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Get ASHA CEUs: Speech Therapy PD Watch on YouTube Join the Beyond Words Newsletter Learn more about Dr. Barenholtz: Elan's substackElan on XElan's labElan's YouTube channel Join host Garrett Oyama in this thought-provoking episode of Beyond Words, featuring Dr. Elan Barenholtz, cognitive scientist and professor of psychology at Florida Atlantic University. Together, they explore Dr. Barenholtz’s compelling theory that language is not invented, but discovered—emerging from structured, sequential patterns much like music. They dive deep into the concept of language as an autoregressive system, where meaning arises not from static symbols but from dynamic movement through linguistic space. Key topics include the aesthetics of syntax, the parallels between language and jazz improvisation, and what large language models can teach us about human communication. With implications for AI, language development, and clinical practice, this episode offers a paradigm-shifting view of how we speak, think, and understand the world.

Join the Beyond Words Newsletter Get ASHA CEUs: SpeechTherapyPD Watch on YouTube Description: What shapes the way humans speak? In this episode of Beyond Words, Garrett Oyama sits down with Dr. Ted Gibson, professor of cognitive science at MIT and director of the MIT Language Lab, to explore how language emerges from cognitive and communicative pressures. From Amazonian hunter-gatherer languages with no number words, to cross-linguistic patterns explained by dependency length minimization, Ted shares insights from decades of research across dozens of languages. We also discuss why syntax matters for communication, how brain imaging separates language from thought, and what this means for speech-language pathologists, educators, and anyone fascinated by human cognition. Find Dr. Gibson here: X Lex Fridman Interview

Join the Beyond Words Newsletter Get CEUs: SpeechTherapyPd Watch on YouTube What does it take to make sense of the sound soup that surrounds a newborn? In this episode of Beyond Words, Garrett Oyama sits down with Dr. Jenny Saffran—pioneer of infant statistical learning—to explore how babies transform streams of speech into meaningful language, all without seeing “white spaces” between words. Together, they dive into: How infants use statistical learning to segment and group soundsWhy the brain’s ability to track syllable patterns is like a built-in prediction engineHow context and the physical environment (like shape-sorter toys!) support early word learningNew work applying eye-tracking to understand language in children with cerebral palsyThe intersection of music, language, and domain-general learning mechanisms Dr. Saffran also weighs in on nature vs. nurture, the rise of large language models, and why infants may be motivated not by communication—but by the desire to grip the world with meaning. Whether you’re a speech therapist, a cognitive science fan, or just fascinated by how humans learn to speak, this conversation opens up wonder and insight on every level.

Expert Panel: Amy Hobek, PhD, CCC-SLP, Fé González Murray, EdD, CCC-SLP, Vishnu KK Nair, Archie Soelaeman, Betty Yu and Reem Khamis Take ACTION HERE: Changes to 2020 certification standards feedback. Survey. (n.d.). https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020_Cert_Changes This episode will be available for 0.1 ASHA CEU on July 4, enroll here: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/ashas-proposed-changes Correction Note from Dr. Betty: “During the recording I referred to the executive order targeting associations with assets of $500 million or more. I thought ASHA met that criteria but actually ASHA’s net assets are around $174 million.” In this episode, Michelle and Erin host an all start line up of colleagues from across the globe to discuss ASHA’s Proposed Changes to the “2020 Certification Standards” and the long-term ramifications that these changes could have for our profession. This conversation is timely in that there are only a matter of days, roughly 3 weeks or less, for audiologists and speech-language pathologists (including students) to write in and advocate to ASHA on whether the proposed changes to the 2020 Certification Standards should be accepted… changes that remove key words and language that were hard fought to obtain. Be informed that this conversation does address political rationale behind the changes and offer a plethora of resources for individuals to grow their knowledge regarding the long-term ramifications of these proposed changes… but it ends with resources on how to make your voice heard! So, come join the ladies of “First Bite” and ADVOCATE! About the Panel: Amy Hobek, PhD, CCC-SLP is an Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Cincinnati. Her teaching and scholarship focus on equity and inclusion, with an emphasis on valuing and legitimizing cultural and linguistic variations in these areas within individuals, families, and communities. She is also a licensed speech language pathologist providing clinic supervision of graduate students in a culturally and linguistically diverse preschool setting on UC’s campus. She is a co-chair of the Cultural Humility Task Force of the National Black Association of Speech Language and Hearing. She is a topic co-chair of Equity, Inclusion, and Cultural-Linguistic Diversity for the ASHA 2025 Convention. Professor Reem Khamis (also known as Reem Khamis-Dakwar) is Professor Emerita at Adelphi University and Chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Long Island University (LIU) Brooklyn. Her expertise centers on language development, processing, and clinical services within the sociolinguistic context of diglossia and diverse populations. Dr. Khamis is co-founder of the Journal of the Critical Study of Communication and Disability (JCSCD) and a co-founding member of the Speech, Language, and Hearing Scientists Equity Action Collective. She currently serves as Language Section Editor for the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research (JSLHR). She received the Excellence in Diversity Award in 2020 from the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD). Fé González Murray, EdD, CCC-SLP is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northern Arizona University. Prior to joining the NAU faculty, she worked for 25 years as an English/Spanish bilingual speech-language pathologist in various settings, most notably in public schools serving Indigenous American, migrant, and immigrant populations. In addition to teaching and supervising clinical rotations, she facilitates workshops nationally and internationally on topics related to responsive practice...

