Advanced Presentation on Gestalt Language Processing and Natural Language Acquisition

Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Intended Audience: SLP, OT
Course level: Advanced
Check in time: 8:00AM-8:15AM (CST)
Course time: 8:15AM-3:30PM (CST)
Location:  Live Webinar Via Zoom
Total Contact hours: 6.0 (.6 ASHA Ceu's)

Course Fee: $125.00

SLP: Satisfactory Completion: Participants must attend the course in full and complete the course evaluation, including the intent to change statement, within 30 days to receive a certificate of completion. If the course is not attended in full, the CE hours on the certificate will be adjusted accordingly. Participants who do not attend meet these requirements cannot participate in the ASHA CE registry. 

ASHA CE Registry Submission: This course will be registered through ASHA for full course participation. During the course evaluation, if you participate in the ASHA CE Registry, you may request to receive ASHA CEUs for this course and provide your ASHA number. We will then automatically submit your CEU information to the ASHA CE Registry after successful course completion and full attendance.

OT/OTA: You will receive a certificate of course completion with total CE contact hours. M HEALTH
Fairview is no longer an approved provider through AOTA and has never been for distance learning.
You may still submit the hours towards your licensure and receive a certificate of completion with all
information to submit. For additional information about CE requirements for license, please see MN Statute 148.6443: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/148.644

Group Discounts: 
If two people from the same organization register for a course, each person will receive a 10% discount. Three or more registered will receive a 15% discount. Please email or call ahead of time with the names of the people who will be registering as a group, [email protected] or 612-672-5607.
**For Group discounts:  USE CODE rehab10 for 10% discount and rehab15 for 15% discount for group. 

 

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation Fee will apply

Course Description:

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of gestalt language development and the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) framework, supporting both foundational understanding and advanced clinical application. Designed for speech-language pathologists, educators, and related professionals, this training is ideal for those who are new to the topic as well as those looking to deepen and refine their skills.

Participants will gain a strong foundation in the NLA framework, the stages of gestalt language development, echolalia, and the unique developmental path of gestalt language processors. The course then builds toward advanced topics, including language sample collection and scoring, individualized support across the stages, goal writing, integrating AAC, parent education and coaching, and more.

Through real-life video examples, whole-group learning, and breakout discussions, this course equips professionals to confidently assess, support, and collaborate with gestalt language processors and their families in a neurodiversity-affirming way. 

Instructor:

Jessica Teixeira, M.S., CCC-SLP

Jessica Teixeira, MS, CCC-SLP, is a certified speech-language pathologist, international speaker, and owner of Play Haven Pediatric Therapy LLC. Specializing in gestalt language development and neurodiversity-affirming practices, Jess provides direct services, consultations, and coaching for parents, educators, and professionals. With extensive experience supporting children who are gestalt language processors, Jess has trained audiences worldwide, including school districts, clinics, and parent groups, and in partnership with Meaningful Speech. She is also a member of the Uniquely Human team Her work is grounded in child-led, strengths-based therapy that nurtures meaningful connection.

Financial Disclosure:
Jessica Teixeira receives financial compensation as the owner of Play Haven Pediatric Therapy, where she provides private therapy, consultation, and training services. Jessica is a paid contractor for both the Meaningful Speech and Uniquely Human teams. Jessica is being compensated for presenting this training. 

Non-Financial Disclosure:

Jessica Teixeira has a professional, non-financial relationship with professionals, individuals, and families in the gestalt language development community. She is an advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practices and supports the use of Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) as a framework for intervention.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this course, the therapist should be able to:

  • Define gestalt language development and explain the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) framework.
  • Identify key characteristics of gestalt language processors (GLPs) and differentiate them from analytic language processors.
  • Implement effective strategies to support GLPs across all stages of language development.
  • Assess language samples, write goals, and track progress for GLPs.
  • Introduce and implement AAC to support GLPs when appropriate.
  • Apply learning to real-life cases through discussion and breakout sessions

Agenda:

8:00–8:15 AM – Check-In
8:15–8:30 AM – Welcome, Introduction & Agenda Overview

8:30–9:05 AM – Overview of Gestalt Language Development (35 min)

  • Define gestalt language processing and Natural Language Acquisition (NLA)
  • Explore the stages of language development in GLPs

9:05–9:40 AM – Identifying Gestalt Language Processors (35 min)

  • Key characteristics of GLPs vs. analytic processors
  • Understanding echolalia as meaningful communication

9:40–10:15 AM – Where Do We Start? What Changes Can We Make? (35 min)

  • Shifting to a child-led, neurodiversity-affirming approach
  • Strategies for supporting regulation and connection

10:15–10:25 AM – Quick Stretch & Bathroom Break

10:25–10:40 AM – Q&A + Transition to Breakouts (15 min)

10:40–11:15 AM – Review & Breakout Sessions (35 min)

  • Reflect on key concepts
  • Discuss implementation strategies in small groups

11:15–12:05 PM – Assessment, Goal Writing & Language Sample Scoring (50 min)

  • How to analyze gestalt language samples
  • Writing meaningful, stage-aligned goals
  • Breakout session: Practice scoring and goal writing

12:05–12:50 PM – Lunch Break (45 minutes)

12:50–1:50 PM – Support Across the Stages (1 hour)

  • Strategies to support GLPs at each stage of NLA
  • Moving from echolalia to self-generated, flexible language

1:50–2:00 PM – Quick Stretch & Bathroom Break

2:00–2:30 PM – AAC & Gestalt Language Processors (30 min)

  • When to consider AAC
  • Supporting AAC users in a way that supports natural language acquisition

2:30–3:00 PM – Case Studies (30 min)

  • Real-life examples of GLP intervention
  • Collaborative problem-solving and discussion

3:00–3:30 PM – Final Q&A, Reflections & Takeaways (30 min)

  • Group Q&A
  • Participant reflections
  • Key implementation takeaways

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