From Scripting to Sharing: How AAC Supports Meaningful Gestalt Language Development
This presentation explores how augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can be effectively integrated to support gestalt language learners as they move from echolalic scripts toward self-generated, meaningful communication. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the stages of Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), how to identify and honor gestalt communication, and ways to use AAC systems to nurture authentic expression across stages.
Speaker
Ryann Sutera, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a neurodiversity-affirming speech-language pathologist and content creator. She earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Duquesne University and holds licensure in Pennsylvania and California, as well as her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA. Passionate about advocacy and education, Ryann creates accessible content to raise awareness and understanding of neurodiversity, communication, and inclusive care. Through her platform, @support_the_spectrum (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook), she bridges the gap between professionals, caregivers, and the broader community to promote meaningful connection and informed support.
Disclosure: Ryann is being compensated for this presentation.
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
Describe the stages of Gestalt Language Processing and their implications for AAC implementation.
- 02
You’ll be able to
Identify ways to support gestalt communicators through multimodal and neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
- 03
You’ll be able to
Develop AAC strategies that facilitate movement from delayed echolalia to original, self-generated communication.
The full 1.5 hours
Your learning path.
- 1
Understanding Gestalt Language Processing
0-20 minutes - 2
AAC Integration Across GLP Stages
20-45 minutes - 3
Practical Strategies and Case Applications
45-65 minutes - 4
Caregiver and Team Collaboration
65-80 minutes - 5
Wrap-Up
80-90 minutes
Earn ASHA CEUs in three steps
Free courses, ASHA CEUs when you opt in.
Register & attend
Register in under a minute and watch on-demand, whenever it fits your schedule.
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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