In today's episode, we're leaning into a new way of thinking--particularly when it comes to special high-valued interests for gestalt language processers. Instead of seeing special interests and scripting as behaviors to minimize, we'll explore how they can be superpowers for AAC users. We'll hear from Katilin Mulcahey, an SLP who's discovered the magic of embracing and incorporating special interests in AAC implementation.
We'll explore how bugs and toilets can become communication tools, how Dr. Pepper might mean "brown", and how leaning into these special interests can build bridges to meaningful language connections.
Kaitlin Mulcahey M.S., CCC-SLP is a pediatric speech and language pathologist and the owner of Competent Communicators LLC in East Providence RI. She graduated from Loyola University Maryland with a Masters degree in Speech and Language Pathology after graduating with an undergraduate degree from The University of South Florida. She strongly believes that each child is unique and has individual strengths and needs. She does not believe in one-size-fits-all recommendations regarding intervention and therapy for children. Though she works with children with a variety of speech and language disorders, she is particularly passionate about working with autistic children -- particularly, AAC and gestalt language processing. She has completed a variety of continuing education in order to provide best-practice when working with neurodivergent children. Her therapy approach is child-centered, play-based, neurodiveristy affirming therapy that focuses on the whole child. She is also passionate about incorporating families into therapy for best outcomes.
Intro: 00:00
Kaitlin interview & Background 4:47
Incorporating Special Interests in AAC and GLP: 8:00
Favorite AAC Moment 20:04
Innovative Activity: Let's Go Fishing 23:27
Resources:
www.communicationdevelopmentcenter.com
www.meaningfulspeech.com
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZviyS9ogtN-J9U7o0FDJjF0F7fHFfX8O?usp=drive_link
https://www.instagram.com/kaitlinmulcaheyslp/