In this episode, we delve into the stages of gestalt language processing, exploring how children learn language in chunks and progress to more flexible speech. We discuss the importance of child-led therapy, emphasizing the need to follow our children's lead in their learning and development. We also examine the role of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in achieving communication goals, sharing examples from our personal experiences with our own children. Join us as we navigate the challenges and triumphs of language development, offering insights and strategies for supporting neurodivergent children in their communication journeys. Terms to know: Spoons: In the context of neurodiversity, "spoons" is a metaphor used to quantify the amount of mental or physical energy a person has available for daily activities and tasks. Neurodivergent individuals often use this metaphor to explain their energy levels and capacity for social interactions, work, and self-care. ALP (Analytical Language Processor): Analytical Language Processing refers to a more traditional and linear approach to language acquisition, where individuals learn language by breaking it down into smaller components, such as phonemes, morphemes, words, and then sentences. GLP (Gestalt Language Processor): Gestalt language processing is a way some individuals, particularly autistic people, develop language. Instead of learning individual words first, they learn "chunks" of language, or gestalts, which can be entire phrases or sentences. Over time, they break down these chunks into smaller parts and recombine them to form new, meaningful expressions. NLA (Natural Language Acquisition): Natural Language Acquisition is a developmental framework that supports the language development of gestalt language processors. Apraxia: Apraxia, or childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) when referring to children, is a motor speech disorder where the brain has difficulty coordinating the muscle movements needed for speech. "WH" (Questions): Questions that start with who, what, where, when, why, and how, used to gather information and clarify understanding. Verbal Operants: Fundamental units of language used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to understand and teach communication. They represent different functions of language and how language is used to achieve specific outcomes. Key verbal operants include: Mand, Tact, Echoic, Intraverbal, Textual, Transcription Enjoyed this podcast episode? Please subscribe and leave a review! Follow us on instagram: @notatigermompodcast Jenny - @msjennybx Bettina - @itsannbettina Mentioned - @jesstheslp
