"I really liked the words of Dr. Elizabeth Torres and Jen Schonger. This was a more interactive course. The speaker's face was shown, there were a lot of great video clips and examples from students/patients, and there were interviews with parents and well-respected professionals." S.K. (Jun. 2023)

"Specific stages and how to work through them and between all of them was beneficial. I liked the specific examples." C.M. (Jun. 2023)

"The video clips were awesome! Best way to learn is by watching! Well-organized course with good video examples." J.B. (May 2023)

"I liked the topics presented by Dr. Elizabeth Torres relating to self-exploration and self-discovery as well as the importance of sensory integration and co-regulation. I loved the embedded videos of actual clients communicating and the interviews with Linda and Dr. Torres." M.L. (May 2023)

"Section 4 was very helpful. It helped me understand NLA Stage 3 (and 4) much better." M.G. (May 2023)

"The explanation of how to score language samples so that progress can be documented was helpful. Also, seeing the examples of the clinician working with the child and the responses she used in response to what the child has said was also helpful in understanding how to incorporate this method with my students." L.H. (May 2023)

"This course was well presented with many examples of the children that this approach has been used with. Seeing their progress helps us better understand how this approach can help them." L.H. (May 2023)

"The topic on collaborating with OT was beneficial. This changed the way I think about sensory integration." H.M. (May 2023)

"Sensory integration and communication availability were beneficial topics." K.S. (May 2023)

"I liked the idea of following the gestalt processor's lead and meeting them in their world. The implications of this approach are very, very useful." H.D. (May 2023)

"All of it was beneficial. This was an extremely helpful, useful, and most validating course I have ever taken. A CEU course has never made me shed so many heartwarming tears! I liked the videos and frequent examples. Seeing the principles applied and explained was very helpful." K.S. (May 2023)

"Learning how to target/model stage 3 was beneficial. I liked the self-pace for this course." R.M. (May 2023)

"I liked the "real life" discussion with the families. And learning the difference between analytic and gestalt language acquisition." E.H. (Apr. 2023)

"This course was inspiring." G.M. (Apr. 2023)

"I liked the discussion of both gestalt and analytic language processing part of NLA. I will always look at echolalia differently." R.S. (Apr. 2023)

"Understanding the different stages of NLA was beneficial. I liked watching the videos and learning from the different case studies and how their utterances were scored." M.L. (Apr. 2023)

"All of it! There was a good balance of theory, case studies, and examples of how to implement therapy techniques." J.F. (Mar. 2023)

"I liked all of it, especially the stories related to specific kids and adults. I liked the dialogue between Marge and the mothers and the stories of new revelation." L.H. (Mar. 2023)

"In-depth course. Taught in detail on a topic that is a mystery to most SLPs. This course was excellent in teaching me how to refine my student's gestalt language stage from echolalia to mitigations to effective communication." A.R. (Mar. 2023)

"Information about using DSS with our GLP students was beneficial." J.D. (Mar. 2023)

"The videos were very helpful to learn about waiting and responding to the student's utterances in a more naturalistic way. I liked the description of the NLA stages." E.H. (Mar. 2023)

"I liked the sensory integration information. Lots of good learning formats." R.H. (Mar. 2023)

"I liked the real-life video examples. Course was easy to listen to and the video examples helped to see real people using gestalt language development." M.M. (Mar. 2023)

"I loved the whole course. Marge is so passionate about NLA and has given me the excitement and tools to continue to support my students with NLA. The discussion between Linda and Marge was great in that it demonstrated the joining of ideas between the SLP and the parent. This stresses the importance of building a community with parents in order for establishing trust which then leads to progress. I liked getting the multiple perspectives from parents, SLPs, OTs, students, and educators." K.R. (Mar. 2023)

"I liked the information about GLP and the videos of children. DSS and DST to know what to model at each stage." S.H. (Feb. 2023)

"I learned how to acknowledge echolalia and where to go from there. The videos with examples were beneficial." B.M. (Feb. 2023)

"All of the examples of children using delayed echolalia were extremely beneficial. The idea that these scripts are meaningful is so important. Liked the option to come back to course and listen to small chunks at a time. And option to print the test so I could listen and work on it at the same time." S.G. (Feb. 2023)

"I loved the section on hidden messages. The videos were wonderful, especially when we saw the same patient over time." J.D. (Feb. 2023)

"I enjoyed the discussions surrounding all of the clients. I especially liked hearing from the parents. There was SO much to take in that it was nice to be able to pause, return to specific parts, and resume. I loved all of the videos!" A.E. (Feb. 2023)

"I liked the videos of clients, examples of language samples, and how to analyze them. Learning how to better support my clients who are advancing to higher stages of NLA development." C.R. (Feb. 2023)