-Originally Aired September 2019- Earn a total of 0.5 ASHA CEUs for the 5-part episodes with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=The-Perfect-Oral-Motor-Storm-What-Happened-Why-and-Supportiv In this five-hour course, Char chronicles a comprehensive account of the events of the past two decades that have infused and inspired one of the most controversial—and misunderstood—storms in the history of speech-language pathology. Perhaps you’re unsure why “oral motor” has been criticized, or how to respond when someone mentions it. You’ll learn what to say and how to back it up.  Char covers the “Five Waves” as to what happened, who did what, and where we go from here. Most importantly, you’ll learn Supportive Evidence for the Use of Oral Sensory-Motor Methods to Remediate Speech Sound Productions. Mentioned in this episode: Beyond Words with Garrett Oyama Subscribe to Beyond Words with Garrett Oyama, a new podcast from Speech Therapy PD.

-Originally Aired September 2019- Earn a total of 0.5 ASHA CEUs for the 5-part episodes with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=The-Perfect-Oral-Motor-Storm-What-Happened-Why-and-Supportiv In this five-hour course, Char chronicles a comprehensive account of the events of the past two decades that have infused and inspired one of the most controversial—and misunderstood—storms in the history of speech-language pathology. Perhaps you’re unsure why “oral motor” has been criticized, or how to respond when someone mentions it. You’ll learn what to say and how to back it up.  Char covers the “Five Waves” as to what happened, who did what, and where we go from here. Most importantly, you’ll learn Supportive Evidence for the Use of Oral Sensory-Motor Methods to Remediate Speech Sound Productions. Mentioned in this episode: Beyond Words with Garrett Oyama Subscribe to Beyond Words with Garrett Oyama, a new podcast from Speech Therapy PD.

-Originally Aired September 2019- Earn a total of 0.5 ASHA CEUs for the 5-part episodes with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=The-Perfect-Oral-Motor-Storm-What-Happened-Why-and-Supportiv In this five-hour course, Char chronicles a comprehensive account of the events of the past two decades that have infused and inspired one of the most controversial—and misunderstood—storms in the history of speech-language pathology. Perhaps you’re unsure why “oral motor” has been criticized, or how to respond when someone mentions it. You’ll learn what to say and how to back it up.  Char covers the “Five Waves” as to what happened, who did what, and where we go from here. Most importantly, you’ll learn Supportive Evidence for the Use of Oral Sensory-Motor Methods to Remediate Speech Sound Productions. Mentioned in this episode: Beyond Words with Garrett Oyama Subscribe to Beyond Words with Garrett Oyama, a new podcast from Speech Therapy PD.

