Supporting Early Gestalt Language Processors and Autistic Children in Child-Led Therapy: Practical Tools for Connection and Growth

with Nicole Casey, MS, CCC-SLP
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 11:00am - 1:00pm (PST)
Virtual Event

Can't attend the event live? Register to receive access to the recording!

This 2-hour training will focus on practical, neuroaffirming strategies to support early gestalt language processors and autistic children through a child-led approach. Instead of relying on rigid, compliance-based methods, participants will learn how to create therapy spaces that prioritize regulation, connection, and authentic communication.

We’ll explore how to model language in natural, everyday ways, integrate multimodal communication, and follow a child’s lead while still expanding opportunities for growth. Through real-life examples, guided reflection, and actionable tools, attendees will leave feeling more confident in supporting children and families with approaches that truly honor each child’s process.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, you'll learn

• Apply child-led principles to therapy with early communicators, including the 3 Freedoms (choose, change, end).
• Use natural language modeling strategies that expand children’s communication without pressure.
• Incorporate multimodal supports (gestures, AAC, play actions, etc.) to honor all forms of communication.
• Reframe therapy goals and progress measures to reflect connection, regulation, and authentic growth.
• Design therapy environments and routines that emphasize safety, flexibility, and trust.

Nicole Casey, MS, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist, founder of the Child-Led Therapy Center, and creator of The Child-Led SLP. With over a decade of experience supporting autistic children and their families, Nicole is a leading voice in child-led, neuroaffirming approaches to speech therapy and shares weekly on her podcast Let Them Lead:The Child-Led Autism Podcast. Read more HERE

Non-Member: $55
IDA Agency/Individual Member: $40
IDA Parent/Student/New Clinician Member: $30

IDA CE Hours: Nursing, PT, Speech and Language $20 (2.0 hour)
CDI CE Hours: LCSW, LMFT, LEP, LPCC (you will be invoiced)

ADA Requests: As a part of the Infant Development Association’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, we offer accommodations when possible. Please email IDA at [email protected] 10 business days prior to the event to request accommodations (ASL interpretation, large print, etc.).

Limited number of scholarships available

REGISTER NOW