Inclusive of autistic and other neurodivergent voices, the DIVERG. podcast exists to bridge the gap between specialized knowledge and everyday parenting. We bring together forward-thinking experts who champion neuroaffirming and developmentally-based approaches to therapy, education, and life, while addressing the systemic challenges that families and individuals face in environments not designed for diverse minds. Insight by insight, we are building community and making space for all kinds of minds.
All content for The DIVERG. Podcast is the property of Kristi Bergeron and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Inclusive of autistic and other neurodivergent voices, the DIVERG. podcast exists to bridge the gap between specialized knowledge and everyday parenting. We bring together forward-thinking experts who champion neuroaffirming and developmentally-based approaches to therapy, education, and life, while addressing the systemic challenges that families and individuals face in environments not designed for diverse minds. Insight by insight, we are building community and making space for all kinds of minds.
Episode 13: Embracing the WHOLE Voice: How Natural Language Acquisition Supports Autistic Language Development
The DIVERG. Podcast
1 hour 16 minutes
7 months ago
Episode 13: Embracing the WHOLE Voice: How Natural Language Acquisition Supports Autistic Language Development
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/]
* Meaningful Speech (NLA Courses & Parent Resources):
https://www.meaningfulspeech.com [https://www.meaningfulspeech.com/]
* Natural Language Acquisition Book by Marge Blanc:
https://www.communicationdevelopmentcenter.com/nla-book
* Unique Human by Dr. Barry Prizant:
https://www.barryprizant.com/uniquely-human
* Ally Batey'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/]
The DIVERG. Podcast
Inclusive of autistic and other neurodivergent voices, the DIVERG. podcast exists to bridge the gap between specialized knowledge and everyday parenting. We bring together forward-thinking experts who champion neuroaffirming and developmentally-based approaches to therapy, education, and life, while addressing the systemic challenges that families and individuals face in environments not designed for diverse minds. Insight by insight, we are building community and making space for all kinds of minds.