-Originally Aired September 19, 2019- Earn a total of 0.5 ASHA CEUs for the 5-part episodes with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=The-Perfect-Oral-Motor-Storm-What-Happened-Why-and-Supportiv In this five-hour course, Char chronicles a comprehensive account of the events of the past two decades that have infused and inspired one of the most controversial—and misunderstood—storms in the history of speech-language pathology. Perhaps you’re unsure why “oral motor” has been criticized, or how to respond when someone mentions it. You’ll learn what to say and how to back it up.  Char covers the “Five Waves” as to what happened, who did what, and where we go from here. Most importantly, you’ll learn Supportive Evidence for the Use of Oral Sensory-Motor Methods to Remediate Speech Sound Productions. Mentioned in this episode: Beyond Words with Garrett Oyama Subscribe to Beyond Words with Garrett Oyama, a new podcast from Speech Therapy PD.

-Originally Aired September 2019- Earn a total of 0.5 ASHA CEUs for the 5-part episodes with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=The-Perfect-Oral-Motor-Storm-What-Happened-Why-and-Supportiv In this five-hour course, Char chronicles a comprehensive account of the events of the past two decades that have infused and inspired one of the most controversial—and misunderstood—storms in the history of speech-language pathology. Perhaps you’re unsure why “oral motor” has been criticized, or how to respond when someone mentions it. You’ll learn what to say and how to back it up.  Char covers the “Five Waves” as to what happened, who did what, and where we go from here. Most importantly, you’ll learn Supportive Evidence for the Use of Oral Sensory-Motor Methods to Remediate Speech Sound Productions. Mentioned in this episode: Beyond Words with Garrett Oyama Subscribe to Beyond Words with Garrett Oyama, a new podcast from Speech Therapy PD.

Guests: Leanne Togher, PhD, FSPA, FASSBI, Rachael Rietdijk, PhD, SLP, & Kate Smith, MSPA, CPSP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=The-Social-Brain-Toolkit-Practical-Resources-for-Caregiver Join Renee Garrett as she kicks off Season 2 of Brainstorms Functional Neurorehab with esteemed guests Dr. Leanne Togher, Dr. Rachael Rietdijk, and Kate Smith. In this episode, the team explores the Social Brain Toolkit, a suite of resources designed to improve communication for individuals with acquired brain injuries (ABI). The discussion covers the inception, development, and components of programs like TBI Express, TBI ConneCT, and Interactability. They delve into the crucial role of communication partner training, methodological research, and evidence-based practices in supporting TBI patients and their caregivers. Additionally, the episode touches upon the groundbreaking work at the University of Sydney and introduces speechBITE, a curated repository of treatment research in speech pathology. Tune in to learn about their innovative approach to making effective communication strategies accessible and practical for clinicians, students, and families worldwide. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Introduction and Disclosures 01:40 Meet the Experts 04:50 The Social Brain Toolkit: Origins and Development 09:03 TBI Express, and TBI ConneCT: Evolution of Training Programs 11:36 Telehealth and Digital Health Innovations 13:18 Expanding Communication Partner Training 15:22 Interactability and Social Ability: New Tools for Broader Impact 17:39 Practical Applications and Future Directions 32:48 Understanding Communication After Brain Injury 33:26 Training for Caregivers and Students 35:14 Introducing TBI Express and interact-ABI-lity 36:03 Free Resources and Accessibility 36:46 speechBITE: A Resource for Speech Pathologists 37:32 The Evolution and Impact of speechBITE 44:19 Kate Smith's PhD Research on Clinical Information Needs 53:01 Addressing Methodological Quality in Research 56:07 The Social Brain Toolkit and Caregiver Support 59:08 Final Thoughts and Resources About the Guests: Professor Leanne Togher is a full Professor at the University of Sydney, Australia, and NHMRC Professorial Research Fellow (Investigator Grant Leadership Level 3). Professor Togher holds a PhD in speech pathology and is internationally recognised with more than 250 journal articles. Professor Togher has led the development of communication treatments for people with brain injury and their families, carers, and community agencies, including TBI Express, TBI ConneCT, and the Social Brain Toolkit. She is the director of the evidence-based practice website speechBITE. Professor Togher is the incoming Chair for the International Brain Injury Association and Chair of Brain Injury Australia. Dr Rachael Rietdijk is a certified practising speech pathologist and Lecturer at the University of Sydney, with research interests in acquired brain injury, communication partner training, and digital health. Her PhD research produced a new evidence-based intervention for people with traumatic brain injury called TBIconneCT. Dr Rietdijk was the project lead for the Social Brain Toolkit project, including interact-ABI-lity, the first free evidence-based online program about communicating successfully with people with a brain injury. This program has reached over 1500 people from over 25 countries. Dr Rietdijk continues collaborating as part of research teams on the Communication Connect NHMRC Ideas Grant and the Communication for Safe Care NDIS Information, Linkages and Capacity Building grant. Kate Smith is a speech-language pathologist who has worked in evidence-based practice for two decades. She is a member of the speechBITE advisory committee at the University of...

