Hyperlexia, Human Codes, and GLPs with Liz Watson

Pediatric Feeding Disorders and GLPs

Learn how gestalt-based approaches can transform feeding therapy for autistic children and their families. Guest: Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD [https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/pfd-and-glps] Watch on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VosAp7bGh5U&list=PLAqLI0-BOrrKT3Gvg7oOg6IPKwyzIlQc2] How can GLP-informed strategies support pediatric feeding therapy for autistic children? In this episode, Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, interviews Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, host of the First Bite SLP podcast, to explore her work on pediatric feeding disorders in young autistic individuals. They discuss subtle, often overlooked signs of PFD, as well as medical factors that can impact feeding and swallowing. Together, they explore evidence-informed approaches to care, including how to incorporate linguistic and cognitive gestalts into therapy to support meaningful progress. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how GLP-informed strategies align with feeding therapy to better support autistic children and their families. About the Guest: Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP works for Augusta County Public School as a full-time early intervention speech-language pathologist with the Infant and Toddler Connection of Augusta-Highland in Staunton, VA, and as an adjunct professor at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, NC. Additionally, she is the acclaimed host of “First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional,” a weekly speech therapy podcast that addresses “all thangs” of pediatric speech therapy and is presented by Speech Therapy PD. Michelle authored Chasing the Swallow: Truth, Science, and Hope for Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders. Show Notes: Feeding Matters [https://www.feedingmatters.org/] Feeding Matters PFD pdf [https://www.feedingmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/2019-01-JPGN-PFD-Consensus-Definition-and-Framework.pdf] Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body's Most Underrated Organ [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23013953-gut] Talk to Me Technologies [https://www.talktometechnologies.com/] SOS Approach to Feeding [https://sosapproachtofeeding.com/]

Gestalt Processor Play and Executive Functioning

Turn everyday play into powerful support for language and executive functioning. Guest: Rachel Terrell, M.S., CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD [https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/glp-play-and-ef] Watch on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28Cw6pg3Upc&list=PLAqLI0-BOrrKT3Gvg7oOg6IPKwyzIlQc2] In this episode of The Gestalt Get-Together, Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Rachel Terrell, M.S., CCC-SLP, CBIS, to explore the connection between gestalt language processing and executive functioning through play. Together, they discuss how to recognize different GLP play styles and what those preferences may reveal about underlying executive functioning challenges. The conversation highlights how play can offer valuable insight into regulation, flexibility, and organization. About the Guest: Rachel Terrell, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and founder of Rooted and Rising Therapies and NeuroNook. Through Rooted and Rising Therapies, she specializes in working with autistic children and gestalt language processors, focusing on executive functioning, AAC, and unmasking. NeuroNook aims to break down silos between disciplines and equip clinicians for regulation-first care. Through mentorship, speaking engagements, and digital resources, Rachel encourages therapists to build collaborative teams, challenge outdated models, and create therapy spaces where children feel seen, respected, and truly understood. Show Notes: Honoring Diverse Styles of Play [https://autismlittlelearners.com/autistic-play/]

Hyperlexia, Human Codes, and GLPs with Liz Watson

What if hyperlexia is not a barrier, but a bridge to language? Guest: Liz Watson, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD [https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/hyperlexia-human-codes] Watch on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TZEzKQTLg4&list=PLAqLI0-BOrrKT3Gvg7oOg6IPKwyzIlQc2] In this episode of The Gestalt Get-Together, host Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, sits down with Liz Watson, MS, CCC-SLP, to talk about hyperlexia through the lens of Gestalt Language Processing. They explore what hyperlexia really is, why many GLPs are drawn to what Liz calls “human codes” such as letters, numbers, and symbol systems, and how these interests can become powerful entry points into language. About the Guest: Liz Watson, MS, CCC-SLP, is a lifelong school-based SLP with a passion for working with hyperlexic kids. She specializes in the preschool age group and loves AAC. She is also a writer for The Informed SLP. Liz lives in Maryland with her wife, son, and two tiny dogs. Show Notes: What do autistic children who are interested in letters and numbers do with them? A qualitative study [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17482631.2025.2500851#abstract]

Collaborating with Music Therapists

Turn musical moments into meaningful communication breakthroughs. Guest: Mikelia Wallace, MT-BC/L Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD [https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/collaborating-with-music-therapists] Watch on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLL8oxR9krM] In this episode of The Gestalt Get-Together, Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, sits down with Mikelia Wallace, MT-BC/L, for an honest, interprofessional conversation about supporting highly musical gestalt language processors (GLPs). Together, they unpack how music therapists and speech-language pathologists can collaborate more effectively by clearly understanding each other’s scope of practice, education, and clinical lenses. Rather than overlapping roles, this conversation highlights how differences in training and perspective can be leveraged to improve outcomes for clients. About the Guest: Mikelia Wallace, MT-BC/L, is a board-certified and licensed music therapist who is passionate about encouraging self-exploration and skill development through music. She is particularly passionate about working with early intervention, neurodevelopmental disabilities, and medically complex youth. Mikelia strives to practice through a neuro-affirming lens and is focused on adapting and adjusting music interventions to accommodate and empower individuals.

OTs, SLPs, and Regulation with Erin Heyn

Bridging OT and SLP for stronger, more meaningful outcomes. Guest: Erin Heyn, OTD, OTR/L, CLC Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD [https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/ots-slps-and-regulation] Watch on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oee97ru2qcU&list=PLAqLI0-BOrrKT3Gvg7oOg6IPKwyzIlQc2&index=1] The OT–SLP relationship can be a powerful alliance. For neurodivergent children and their families, collaboration across disciplines can make a meaningful difference in relationships, regulation, access to learning, and the ability to build new skills. In this episode of The Gestalt Get-Together, Corinne Zmoos, MS, CCC-SLP, sits down with pediatric occupational therapist Erin Heyn to discuss centering caregiver regulation and cue-reading to create a strong foundation for skill acquisition. Erin shares how sensory processing and nervous system regulation shape everything - from attention and movement to feeding and connection - and why caregiver education and training are essential in early development. Together, they highlight simple ways to build stronger OT-SLP relationships that honor each child’s communication style and help them access their environment with confidence. You will come away with ideas for connecting with the OTs on your clients’ teams on this topic to enhance language acquisition. About the Guest: Erin Heyn, OTD, OTR/L, CLC, is a pediatric occupational therapist and lactation counselor who specializes in infant and toddler feeding and development. She started Tiny Tides Therapy, a mobile therapy practice, in January of 2025. Erin is passionate about supporting little ones and their families by meeting them where they are (literally) and finding ways to help them achieve their unique goals. Show Notes: The Pyramid of Learning [https://developlearngrow.com/the-pyramid-of-learning/]