Have you ever wondered why some children learn language in whole chunks, scripts, or movie lines rather than single words?

In this episode, we sit down with Brooke Sheena Sagherian, MA, CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist and owner of Sunny Speech. Brooke dives deep into Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), how children acquire language as "gestalts" or whole phrases, and why shifting to a neuro-affirming therapeutic approach makes all the difference in supporting authentic communication.

In this episode, we discuss:

What is Gestalt Language Processing? How GLP differs from Analytic Language Processing and how to recognize gestalt processors.

Reframing "Echolalia": Why repeating phrases, scripts, or songs is meaningful communication.

The Stages of GLP: How language develops from whole scripts into original, flexible sentences.

Neuro-Affirming Speech Therapy: What it looks like in practice and why honouring a child's natural learning style leads to better outcomes.

Practical Tips for Parents & Educators: How to support gestalt language processors at home and in the classroom without forcing traditional methods.

Whether you're a parent, therapist, educator, or simply passionate about neurodiversity, this episode will transform the way you view language development!

Connect with Brooke:

Website / Business: Sunny Speech: https://sunnyspeechmi.com

Instagram/Socials: @slpbrooke (Instagram)

Thank you to our incredible guest as always and stay tuned for more episodes! *Note: we are planning to have 15 episodes for season one and then plan to wrap up for this season! We have about ~12 episodes lined up, so make sure to sign up as a guest using the link above as soon as possible if you're interested in sharing your expertise with the ASD community!

Join Keya Mysorekar, co-founder of theasdproject, for a conversation with Rachael Iaquinto, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) at Simpli Speech. They discuss how music therapy and AAC tools come together to support non-speaking autistic youth, simple strategies for using special interests to build connection, and ways to support neurodiversity-affirming communication at home.

Check out Simpli Speech's resources at www.simplispeech.org

Check out theasdproject's other episodes at www.theasdproject.org/our podcast!

Interested in getting involved with our organization? Fill out a form at www.theasdproject.org/getinvolved (or email a PDF copy to our general team: info@theasdproject.org.)

Thank you to our incredible guest as always and stay tuned for more episodes! *Note: we are planning to have 15 episodes for season one and then plan to wrap up for this season! We have about ~12 episodes lined up, so make sure to sign up as a guest using the link above as soon as possible if you're interested in sharing your expertise with the ASD community!

In this episode, co-founder Keya Mysorekar sits down with Occupational Therapist Karly Smith to discuss practical approaches to supporting autistic youth.

We dive deep into how occupational therapy aids sensory integration, daily routines, and emotional regulation for individuals on the autism spectrum. Karly breaks down her go-to clinical tools and recommended resources for parents, educators, and peers who want to build more supportive environments.

Key Topics Covered:

• How occupational therapy addresses sensory processing and regulation in ASD
• Karly's top resources and strategies for supporting daily functional goals
• Practical ways to create autism-friendly spaces in schools and at home
• Insights on co-regulation and building client-centered routines

Check out Karly's incredible clinic - https://www.joyfulrootsot.com, as well as her instagram : @joyfulrootsot. Thank you, Karly! It was truly an honor to have you on our podcast!

In the meantime, check out our website that will soon feature a digital library - create a free account today!

*OUR BOARD APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO AUGUST 23RD, 11:59 PM! Are you a passionate middle/high schooler in Michigan? If so, APPLY TODAY USING THIS APPLICATION LINK! So many perks, including bonus volunteer hours, non-college related letter-of-rec. opportunities, leadership exposure/recognition, a chance to win an award, and MUCH MORE! We strongly encourage you to apply - it will be an INCREDIBLE experience! Questions? Email info@theasdproject.org! We can't wait to read your applications!

Stay tuned for more episodes! Thank you for watching.