Go Talking Ways

02/09/2025

We often talk about identifying Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs) through their spoken language, like echolalia.

But what if your child is non or minimally-speaking? How do you recognise their language style then?

That’s exactly my job… and here are some of the signs I look for ⬇️

🎶 A love of repeating songs, rhymes, and actions (often in sequence).
📺 Repetition of favourite shows, clips, or characters in their play.
🎵 Humming or vocalising familiar tunes, even without words.
✨ Play or routines that are highly sequenced, and sometimes distress if those sequences are interrupted.

These are often overlooked, but they’re powerful signs your child may be a Gestalt Language Processor, even without lots of spoken words.

💡 Why does this matter? Because recognising your child’s language style is the first step in supporting them effectively, building connection, regulation, and communication in ways that are natural and affirming.

If this resonates and you’d like more information, or you’re wondering if your child may be a GLP, reach out. With nearly 20 years’ experience as a Speech & Language Therapist and now specialising in GLP, this is exactly what I help families understand. 💛



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Steph | Go Talking Ways

01/09/2025

✨ 5 Myths About Autism We Need to Unlearn ✨

Autism is still surrounded by so many outdated stereotypes, and these myths can cause real harm. Parents worry their child will be misunderstood. Teachers miss the chance to connect. Professionals risk overlooking strengths.

Here are 5 of the biggest myths I hear, and the truths we need to keep shouting about ⬇️

1️⃣ Eye contact isn’t the only way to listen.✅
2️⃣ Autistic people absolutely do feel empathy.✅
3️⃣ A brilliant sense of humour is common!✅
4️⃣ Friendships might look different, but they are real and meaningful.✅
5️⃣ Autism is not a single story, every child, every adult, is different.✅

The more we flip the lens, the more we can see autistic children for who they truly are, not what myths or stereotypes suggest. 💛

💬 I’d love to hear from you: Which of these myths have you or your child bumped up against most often?

👉 Save this post to share with teachers, family, or friends who might need a mindset shift this September.

Steph | Go Talking Ways

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26/08/2025

✨ Back to School with a Neurodiverse Lens ✨

September can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once - for children, parents, and teachers. For neurodiverse children, the transition back into school often brings extra challenges.

Here’s what I wish every teacher knew as we step into a new term 👇

1️⃣ Behaviour is communication. Always.
2️⃣ Regulation comes before learning.
3️⃣ Connection creates safety.
4️⃣ Communication isn’t just words.
5️⃣ Every child is different, every day.

When we flip the lens and see children through their needs, not their “deficits,” we begin to nurture an environment where they can truly thrive.

This is at the heart of my therapy approach - connect, regulate, engage, communicate. It’s not a staircase; it’s a cycle. When children feel safe and regulated, they can play, connect, and communicate in ways that are natural and meaningful to them.

💬 I’d love to know:
Parents → what’s one thing you wish your child’s teacher knew this year?
Teachers → what’s one change you’re making to support neurodiverse learners?

Let’s keep this conversation going.

23/08/2025

Does your child ever say “I feel funny… but I don’t know why”?

That might be alexithymia - a genuine difficulty recognising and describing emotions.
It affects around 1 in 10 people and over half of autistic individuals.

It’s not that children with alexithymia don’t feel.
They feel deeply - but linking those internal body signals to emotions like anger, sadness, excitement or fear can be incredibly hard.

That’s why a child might:
💜 Only describe feelings as “good” or “bad”
💜 Not realise they’re hungry, anxious, or in pain until it’s overwhelming
💜 Confuse emotions (like excitement and anxiety) because their bodies feel so similar

👉 Here are 3 small things you can try right now:
1. Body check-ins – help your child notice how different feelings show up in their body.
2. Body mapping – draw feelings on a body outline together to make them visible.
3. Safe sensory spaces – create calm corners where your child can regulate before talking about feelings.

This is exactly what we explore in my therapy space using the GTWS approach - child-led, neurodiversity-affirming, and rooted in connection.

💬 When you’re ready… when you’re tired of second-guessing, and when you want support that truly “gets” your child… DM me CONNECT.
You won’t have to figure this out on your own anymore.

Steph xx | Go Talking Ways

22/08/2025

We’ve hit that stage of the summer where every parent’s running on fumes, the fridge is permanently empty, and bedtime is a distant memory.

The countdown is on.

Every year it’s the same soundtrack:
✔️ “Summer’s gone so fast!” (Sure, if fast = 6 weeks of snacks every 7 minutes).
✔️ “I could do with another holiday.” (Preferably alone. In silence.)
✔️ “This year I’ll label everything.” (No, you won’t. Don’t lie to yourself.)

September is basically parent New Year. Fresh start, fresh uniforms, fresh lies about how on top of things we’ll be 😂

So if you’re staring at the mountain of school shoes and stationery lists… you’re not alone. We’re all right there with you, muttering the same phrases and clinging to the promise of routine.

👉 Tag the parent mate who’s texted you “Is it September yet?”

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20/08/2025

Do you ever feel like your child has so much to say… but just can’t get the words out?

You’re not alone. I hear this from parents all the time:
➡️ The frustration of not knowing what your child needs.
➡️ The worry about whether they’ll ever “catch up.”
➡️ The guilt of wondering if you’re doing enough.

Here’s the truth: communication is so much more than speech. And when we start to notice all the ways our children are already communicating, something shifts.

💡 Here are 3 powerful ways to support your child right now:
⭐ Look beyond speech → gestures, eye gaze, vocalisations, even whole-body actions all count.
⭐ Follow their lead → connection first, language follows.
⭐ Model, don’t pressure → describe what’s happening in the moment and let your child take it in.

👉 This is exactly what I do in therapy. In clinic, I create a safe, playful space where children feel free to connect and communicate. And YOU truly feel seen. Online, I coach and empower parents with the tools tailored to you to bring that same progress into daily life.

Your child deserves to feel heard. And you deserve to feel supported.

💬 Ready to take the next step? Book your initial assessment today (face-to-face or online). Dm ‘Go’ and let’s make this the most important message you send today xx

10/11/2024