Let’s talk about something that deserves more attention in AAC intervention: Programming gestalts into AAC devices for Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs)! 💜 When we support gestalt language processors, we often recognize that their communication may begin with meaningful chunks of language rather than individual words. These chunks might come from: 🎬 Favorite movies or TV shows 🎵 Songs and music 🎭 Familiar routines and dramatic play 🗣️ Phrases they’ve heard from important people in their lives But here’s my question… Are we making room for those gestalts on their AAC devices? Too often, AAC programming focuses primarily on single words, requesting, and traditional vocabulary organization. And while core vocabulary is incredibly valuable, we also need to consider the language that is already meaningful to the individual. ✨ Imagine a child who communicates excitement by saying, “To infinity and beyond!” Instead of expecting them to replace that phrase with “excited,” what if we programmed their meaningful gestalt into their AAC system? Now we’re honoring their existing communication while creating opportunities to explore additional language. 💜 What might this look like in practice? 1. Identify meaningful gestalts. Collaborate with families and communication partners to understand the phrases the individual uses and what they may mean in different contexts. 2. Program personally meaningful phrases. Make frequently used gestalts accessible within the AAC system without removing access to robust core and fringe vocabulary. 3. Model language in meaningful contexts. During play, movement, music, or dramatic activities, model gestalts alongside flexible language that supports communication. 4. Support language expansion without forcing replacement. Offer additional ways to express similar messages while respecting the individual’s original scripts. 5. Preserve autonomy. The goal isn’t to eliminate scripting. It’s to give the individual MORE ways to communicate, connect, and express themselves.

Hey everyone! I’d love to hear how the course is going for you—even if you’re still getting started! Share in the comments: ✨ What lesson or module are you working through? ✨ What’s something you’ve learned or tried with your child or clients? ✨ What questions are coming up, or where could you use more support? There’s no pressure to be at a certain point. You can move at your own pace, revisit lessons, and ask questions along the way. Small wins count, too! I’d love to hear yours. 💜

Your child doesn't have to sit still. Your child doesn't have to make eye contact. Your child doesn't have to stop stimming. And your child DEFINITELY doesn't have to prove they're "ready" to communicate. One of the biggest misconceptions about AAC is that children need to demonstrate certain skills before they're allowed access to it. But AAC isn't a reward for demonstrating communication skills. AAC is a tool for developing them. 💜 Here's something I want you to try this week: ✨ Stop turning every AAC interaction into a question. Instead of asking, "What do you want?" and waiting for your child to find the right button, try modeling language during something they already LOVE. 🎵 Dancing together? Model "GO!" or "MORE!" 🚗 Playing with cars? Model "FAST!" or "STOP!" 😆 Being silly? Model "FUNNY!" or "AGAIN!" No pressure. No expectation to imitate. Just meaningful language modeled during authentic moments of connection. Because communication grows through connection, not compliance. 💬 LET'S TALK! What's ONE thing you struggle with when implementing AAC? Is it modeling consistently? Knowing which words to target? Getting other team members on board? Or something completely different? Drop your biggest AAC struggle below! 👇 I'll use your responses to help shape upcoming resources, trainings, and discussions inside our community. 💜 The Dramatic SLP Where Dramatic Arts Meets Speech Therapy 🎭

Halloween is SUCH a good opportunity to use drama, movement, pretend play, and repetition to support Gestalt Language Processors—so I put together something you can use all month long! I created 15 FREE Halloween Drama Activities for Gestalt Language Processors 🎭 Inside, you’ll find: 👻 Play-based Halloween activities 🎃 Gestalts you can naturally model during each activity 🎭 Drama + movement ideas 🗣️ GLP-friendly language modeling tips 🦇 Ideas you can use in therapy, at home, or in the classroom 💜 Reminders for keeping activities child-led and neurodiversity-affirming And the best part? You don't need to buy a bunch of Halloween therapy materials. These activities are designed to use things you probably already have—or just your imagination. ✨ The download is completely FREE for our Skool community! Grab your copy below and tell me in the comments: 👇 Which activity are you trying first? And if you use one in therapy, I would LOVE to hear how it goes! 🎃💜 Connection over compliance. Always.

We have so many new faces joining us FREE this month, and I wanted to officially say… we’re so happy you’re here! 💜 This community was created to be a space where parents, caregivers, SLPs, SLPAs, educators, and other professionals can learn more about AAC, Gestalt Language Processing, neurodiversity-affirming communication, regulation, and supporting authentic communication. And if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed about where to start — that’s okay. You don’t have to learn everything at once. ✨ Start exploring the trainings ✨ Download the resources that are helpful to you ✨ Ask questions in the community ✨ Share what you’re struggling with ✨ Join our discussions and live sessions ✨ Learn at YOUR own pace Most importantly, please introduce yourself below! 👇 Tell us: 💜 Your name 💜 Are you a parent, SLP, SLPA, educator, or other professional? 💜 What brought you to the community? 💜 What’s ONE thing you’d love to learn more about while you’re here? There are no “silly” questions here. You don’t need to already understand AAC or GLP to belong in this space. You’re here to learn—and we’re here to learn alongside you. Welcome to The Dramatic SLP community. 🎭💜 Connection over compliance. Always.