This comprehensive training, offered through Speech Dude as an ASHA-approved CEU provider, will empower educators and therapists to shift from traditional, deficit-based approaches to neurodiversity-affirming strategies that prioritize self-advocacy, autonomy, and perspective-taking. You'll learn how to develop goals that encourage students to reflect on their internal experiences, understand others' viewpoints, and explore strategies to that fosters critical thinking, social-emotional well-being, and authentic connections.
You'll also gain practical tools for creating strengths-based, individualized reports and goals that highlight each student's abilities, reducing anxiety and promoting genuine peer relationships. With a focus on holistic, informal assessments, you'll learn to gather valuable insights from parents, teachers, and students to create a well-rounded understanding of their needs.
Armed with research-backed resources and strategies, this training will empower you to confidently advocate in meetings and clinical settings while designing interventions that truly support neurodivergent learners in a way that is inclusive, effective, and affirming.
What You’ll Learn:
- Deficit vs. Strengths-Based Language: Shift from focusing on what students can’t do to highlighting their abilities and natural communication strengths.
- Holistic Assessment: Use informal, student-centered assessments to get a full picture of each child’s needs and strengths, in partnership with teachers, parents, and the students themselves.
- Real-Life Application: Gain practical strategies for supporting neurodiverse students in everyday settings, from the classroom to social situations.
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By the end of this course, you’ll feel confident in writing reports that reflect your student’s true potential, creating goals that empower and connect rather than restrict.
Ready to change the way you approach therapy?
Join us today and start making a difference with strengths-based strategies that support authentic communication and emotional growth.
Timed Agenda for How to Better Assess Your Autistic Students:
- 10 minutes: Introduction & Assessment Approaches
- 20 minutes: Report Considerations and Writing Tips
- 20 minutes: Reframing Practices for Holistic Assessments
- 10 minutes: Review and Closing
Timed Agenda for ND Affirming Goal Writing:
- 10 minutes: Introduction to Goal Writing and Perspectives
- 10 minutes: Alternative Approach to Social Skills Goals
- 10 minutes: Self-Advocacy and Perspective-Taking
- 10 minutes: Social Skills vs. Self-Advocacy Goals
- 10 minutes: Resources for Writing Neurodiversity-Affirming Goals
- 10 minutes: Re-thinking our role in goal writing
Meet the Speakers:
Chris Wenger ("Speech Dude"): As a school-based SLP and creator of the Dynamic Assessment of Social Emotional Learning (DASEL), Chris brings a unique blend of humor and insight to his work. His engaging style and dedication to innovative practices have inspired professionals worldwide.
Jessie Ginsburg ("Sensory SLP"): CEO of Pediatric Therapy Playhouse in Los Angeles, Jessie is a leading voice in sensory integration and neurodiversity affirming practices. Her Inside Out Sensory Certificate Program has revolutionized therapeutic approaches for autistic children, providing a compassionate and effective framework for support.
Speaker Disclosures:
Chris Wenger
- Financial: Receives a salary from the Chaffey Joint Union High School District, royalties from product sales on his website, and a speaker honorarium.
- Non-financial: Co-chair for the West End SELPA SLP Forum.
Jessie Ginsburg
- Financial: CEO of Pediatric Therapy Playhouse, receives royalties from her Inside Out Sensory Certificate Programs, and a speaker honorarium.
Non-financial: No non-financial disclosures at this time.
Unlock the Power of Strengths-Based Approaches in Speech Therapy
Learning Objectives:
- Reframe Deficit-Based Language: Learners will be able to identify and replace deficit-based language with strengths-based language in reports, focusing on the student's unique abilities and interests to foster positive outcomes.
- Create Strengths-Based Goals: Learners will gain the skills to develop individualized goals that prioritize authentic communication, peer connections, and self-advocacy, while reducing anxiety and supporting neurodivergent students in real-world settings.
- Apply Holistic Assessment Strategies: Learners will demonstrate the ability to conduct informal assessments, using input from teachers, parents, and students, to create a comprehensive view of each child's strengths and needs, supporting
- Understanding Neurodiversity-Affirming Goals: Participants will be able to differentiate between compliance-based social goals and neurodiversity-affirming goals that emphasize self-advocacy and perspective-taking.
- Writing Meaningful and Inclusive Goals: Participants will gain practical strategies for writing goals that promote autonomy, critical thinking, and self-reflection in students, while respecting their individual perspectives.
- Advocating for Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices: Participants will learn how to use research-backed resources to advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practices in IEP meetings, clinical discussions, and educational settings.
