When Models Aren't Sticking: Supporting Minimally Speaking GLPs
Professionals often encounter minimally or non-speaking gestalt language processors (GLPs) who do not progress through Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) stages in typical ways. Despite consistent modeling, regulation, and child-led support, gestalt language development may appear stalled, leaving clinicians and caregivers uncertain about next steps. This 90 minute intensive, led by Katja Piscitelli, M.S., CCC-SLP, provides a structured exploration of intervention strategies for GLPs whose communication development diverges from expected NLA patterns. Participants will examine the intersection of gestalt language processing, motor speech challenges, and neurodiversity-affirming practice.
Speaker
Katja Piscitelli, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and the owner of Total Spectrum Speech Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming speech and occupational therapy center in Sacramento, California. Katja is passionate about supporting autistic children through child-led therapy, with a focus on gestalt language development and AAC. In her free time, Katja shares therapy insights on social media, as @bohospeechie.
Built for you
Who this course is for
Every minute is written for working clinicians, educators, and families. You walk away with real-world tools to try with your next learner, not abstract theory.
Speech-Language Pathologists
Behavior Specialists
Educators
Parents & Caregivers
After this course
What you’ll walk away with.
You leave with concrete skills and frameworks you can apply in your next session, classroom, or family visit, not just ideas to think about later.
Earn your CEUs
Attend the full course and pass the post-session assessment at 80% or higher. Your 0.15 ASHA CEUs are reported to ASHA when you opt in on the assessment.
- 01
You’ll be able to
Identify indicators of motor planning challenges in autistic children, including subtle presentations.
- 02
You’ll be able to
Identify signs of gestalt language in non or minimal speakers.
- 03
You’ll be able to
Explain why "modeling without expectation" may not always be effective, and implement alternative approaches.
The full 1.5 hours
Your learning path.
- 1
12-12:15 - Why are kids minimally speaking? Covering reasons why autistic children may not speak reliably. 12:15-12:30 - Understanding how motor planning deficits may show up in autistic kids! 12:30-45 - Motor Planning Deficits in Gestalt Language Processors 12:45-1:00 - Using the Dyspraxia Hierarchy of Supports for Dyspraxia to support nonspeakers 1-1:30 - Supporting motor speech strategies in gestalt language processors with suspected Childhood Apraxia of Speech
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Free courses, ASHA CEUs when you opt in.
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Pass the assessment
Complete the short post-course assessment with 80% or higher to confirm mastery.
CEUs reported to ASHA
Choose to be reported on the assessment and your 0.15 ASHA CEUs are filed to ASHA for you. No paperwork, no chasing certificates.
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