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.

In episode five of Infinite Bridges, Addison Kurtin speaks with behavioral pediatrician and founder of the autism early intervention program, The PLAY Project, Dr. Richard Solomon. This episode starts off by exploring what it's like working with parents and caregivers throughout an autism diagnosis. Then, Dr. Rick goes in-depth on the importance of ongoing autism research.

Together, we discuss:

- The four most common parent reactions to an autism diagnosis

- How The PLAY Project helps parents move from grief to empowerment

- The importance of incorporating joy, fun, and play into helping children with autism

- How early intervention can help parents and caregivers connect with their autistic children

- The research that has been done on Parent Implemented Models

- Harmful myths about autism, and what really causes it to develop

- Advice for parents who are trying to choose which type of intervention would be best for their autistic child

This episode is perfect for parents and caregivers, psychologists, researchers, and anyone who wants to learn more about early intervention and autism research!

Connect with our guest:

- Visit playproject.org to learn more about the early intervention work that Dr. Richard Solomon does.

Support theasdproject:

- Visit theasdproject.org and create a free account to access resources in our digital library, from guidebooks to articles that contribute to ASD advocacy and support autistic people in our community.

In this episode of the podcast, I, Keya Mysorekar, sit down with Allison Dickin—a mom raising a neurodivergent child and founder of Neura! As co-founder of The ASD Project and Infinite Bridges, sitting down with Allison was such an eye-opening conversation. We dive deep into what parenting a neurodivergent child actually looks like behind the scenes, from the initial struggles of being taken seriously to learning how to throw out useless advice and trust your instincts.

We cover so much ground in this episode, including:

- What teachers and schools constantly get wrong about supporting neurodivergent students

- Why we need to stop focusing on traditional milestones and start celebrating everyday connection

- How to make home a safe space where kids don't feel forced to mask or comply

- How high schoolers can step up as genuine, supportive allies for their peers

- Plus, a quick look into Allison’s work with Neura and how she’s helping other parents navigate this journey.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, this episode is packed with real talk and honest insights you won't want to miss. Tune in now!

Have any guest/topic requests? Please fill out the content request form HERE.

This truly wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible and kind guest, Allison Dickin. We look up to people just like her that keep advocating for the community. She is such an amazing person, making an app to make it easier for neurodivergent parents to navigate life. Thank you so much, Allison, for being a guest on our podcast. We could not be more grateful. Check out more information about Allison’s app HERE.

Content Request Link: https://www.theasdproject.org/blank-10

Allison Dickin’s Website:

https://neuraparent.com/?utm_source=asd_project&utm_medium=podcast-guest&utm_campaign=creator-batch-1

In the third episode of Infinite Bridges, co-founder Addison Kurtin speaks with therapist Stephanie Wright about how can counseling can help autistic clients move from disconnection to connection.

Together we discuss:

- How therapists work with autistic clients

-The importance of meeting clients where they're at

-How to understand the unique styles and modalities that different therapists apply

-Why a neurodiversity-affirming approach matters

-The importance of connection in therapy

-The resources that are available for autistic clients and their families

Whether you are interested in the world of psychology or you're looking to support autistic people in your community, this episode will teach you a lot about what an autism diagnosis means from a therapist's perspective!

Connect with our guest:

-Visit www.thewrightcounseling.com to learn more about Stephanie and what her private practice does

Support theasdproject:

Don't forget to create your free account at www.theasdproject.org to gain access to our digital library! We have a range of completely free guidebooks and articles designed to support daily living and contribute to ASD advocacy.

In this episode of Infinite Bridges, co-founder Keya Mysorekar interviews Ruhee Patkar, a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) to explore how we can better support autistic individuals in building daily skills, unlocking communication, and fostering independence.

Together, we discuss:

• The Role of an RBT
• Finding a Voice
• Behavior as Communication
• The Power of Play & Trust
• Steps to Independence
• Self-Advocacy & Boundaries
• At-Home Strategies

Whether you are a student looking to be a good friend, a parent navigating the world of behavior therapy, or an individual wanting to learn how daily skills can lead to greater autonomy, this episode is packed with practical tools!

Connect with our Guest:

• Be sure to follow Ruhee's work and connect with local supportive services in your community.

Support theasdproject:

• Don't forget to create your free account today at www.theasdproject.org to get notified the second our digital library launches! You'll get free access to guidebooks and articles designed to make daily living and advocacy easier.

In this kickoff episode, we are diving deep into the ultimate milestones of growing up: Driving, Work, and Independent Adulthood. Our incredible guess is Andrew Arboe - a professional speaker, autistic self-advocate, and founder of the Driving With Autism program. Together, we discuss:

- Hitting the Road: Why learning how to drive is such a massive milestone.

- Entering the Workplace: Crucial advice for young Autistic adults entering the workforce.

Steps to Adulthood: Practical daily life skills Autistic high school seniors can start practicing right now.

Whether you are an ASD high schooler preparing for the future, a parent guiding your child, or an individual wanting to hear the perspective of navigating Autism from a self-advocate, this episode is packed with important material!

Connect with our guest! Check out his incredible website: https://andrewarboe.weebly.com.

Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes; meanwhile, spread the word and check out resources on our website: www.theasdproject.org. Thanks for watching!