How To Provide Neurodiversity-Informed Therapy For AAC & GLP Learners

Course Number: ABIO2437

When: Available July 17, 2024 – July 17, 2029

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

Description: We discuss evidence-based practices for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) users, who are also Gestalt Language Processers (GLP). We identify strategies for incorporating neurodiversity-informed approaches into therapeutic practices and explore practical tips for new AAC therapists. We also discuss recommendations for parents of new AAC users to ensure practical carryover in the home.

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 or private-practice setting

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 pediatric 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.

Kaitlin Mulcahey, M.S, CCC-SLP (she/her)

Kaitlin is a pediatric speech and language pathologist and the owner of Competent Communicators LLC. Kaitlin is certified by ASHA and licensed to provide speech and language therapy in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. She graduated from Loyola University Maryland in 2015. Kaitlin is trained in providing therapy using the NLA framework for gestalt language processors and is also trained in ASD from the Inside Out which is a developmental approach for working with autistic children. Kaitlin has years of experience completing AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) evaluations for pediatric clients.

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.

Kaitlin Mulcahey has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: Kaitlin is an affiliate for Meaningful Speech and Peachie Speechie, AAC Ally, and receives commission for any sales made with her code.

Kaitlin Mulcahey has the following relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose: She is a member of ASHA.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this activity, participants will:

Describe how to use AAC with Gestalt language processors
Identify at least 2 strategies for incorporating neurodiversity-informed approaches into your therapeutic practices
List 3 tips for new AAC therapists
Describe at least 2 recommendations for parents of new AAC users

Agenda

5 min	Introductions and Backgrounds
10 min	How to use AAC with Gestalt Language Processors
10 min	Strategies for incorporating neurodiversity-informed approaches into your therapeutic practices
15 min	Tips for new AAC therapists
10 min	Recommendations for parents of new AAC users
5 min	Helpful resources
5 min	References & closing remarks