Episode 13: Embracing the WHOLE Voice: How Natural Language Acquisition Supports Autistic Language Development

What this episode covers

Marge Blanc, M. A., CC C-SLP and Author of Natural Language Acquisition In this special Autism Acceptance Month episode, I'm honored to share a conversation with the incredible Marge Blanc, Speech-Language Pathologist and author of Natural Language Acquisition: On the Journey with Echolalia. Marge's work has been transformational for my family, opening up a whole new understanding of how autistic kids acquire and use language—especially those who are Gestalt Language Processors. We talk about what it really means to "embrace the whole voice," how echolalia is meaningful, and how Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) provides a compassionate, neuroaffirming framework for supporting language development. This episode is just the beginning—a gateway into the Total Communication movement, where scripts, AAC, gestures, intonation, and every form of authentic communication is celebrated and supported. Whether you're a parent, therapist, educator, or simply curious about how to support autistic communication in respectful and empowering ways, this episode is for you. Resources + Links: * Marge Blanc's Website (Communication Development Center): https://www.communicationdevelopmentcenter.com [https://www.communicationdevelopmentcenter.com/] * Natural Language Acquisition Book by Marge Blanc: https://www.communicationdevelopmentcenter.com/nla-book * Uniquely Human by Dr. Barry Prizant: https://www.barryprizant.com/uniquely-human * Ali Battye's New Book – My Child is Gestalt Language Processor: A Parent's Guide to NLA [https://www.routledge.com/Gestalt-Language-Processing-Supporting-Autistic-and-Neurodivergent-Children-with-Natural-Language-Acquisition/Battye/p/book/9781032716992?_ga=1311019044.1741984601&_gl=1%2A14ogk7g%2A_ga%2AMTMxMTAxOTA0NC4xNzQxOTg0NjAx%2A_ga_0HYE8YG0M6%2AMTc0MzU2MDA0Mi4yLjAuMTc0MzU2MDA0Mi4wLjAuMA.] * Affect Autism Blog & Podcast (DIR/Floortime & Gestalt Language) [https://affectautism.com/2024/02/16/glp/] Additional Courses:  * Meaningful Speech (NLA Courses & Parent Resources): https://www.meaningfulspeech.com [https://www.meaningfulspeech.com/] * Natural Communication https://naturalcommunication.com/  [https://naturalcommunication.com/] * Gestalt Language Processing An Introduction https://www.uncleft.com/courses/Gestalt-Language-Processing-An-Introduction-1715581721243-6641b3198993f577c539bca8 * Northern Speech Services NLA Level 1 Course: Linguistics of Echolalia in Language Development [https://www.northernspeech.com/speech-language-acquisition/natural-language-acquisition-in-autism-echolalia-to-self-generated-language-level-1/]