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Annual Visiting Scholars in Autism Research & Clinical Service Delivery Speaker Series
May 12 at 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm PDT
Examining Gestalt Language Processing and the Natural Language Acquisition Protocol through the Lens of Evidence-Based Practice
May 12, 2026
5:30 p.m. PDT
SAC 241
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Free Clockhours are available.
Lecture
The concepts of gestalt language processing (GLP) and the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) Protocol are popular and controversial in the field of speech-language pathology. This presentation will consider the extent to which specific aspects of GLP and NLA align with the three pillars of evidence-based practice: clinical expertise, client perspectives, and external and internal evidence. Discussion will center on clinical implications for working with young autistic children and their families.
Speaker
Courtney E. Venker, PhD CCC-SLP
Associate Professor at Michigan State University
Courtney E. Venker is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist and an Associate Professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders. She is also the director of the Lingo Lab, which is located in the Oyer Speech and Hearing Building on the Michigan State University campus. Dr. Venker’s research program focuses on understanding and supporting language development in autistic children.
This speaker series is put on with the generous support of Dr. Bruce and Mrs. Maxine Johnson. Bruce and Maxine dedicated their professional lives to healthcare in the greater Spokane. They have been personally impacted and saw how deep understanding can help individuals accomplish their personal goals with appropriate interventions. Their investment through WSU is used for autism research and development, with the hope that we deepen our understanding of autism spectrum disorder to help more individuals reach their personal potential.