Episode 7 of the miniseries: "Culturally SPEECHING: Clinical Competence Through Cultural Humility" hosted by Dr. Treasyri Williams Wood SLPD, CCC-SLP, CDP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Cultural-Humility-through-Elevating-Excellence In this special series finale episode recorded during the ASHA Convention in Seattle, Jerrold Jackson, co-chair of the ASHA Convention, leads an insightful discussion on the theme of Cultural Humility through Elevating Excellence. This session explores how embracing cultural humility can drive positive change within the speech-language pathology profession, ultimately enhancing support for diverse populations. Jerrold addresses key themes of equity, visibility, and collaboration, focusing on improving representation in leadership roles and fostering equitable collaboration in clinical practice. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how cultural humility can serve as a foundational approach to creating a more inclusive, effective, and compassionate environment for professionals and the individuals they serve. About the Guest: Jerrold Jackson, MA, CCC-SLP, is CEO of the Roundtree Group, PLLC, and an advocate for culturally responsive practices with a range of professional experiences, including consulting, previously holding roles as a(n) assistive technologist, special education director, and graduate program coordinator. He received a bachelor’s from Southern University (SU) and A&M College (an HBCU) and a master’s from Western Michigan University (WMU), both degrees in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences (SLHS). Mr. Jackson has presented nationally, by invitation, on topics related to supervision, mentorship, interprofessional education/collaboration, school-based support, and culturally responsive practices. He also continues to support the professional development of future speech-language-hearing scientists as adjunct faculty at 3 institutions across the country. Jerrold is an active professional volunteer with the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) in various capacities, the National Black Association for Speech-Language Hearing (NBASLH) as a board member, and the Praxis National Advisory Committee for SLP, all of which led to advancements in SLHS. He has been selected to be the SLP Co-Chair for the 2024 ASHA Convention, which hosts over 10,000 SLH professionals annually. He was the 2022 recipient of the ASHA Dorothy Dreyer Award for Volunteerism which is given annually to one individual who has made significant contributions to SLHS. In 2021, Jerrold was honored by the Southern University Alumni Federation by becoming a member of the 40 Under Forty “Cohort Trois” (Cohort 3), which recognizes graduates who have made significant contributions to their professional disciplines, local communities and/or the preservation of Southern University. Jerrold is involved within his community, particularly of note with student engagement activities of the SU Alumni Central Texas Chapter. Watch this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iUJwK1UqGYU Mentioned in this episode: Free .6 ASHA CEU Conference PFD In Schools: Learning from the Trailblazers, May 18, 2025. Sign up here: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/upcoming/pfd-in-schools

