

Laura Hayes, M.S, CCC-SLP (she/her)

Laura Hayes is a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist with over 14 years of expertise in augmentative and alternative communication, spanning across both educational and medical environments. Her extensive experience includes presentations at various levels—from local to state, national, and even international conferences such as MSHA, ATIA, AAC in the Cloud, Helix, TalkingAAC, and the Pediatric Perspectives Conference. Laura has contributed to augmentative communication research in both inpatient pediatric and educational settings, showcasing her commitment to advancing the field. Beyond her contributions to research, Laura is passionate about sharing her knowledge. She enjoys providing training, implementation resources, and valuable guidance, all aimed at ensuring success in the effective use of AAC.

Disclosure Statements

Venita Litvack has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: ownership interest in Speechie Side Up, LLC and Tassel Learning, LLC; royalties from the Lou Knows What to Do book series.

Venita Litvack has the following relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose: member of the ASHA Special Interest Group 12.

Laura Hayes has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: Laura receives honorariums for speaking and compensation for AAC consulting services. She also receives commission for the sale of the AAC and GLP course through Meaningful Speech.

Laura Hayes has the following relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose: She is a member of the American Speech and Language Hearing Association

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this activity, participants will:

Identify the difference between analytic language processing (ALP) and gestalt
language processing (GLP)
Describe misconceptions about AAC and GLP
Identify 3 ways to support GLP’s in stage 1 and 2 with AAC
Identify 2 ways to determine if someone with complex communication is a GLP

Agenda

5 min	Introductions and Backgrounds
10 min	Discussion of the difference between ALP and GLP
10 min	Description of misconceptions about AAC and GLP
15 min	Discussion of ways to support GLP’s in stage 1 and 2 with AAC
10 min	Discussion of ways to determine if someone with complex communication is a GLP
5 min	Helpful resources
5 min	References & closing remarks