Positive Interactions Therapy

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United States
Noblesville, IN
Positive Interactions Therapy

Neurodiversity affirming play-based, child-led speech therapy for gestalt language processors.

07/31/2025

I’m using another amazing post from Meaningful Speech (whole post above in my story) to hammer home the importance of developing and using the right goals and supports for a different kind of language development. This is the start of a new school year for many. Let’s get off on the right foot so that our gestalt language processors can be successful AND we’re not feeling as parents, teachers and SLP’s, that we’re banging our heads against the wall the wall. I’ve done that. As a matter of fact, I did not understand gestalt language development for 26 of my 29 years of practice. But now I do and the progress and successes are AMAZING! Do you need help understanding if your child is a GLP? Do you need help writing goals or providing the proper support for this different kind of language development? Not only do I provide therapy exclusively to GLP’s, I provide staff training, I speak to parent groups, and I provide consultation and mentorship to those who are interested in helping the GLP’s in their lives. Drop a comment below or contact me directly.

07/29/2025

As we begin a new school year, this is my PSA for parents and professionals who work have or work with gestalt language processors. Gestalt language is a DIFFERENT kind of language development than what most people understand and learned about in grad school- most doctors, speech pathologists and teachers are not aware of this kind of language development. As a result, GLP’s are not getting the kind of therapy they need to become self-generating communicators. Different language development means we need to use different strategies!!!! If this is something new or you don’t understand but want more info, you can start by going to meaningfulspeech.com to learn more. I’m also available for ongoing consultations and mentoring. This knowledge has changed my approach COMPLETELY and as a result, I have been able to positively affect the lives of more than 80 kids in the past 3 years. I’m passionate about getting out the word about GLP’s and what kinds of support they need.

07/21/2025

Many gestalt language processors start speaking through their passions, special interests, and enthusiasms. Letters. Dinosaurs. Music. Garbage trucks.

These aren’t just “likes” or hobbies—they’re deeply meaningful and often tied to regulation, joy, and language. For many autistic children, early gestalts (scripts or echolalia) are built around what they love most.

When we join a child in their world—talking about the T-Rex, singing with them, watching the garbage truck roll by—we create opportunities to naturally model language that feels safe and exciting.

🦕 “It’s stomping!”
🎵 “Turn it up!”
🚛 “There it goes!”

These kinds of interactions can help build shared language that’s rooted in connection.

When we lean into what lights a child up, we’re not just playing—we’re supporting communication in a way that’s respectful, natural, and affirming.

07/16/2025

🍦 ICE CREAM SOCIAL THIS FRIDAY! 🍦
Join us at We Rock the Spectrum – Carmel for the sweetest day of the week!
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🗓 Friday | 11AM–4PM
💲 $20 gets you:
🍨 One delicious scoop of ice cream
🤸‍♂️ TWO hours of Open Play fun!
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Cool treats + sensory-friendly play = the perfect summer combo! ☀️
Tell your friends, bring the kiddos, and let’s chill together!
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📍No RSVP needed – just come ready to rock (and snack)!

07/15/2025

We don’t just include play—we center everything around it. Because play is how kids explore the world, process emotions, build relationships, and learn.

Our approach is child-led and play-based, which means:

We follow each child’s interests, cues, and pace. Instead of directing them, we join them—creating space for autonomy, communication, and genuine connection.

We use play as the primary tool for learning and therapy. It’s not rigid drills—it’s about movement, imagination, joy, and interaction.

This approach builds trust, encourages engagement, strengthens relationships, and allows for real growth—all while having FUN!

And yes, sometimes it gets a little messy… but that’s okay! That’s often where the magic happens.

07/08/2025

“First/Then” language—and how it can easily become something it was never meant to be.

“First/then” can be a helpful visual and verbal tool. It helps with sequencing. It can reduce anxiety by making expectations clear. It’s often used alongside visual schedules, and when done right, it’s a respectful way to support a child’s understanding of what’s coming next.

But here’s where it can go sideways fast.

One of my kids is deeply connected to balls. Carries them everywhere. They’re not just toys—they’re regulating, grounding, and safe. They help him feel okay in a world that can feel overwhelming. During a therapy session, another therapist took the balls away and said, “First we do this, then you can have them back.”

From her perspective, it was a reward. From his perspective, it was a loss. A withdrawal of comfort. Of safety. Of regulation.
It absolutely rocked his world.

And here’s the thing: therapy can be done with the balls in his hand. It just takes creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to step into his world instead of demanding he step into ours.

When we talk about “preferred vs non-preferred” activities and items, we’re usually speaking from the adult’s perspective. But what’s preferred for the child might not even be about enjoyment—it might be about need.
It might be about regulation.

We can’t teach regulation by taking regulation away.
We can’t build trust by removing access to what makes a child feel safe.

Therapy—and parenting—gets easier when we stop seeing certain items or activities as distractions and start recognizing them as supports.
Preferred items are often bridges, not barriers.

This shift takes practice. It takes unlearning. But it’s worth it.
It’s respectful.
It’s compassionate.
And it’s the neurodiversity-affirming way.

07/04/2025

Happy Independence Day! I’m thankful and proud to be an American. I’m thankful for all who have fought and sacrificed to allow freedom. God bless America!

06/25/2025

Hey there, mamma! Come join us for a time of respite, conversation and a (very) likely laugh or two! Share this so that we can continue to grow this incredible group of moms and build support, friendship and knowledge to help you navigate your neurodivergent journey.

06/15/2025

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads I know and work with. You ROCK!

06/09/2025

This takes place tomorrow at We Rock the Spectrum! It will be an incredible time to learn, relax 🤩 and join this group of empowered mommas! Sign up and join us - and share, share share! We’re building a beautiful community!

06/06/2025

As an SLP, I’ve always targeted language first. But HOW can ANYONE listen, interact, absorb, create, attend, or do anything purposeful without regulation?! After 29 years in this field, I’m finally thinking about the WHOLE child. Not just the language. Regulation first. Thanks to the Contented Child for photo.

Address

Noblesville, IN

Telephone

+13175180627

Website

http://www.positiveinteractionstherapy.com/

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