"This entire course will be beneficial for my daily practice. Understanding gestalt language development will be essential for supporting my gestalt language processors and educating families and educators to better understand language development with autistic individuals. I love how Marge included families and other professionals in her course and shared stories of her clients." A.J. (Feb. 2023)

"Course was excellent. Wish I had had this course when I was a student!!" M.B. (Jan. 2023)

"Stages 1-2 and analyzing language samples were beneficial. I liked the new information to support gestalt language learners." M.A. (Jan. 2023)

"I liked the treatment approaches and how to model language in stage 2. Learning how to analyze both grammar and gestalt language stages." S.D. (Jan. 2023)

"I L.O.V.E.D. Ben's mum's comments on her son as well as Jen's input. Parents' input are INVALUABLE!!" H.B. (Jan. 2023)

"I liked the discussions from parents and providers regarding their personal experiences with NLA. I also liked the videos of actual clients. Stages of NLA, treatment approaches for these children, sensory information, and discussion of rote skills taught and the impact that could have with their flexible use of language." S.H. (Jan. 2023)

"Examples of scoring and mitigation were beneficial. I liked the stories and examples, the hope." S.C. (Jan. 2023)

"Examples and videos of actual children and therapy sessions were very helpful. Reading about NLA and trying to apply it to my therapy sessions was difficult at first. After watching the videos and hearing about "real" kids and therapists, I felt much more confident. This course definitely helped me to really grasp the big picture." J.S. (Jan. 2023)

"I just love learning everything and anything I can about NLA and gestalt language learners. NLA is completely changing my therapy with all of my clients. It's amazing! It's like...YES! This is it. This makes so much more sense than what I was trying to do before!" J.S. (Jan. 2023)

"I loved all the parent and client perspectives. I feel like this is missing from many courses I've taken! In daily practice, this reminds me to always value the family's goals and vision." A.L. (Jan. 2023)

"I liked the examples of therapy, and the integration with principles of autonomy and self-regulation for children who have autism. I liked the use of dialogue and interaction between Marge and colleagues/collaborators." J.A. (Jan. 2023)

"I always love hearing from parents. That piece was really inspirational to me as a professional and as a mom. I loved all of the video examples and the interviews/comments from real people - parents, SLPs, professionals, etc." K.C. (Jan. 2023)

"The process of mitigating gestalts was beneficial. The slides and handouts supported my learning." D.W. (Jan. 2023)

"I liked the case studies presented by the various therapists in Section 2, because it gave me an idea of the application of this knowledge to our sessions." A.L. (Jan. 2023)

"Grammar for GLPs was beneficial. I liked the real-life video examples of children and therapy sessions." M.D. (Jan. 2023)

"I liked the variety of speakers and case examples. And the importance of acknowledging delayed echolalia as having communicative intent." D.L. (Jan. 2023)

"I liked the video examples and the section about moving through stages 1-4." C.L. (Jan. 2023)

"For me, thinking about one student on my caseload, I now know what direction to go in. I will start by taking a language sample, and now I can make a real plan. I loved the videos and stories from parents, SLPs and the clients." H.D. (Jan. 2023)

"Marge's LOVE for her clients is so evident." E.S. (Dec. 2022)

"I absolutely loved this course and I learned so much! I loved how this course was organized and presented. Marge speaking on video from her clinic, conversations between Marge and Linda (loved listening to and watching Linda!), other conversations/interviews, sharing of so much important and relevant information which was clearly and thoroughly explained, and videos of the kids. Thank you!!"💜 K.D. (Dec. 2022)

"I liked the practical application of how to work with gestalt processors." S.G. (Dec. 2022)

"The information about how to help gestalt language processors develop generative grammar was helpful. Liked Marge's enthusiasm for her clients and the NLA approach!" M.P. (Dec. 2022)

"Recognizing Echolalia as a form of communication. The presenter has a very calm delivery. Easy to understand. Nice video examples." J.F. (Dec. 2022)

"The levels of gestalt language acquisition & how to treat at each level was beneficial." L.M. (Dec. 2022)

"I liked the assessment and treatment planning for GLP. And Marge’s optimism and obvious love of her clients." L.S. (Dec. 2022)

"Marge is a wonderful presenter. I loved seeing how she gets her Gestalt learners." C.V. (Dec. 2022)

"Understanding how to model language and support GLPs has been invaluable. Course had practical discussion about how to implement NLA in therapy." J.R. (Dec. 2022)

"I enjoyed the NLA transitioning to DSS and the video examples." E.M. (Dec. 2022)

"Course went through the role of echolalia in Gestalt language development. Sample videos of therapy using gestalt language models with a variety of different clients was very helpful." M.F. (Dec. 2022)

"Identifying mitigations and using concepts within this course will be helpful. And the additive concepts to support pre-sentence grammar - really helping/supporting a child at the stage 3 level." C.I. (Dec. 2022)

