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Go Talking Ways

Speech & Language Therapist specialising in Neurodiversity & Gestalt Language Processing.

11/03/2026

This might look chaotic…

But this is actually how my brain works most days.

Thinking about communication.

Thinking about the nervous system.

Thinking about how language actually develops.

Thinking about how many families are still being told things that don’t quite fit their child.

Because the truth is, the more I’ve learned in nearly 20 years as a Speech & Language Therapist, the more I’ve realised something:

Communication isn’t just about words.

It’s about connection.
It’s about regulation.
It’s about feeling safe enough to interact with the world.

And when you start to understand things like gestalt language processing, sensory processing, and neurodivergent learning styles, suddenly a lot of children who once seemed “delayed” start to make a lot more sense.

This is the work I care deeply about.

And if you’re a parent trying to understand how your child communicates, you’re in the right place.

(Ps I actually really did see a bird).

Who else can relate to the million things to think about??

⸻
Steph | Go Talking Ways

01/03/2026

I say this with so much love…

But if you’re worried about your child’s speech,
and your main strategy is asking more questions:

“How was your day?”
“What’s this?”
“What colour is that?”
“Can you say it?”
“Why did you do that?”

… we need to gently rethink it.

Because here’s what’s happening underneath.

When a child is still developing language, especially if they’re a gestalt language processor, minimally speaking, or neurodivergent, every question carries an expectation.

Expectation = pressure.
Pressure = nervous system activation.
Nervous system activation = reduced access to language.

It’s not defiance.
It’s not ignoring you.
It’s not that they “can say it but won’t”.

Their brain is busy managing demand.

And the tricky bit?
As adults, we build connection through questions. It’s automatic. It’s how we sustain conversation.

But early language for children doesn’t grow from interrogation. It grows from modelling.

Instead of:
“What’s that?”

Try:
“Ohhh, big digger!”

Instead of:
“What are you doing?”

Try:
“You’re building a tower”.

Instead of:
“Can you say biscuit?”

Try:
“Biscuit. It’s a yummy biscuit”.

You’re not testing.
You’re teaching.
You’re lowering demand while increasing exposure to language.

And here’s the bit parents often tell me in clinic:

“But I know they knows it” (the words).

I know.
That’s the hardest part.

But communication isn’t about proving knowledge.
It’s about creating safety for it to show up.

I’m a Speech & Language Therapist based in Birmingham, nearly 20 years in, specialising in supporting children who communicate with difference, including gestalt language processors.

And one of the biggest shifts I see?

When parents reduce questions and increase connection.

If this feels like you (no shame, we’ve all done it), save this as your reminder.

And if you’re wondering whether your child’s communication style needs a different approach, my DMs are open. 🤍

⸻
Steph | Go Talking Ways

23/02/2026

The Department of Education’s SEND White paper has been published today: ’Every child achieving and thriving’… I’d love to know your initial thoughts…

Steph | Go Talking Ways

21/02/2026

I get so many messages like this every day.
Parents saying things like: “We’re not getting anywhere with our current speech and language therapy… Am I doing something wrong?” And after a little back-and-forth, I usually ask one question:
“Are you using natural language models?”

Silence. Then… “No… what’s that?”
And honestly, that’s so normal.
Because most parents haven’t been shown how to model language in a way that actually works for a Gestalt Language Processor.

Here’s the thing ⬇️
If your child is a GLP, single words won’t get you very far. They’re too small. Too disconnected. Too hard to break apart later.

GLPs need whole, meaningful chunks of language, phrases rooted in play, connection, sensory safety and real emotional experience.

So I’ll ask:
“When your child is playing, are you modelling the phrases they might want or need in that exact moment?”
“Are you commenting from their perspective?
“Are you using melody, rhythm, intonation?”
“Are you following their lead?”

And the parent goes:
“Oh… no. I’m asking questions… I’m using single words…I didn’t realise!”

And that’s when things shift.
Because once you switch to natural language models, and once you lean into a connection-based, child-led, sensory-informed approach…
✨ the magic happens ✨

Scripts start making sense.
Communication becomes easier.
Engagement grows.
And progress finally begins to feel… possible.

If any of this sounds like your child, autistic, PDA, non-speaking, using echolalia, or you suspect they might be a Gestalt Language Processor, please know this:

You’re not doing anything wrong.
You just haven’t been shown the right approach yet.

📞 Want clarity? Book a FREE 20-minute call with me. I’m a Speech and Language Therapist with near 20yrs experience in Birmingham specialising in GLP, sensory regulation, child-led therapy and neurodiversity-affirming practice. Let’s talk through your questions and get you unstuck. DM ‘CALL’ and book you in💛

Steph | Go Talking Ways

20/02/2026

If your child can talk but can’t answer questions, read this.

Some children aren’t delayed… they’re processing language differently.

If your child:
• repeats songs or TV scripts
• echoes your questions
• talks in chunks or phrases
• struggles to generate their own sentences

you might be looking at gestalt language processing, not just speech delay.

When we understand how a child processes language, we stop pushing and start supporting in ways that actually help communication grow.

I’m a Speech & Language Therapist, near 20yrs experience, based in Birmingham specialising in gestalt language processing and neuroaffirming, connection-based therapy for children learning and communicating with difference.

If this sounds like your child, you’re not alone… and you’re not behind.

DM me CHAT if you’re trying to figure out your child’s communication style and want the next steps.

⸻

Steph | Go Talking Ways

Address

Queslett Road East
Sutton Coldfield
B742EZ

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 1pm

Website

http://www.talkingways.co.uk/

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