Episode 6 of the miniseries: "Culturally SPEECHING: Clinical Competence Through Cultural Humility" hosted by Dr. Treasyri Williams Wood SLPD, CCC-SLP, CDP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Cultural-Humility-through-Advocacy In this episode, Treasyri Williams Wood and Vicki Deal Williams, CEO of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), delve into the role of advocacy in promoting cultural humility within speech-language pathology. They discuss the importance of advocating for diverse populations, reducing healthcare disparities, and the responsibility of professionals to integrate cultural humility into their advocacy efforts. Specifics include policy-making, public health initiatives, and strategies for equitable treatment. About the Guest: Vicki Deal Williams, MS, CCC-SLP, CAE is the Chief Executive Officer at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), where she has been on staff for more than 30 years. A Certified Association Executive and Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Vicki is an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist and ASHA Fellow. Vicki’s expertise and thought leadership include strategically advancing and leveraging diversity, leadership development, and resource stewardship to meet long-term objectives. She has a proven track record of success guiding staff and members through change. She continually strives to foster an inclusive culture while conveying a clear organizational vision and effecting optimal results through collaboration and partnerships with individuals at all levels of the organization, including volunteer leaders, members, students, clients/patients/students, vendors, staff, and other stakeholders. Mentioned in this episode: Free .6 ASHA CEU Conference PFD In Schools: Learning from the Trailblazers, May 18, 2025. Sign up here: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/upcoming/pfd-in-schools

Episode 5 of the miniseries: "Culturally SPEECHING: Clinical Competence Through Cultural Humility" hosted by Dr. Treasyri Williams Wood SLPD, CCC-SLP, CDP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Cultural-Humility-through-Mentorship Guest: Megan-Brette Hamilton, PhD, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Drs. Treasyri Williams Wood and Megan-Brette Hamilton explore the critical role of mentorship in fostering cultural humility within the field of speech-language pathology. They discuss robustly how mentorship can support equitable and inclusive communication practices and provide strategies for integrating cultural humility into mentorship to better serve diverse populations as speech-language pathologists, professors, and researchers. Mentioned in this episode: Free .6 ASHA CEU Conference PFD In Schools: Learning from the Trailblazers, May 18, 2025. Sign up here: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/upcoming/pfd-in-schools

Episode 4 of the miniseries: "Culturally SPEECHING: Clinical Competence Through Cultural Humility" hosted by Dr. Treasyri Williams Wood SLPD, CCC-SLP, CDP Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Cultural-Humility-through-Inclusivity Guest: Lillian Thompson Brown, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode, join Treasyri and her guest, Lillian Thompson Brown, a licensed speech-language pathologist, who discuss the intersection of cultural humility and inclusivity in clinical practice. She emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive environments that respect and value diverse cultural backgrounds and offers practical strategies for clinicians to foster inclusivity through cultural humility. Specifics include exploring barriers to inclusivity in clinical settings and strategies for overcoming these barriers. Mentioned in this episode: Free .6 ASHA CEU Conference PFD In Schools: Learning from the Trailblazers, May 18, 2025. Sign up here: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/upcoming/pfd-in-schools

Episode 1 of the miniseries: "Culturally SPEECHING: Clinical Competence Through Cultural Humility" hosted by Dr. Treasyri Williams Wood, SLPD, CCC-SLP, CDP Earn .1 ASHA CEU for this episode: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Cultural-Humility-through-Communication-Justice Guest: R. Danielle Scott, PhD, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Dr. Treasyri Williams Wood is joined by R. Danielle Scott, PhD, CCC-SLP, an Assistant Professor at Minnesota State University Mankato in the Communication Sciences & Disorders Program, leading the efforts in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), which includes leading the Diversity & Inclusion Fellows programming, aimed at recruiting/retaining graduate students of color. This episode will explore the principles of cultural humility and their application to fostering equitable communication practices in speech-language pathology. Participants will examine the intersection of communication justice and cultural humility, gaining insights into practical strategies for integrating cultural humility into clinical practice. Specific topics include understanding cultural competence, navigating cultural differences in assessment and intervention, and promoting inclusive communication environments. Participants will engage in discussions, case studies, and reflective exercises to enhance their cultural competence and promote equitable care for diverse populations. Mentioned in this episode: Free .6 ASHA CEU Conference PFD In Schools: Learning from the Trailblazers, May 18, 2025. Sign up here: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/upcoming/pfd-in-schools