Choose Kind Therapy

08/07/2025

A true labor of love!!! I created this as a resource designed to support Stage 3 language development in gestalt language processors (GLPs).

This word bank and tracking tool is intended for use by speech-language pathologists and caregivers working within the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) framework. Adapted from Laura M. Lee’s Developmental Sentence Types (DST) and informed by Marge Blanc’s work, the tool includes:

• A categorized word bank to support early self-generated combinations
• Examples of meaningful two-word utterances
• A structured space to document and track a child’s language development in context

Access the full resource with the link in my bio!

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07/25/2025

Did you know Caleigh is an NLA Trained Clinician?
She’s got the tools (and the heart!) to support gestalt language processors in a neurodiversity-affirming way.

We are so proud to meet kids where they are and that includes honoring echolalia and scripting as meaningful communication. 💬💛

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04/11/2025

Little did she know…

That this curious, sensitive, passionate little girl would one day receive the diagnosis that made everything make sense.

I was 28 when I found out that I’m autistic. Twenty-eight years of trying to “figure it out,” of masking, of wondering why certain things felt harder, or deeper, for me. Getting my diagnosis didn’t change who I am. But it gave me language, understanding, and finally, self-compassion.

Now, I get the privilege of supporting autistic kids in a way I wish I’d been supported. I get to see their brilliance, their unique ways of connecting with the world, and I get to show them, and their families, that being autistic isn’t something to be “fixed.”

It’s something to be understood, celebrated, and affirmed.

This Autism Acceptance Month, I’m especially grateful for this full-circle moment. I do this work not in spite of being autistic, but because of it.

To all the little ones (and grown-ups) still on their journey to self-discovery, you are not alone. You are worthy, exactly as you are.

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03/24/2025

Meet Caleigh (pronounced “Cali”)!

Caleigh is a neurodivergent speech-language pathologist now serving Northern VA & DC. With experience in both U.S. schools and an Australian private practice, she takes a child-led, relationship-based approach to therapy incorporating play, special interests, and meaningful connections to support communication growth.

She is especially passionate about working with Gestalt Language Processors (GLP) and AAC users, as well as advocating for students in academic settings.

Outside of work, Caleigh volunteers with wildlife rescue and loves backpacking to explore new places. She’s excited to support and connect with the amazing kids in this community!

We are so lucky to have Caleigh on our team!

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10/22/2024

https://youtu.be/eZjmn8C2DeY?si=L3zMLX8k3WxUrHTu

Thank you for joining our discussion about Interoception & Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) with Caroline Gaddy, Rachel Dorsey, and Kelly Mahler!To register...

09/06/2024

Introducing the Ultimate NLA Language Tracking Tool! 📊✨ Track, monitor, and adjust language development goals with ease using our all-in-one assessment tool. Perfect for parents, educators, and therapists! Available in PDF, Google Sheets, and Excel. Built-in formulas in Google Sheets/Excel mean no extra math! Just enter the stage of the phrase and the spreadsheet will handle the rest!🌹

Head over to https://www.choosekindtherapy.com/store/p/language-data-tracker for more info!

08/30/2024

Welcome Valerie! With over 17 years as a Speech and Language Pathologist, she's worked in diverse settings, including home health, schools, and vocational programs. Certified in Hippotherapy, Valerie has served military families in Germany, Japan, and now at a navy base in Virginia. Passionate about working with Autistic clients, folks who stutter, and young children, she brings mindfulness and creativity to her therapy. Now accepting clients in Stafford, VA and nearby areas! 🌹❣️✨

08/23/2024

✨ I often get asked, "why did you open up your own practice?" and usually my response is, "how much time do you have?" On the surface, I might say, "I have a strong passion for working with autistic clients." The truth is, it goes so much deeper than that. I realized pretty early on that the opportunities to work with primarily the autistic population within the speech world, were pretty limited to ABA clinics, or behavior based practices. I also learned earlier on that I found myself working alongside BCBAs and RBTs and something just didn't feel quite... right. I knew that I was working with my target population, but it was physically painful to go to work everyday.

It took years to understand these feelings. Now I get to work with the autistic population using child-centered, neuro-affirming practices and it has been so rewarding. There is no other feeling that beats the joy I feel when a child allows me to stim with them during therapy. Or when they imitate my phrases that I'm hoping turn into gestalts.

Over the past few years, I've seen more progress with my clients, while prioritizing trust, connection, LOVE (YES, LOVE), and autonomy than I've ever seen in my career, working alongside BCBAs and RBTs.

So yeah, I'm passionate about what I do. At the end of the day, my clients mean the world to me and I'm eternally grateful that I have the privilege of standing alongside them, and getting to witness their growth. 🌹✨

06/02/2024

Happy Pride! 🌈

05/23/2024

Weave Chat AAC is a free AAC application available on iOS, Android, and Kindle. It is category-based & completely customizable.
We often get asked "how can you keep the app free?" We are able to keep it free because it is run by myself (an SLP) and my co-founder (an engineer). The costs to maintain the app are minimal and because we both have day jobs there are no salaries to pay. We believe to our core that communication should be accessible to everyone so this app will always be free.

05/03/2024

03/29/2024

Sooooo thrilled to finally announce that Rachel is AAC+GLP certified! Communication is a right and should be accessible for all, no matter your language processing style! ✨🌹