Guest: Bridget Hoffman, MA, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.15 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/preschool-glps

Join host Corinne Zmoos and guest Bridget Hoffman in this episode of the Gestalt Get Together podcast as they delve into the intricacies of Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) within the realm of early intervention. Corinne and Bridget discuss strategies for fostering relationships with teachers and parents, the importance of understanding varied value systems, and innovative approaches for integrating Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices in preschool settings. Learn how to effectively build therapeutic alliances to create a supportive environment for autistic children and individuals with learning differences (GLPs), and gain insights into blending Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles into your practice. This engaging conversation touches on practical tips, personal anecdotes, and evidence-based practices to enhance your work with GLPs and their educational ecosystems.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Welcome to the Gestalt Get Together

01:53 Introducing Bridget Hoffman

02:52 Bridget's Journey into Early Intervention

07:41 Building Rapport with Teachers

18:43 The Importance of Values in Therapy

39:00 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Practice

49:02 Exploring ACT and ABA in Therapy

50:28 Speech Therapy and ABA: Bridging the Gap

51:12 Challenges and Realities of ABA

53:33 Introducing AAC in Early Intervention

54:54 Strategies for AAC Implementation

58:46 Building Connections Through AAC

01:22:10 Therapeutic Alliance and Secondary Systems

01:26:00 Conclusion and Resources

Earn 0.15 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=SelfAdvocacy-and-AAC

Join us in this captivating episode of the Gestalt Get Together, where Corinne Zmoos delves into the intersection of Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with special guest and speech-language pathologist, Brianna Guerrero. From personal anecdotes of working with GLP clients to discussions of bodily autonomy, advocacy, and inclusivity, this conversation is brimming with valuable insights. Learn how creating tailored AAC strategies and collaborating with other professionals can enrich the lives of neurodivergent individuals, and discover the importance of preparing clients for medical procedures through sensory and language experiences. Don't miss this invaluable dialogue geared towards growing your knowledge base and boosting your confidence in working with GLPs.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction to the Gestalt Get Together Podcast

01:33 Meet Brianna Guerrero: A Passionate Speech Language Pathologist

02:14 Brianna's Journey with Gestalt Language Processors

05:03 The Role of AAC in Communication

06:58 Client Success Stories with AAC

14:35 Self-Advocacy and Its Importance

26:00 Challenges and Strategies in AAC Implementation

33:30 Ethical Considerations in AAC and Physical Prompting

46:33 Collaborative Approach to AAC and Motor Planning

47:57 End Silence Project: AAC Users and Abuse

49:09 Motor Differences and Sensory Processing in Autism

50:17 Challenges in Communicating Pain and Discomfort

53:11 Technical Difficulties and Communication Breakdown

54:07 Reflecting on Body Scheme Representation

01:08:18 Preparing for Medical Procedures with AAC

01:16:52 Advocacy and Resources for AAC Users

01:29:28 Final Thoughts and Resources

About the Guest: Brianna Guerrero, MS, CCC-SLP, founded Lotus Bloom Speech Therapy Inc. She is a certified bilingual (English/Spanish) speech-language pathologist and received her master's degree at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. Brianna has experience working in school, clinic, and home settings, specializing in supporting individuals with complex communication needs, augmentative and alternative communication, and scripting (gestalt language processing). The mission of Lotus Bloom Speech is to provide neurodiversity affirming, strengths-based, child-led speech therapy services. Brianna strives to continue learning and growing in her practice as a therapist, helping children blossom into the best versions of their authentic selves.

Guest: Monica Reaves, LCSW-C, M.Ed.

Earn 0.15 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=An-Interprofessional-Discussion-About-GLPs-and-Imagery

Join Corinne Zmoos in an illuminating episode as she welcomes guest Monica Reaves, a clinical social worker and special education teacher, to discuss Gestalt Language Processing (GLP). Monica shares profound insights from her professional experience and personal life, raising an autistic child who is a GLP. The episode explores strategies for connecting with GLP kids, understanding their unique expressions, and promoting an inclusive environment both at home and in clinical settings. Learn about the importance of detective work, the role of special interests, and the use of declarative language to improve communication with GLP individuals. Whether you're a speech therapist, a parent, or a professional working with neurodiverse individuals, this episode is packed with valuable information and practical takeaways.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:42 Meet Monica Reaves: A Unique Perspective

03:15 Understanding Gestalt Language Processing

05:38 GLP at Home: Personal Experiences

07:56 Clinical Insights and Therapeutic Approaches

18:35 The Role of Metaphors in Therapy

40:45 Building Rapport and De-escalation Techniques

46:41 Exploring Somatic Techniques

49:16 The Power of Declarative Language

54:49 Self-Advocacy in Pre-Teen GLP Life

01:03:22 Analogical Reasoning and Special Interests

01:19:48 Building Trust Through Special Interests

01:25:25 Q&A and Final Thoughts

About the Guest:

Monica Reaves, LCSW-C, M.Ed., is a clinical social worker with 14 years of experience in various settings, including mental health clinics, hospital psychiatric units, forensic interviewing for child welfare services, and special education environments. For the past 9 years, Monica has also worked as a special education teacher, providing individualized and group instruction in both private homes and clinic settings. She hold a Master's degree in Social Work with a clinical concentration in children and families from the University of Maryland, Baltimore's School of Social Work, and a Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in special education with a certificate in autism from George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development. Monica's practice, My Pace Learning and Behavioral Health, supports neurodiverse clients in making empowered choices and achieving their goals, while providing tools to help navigate a neurotypical world.

Mentioned in this episode:

Free 6-Hour Conference

PFD in Schools: Learning from the Trailblazers: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/pfd