"I liked the discussion of DST and DSS and the videos of children and of the parents." T.G. (Dec. 2022)

"Good explanation of how Gestalt Language Processors learn language differently and that echolalia is not disordered language acquisition. I liked the true examples of how gestalts are used to communicate different concepts/thoughts." C.D. (Nov. 2022)

"Learning about grammar and how to analyze appropriately. Course was easy to pace myself over time. It gave real examples. It was given from many perspectives (SLP, parents, etc.)." L.H. (Nov. 2022)

"Liked seeing demonstrations of therapy sessions as well as seeing clients who made tremendous progress. I liked the shared information and thoroughness of every guest speaker." A.S. (Nov. 2022)

"All of this information is incredibly beneficial to the children and families with whom I work. This topic is so interesting to me." D.J. (Nov. 2022)

"It validates and helps strengthen my understanding of gestalt learners." L.H. (Nov. 2022)

"Wow! There was so much information. I feel like all sections provided beneficial information for daily practice. She did a great job of having different speakers and video clips to help the 10-hour course move along and keep our interest." L.G. (Oct. 2022)

"I liked seeing Marge's wonderful therapy space." J.D. (Oct. 2022)

"Learning how to use gestalt first in therapy - I've always approached therapy from a play and sensorimotor premise. Seeing how to use gestalt to work backward to the single-word level makes complete sense now! Great videos. Marge is fun to watch and listen to." A.P. (Oct. 2022)

"Good examples and real-world cases. I liked the goals and targets for gestalt language processors." K.R. (Oct. 2022)

"I liked the examples and hearing from a variety of people. And the discussion about self-regulation and how it truly affects a child's participation and language." T.N. (Oct. 2022)

"I really enjoyed all of the videos that showed NLA first-hand." S.S. (Oct. 2022)

"Liked seeing the kids developing their language, the grammar section, the importance of self regulation, and that there is no limit for language if it is useful for the child." D.C. (Oct. 2022)

"I could pace myself, one class at a time, one session at a time, go back when I felt I did not understand the concept, taking time to process and implement the information." D.C. (Oct. 2022)

"I liked the client examples and references from other clinicians to their own learning through practice." S.A. (Oct. 2022)

"The course allowed me to learn at my own pace and take in information from current clients to apply. Liked the goals and how you integrate the goals into specific therapy." M.C. (Oct. 2022)

"The course was systematically presented. Learning the grammar development with respect to gestalt language processing was beneficial." A.H. (Sept. 2022)

"I loved learning more about the sensory techniques to help boost my speech sessions! Of course, learning about the gestalt language processing is why I came here too. :)" T.R. (Sept. 2022)

"It validated and put names to what I felt about working with children with autism. I have always believed in a play based language focus and I feel with all of this new research, it is validating."  D.B. (Sept. 2022)

"I very much enjoyed seeing client examples and video clips of the different types of gestalts. The video examples of the clients (especially Jez and Zoe) and clinicians helped NLA and gestalt language processing come to life! Additionally, I was happy to see the information about moving away from that traditional model of therapy and moving into a more neurodiverse-affirming, child led, and affirming interests, thoughts, feelings, and echolalia as unique beautiful parts of our clients. More and more clinicians, parents, and educators need to know more about this. Accepting our kids as they are, validating their ways of thinking, feeling, and communicating is life-changing!!"  J.B. (Sept. 2022)

"This course has been crucial to enhancing my therapy skills with GLPs. I liked the real life examples."  B.S. (Sept. 2022)

"Best continuing ed course I've ever taken!"  K.S. (Aug. 2022)

"All of the course was beneficial, and the discussion about how it's not about "correct" grammar, but self-generated grammar was meaningful. I liked the many examples as well as Marge's teaching style."  K.G. (Aug. 2022)

"I work with autistic students so everything that was discussed is beneficial to my daily practice. I loved the visuals."  S.H. (Aug. 2022)

"Learning to listen carefully to scripting and to read between the lines (and talk to others on the team) to figure out the meaning was beneficial for my practice." M.M. (Aug. 2022)

"The entire course was very helpful. This gave me a structure of how to educate my co-workers about gestalt language and how to describe this best to families. The course will definitely help me with better goal writing and focusing more on mitigation and stage 3, when the kids are ready. The grammar section was great - I had no idea that you can introduce verbs too early, and this will be the biggest shift in my practice." E.K. (July  2022)

"I liked that I could take the course at my own pace." M.L. (July 2022)

"Highly applicable to supporting my students." L.W. (July 2022)

"I found the information about sensory integration very important. Also the explanation of individual treatment sessions was helpful. I really liked the perspective coming from a mother. MAN, her smile could light up the world." J.R. (July 2022)

"Learning about the hidden meaning in gestalts, learning how to individualize treatment for GLPs. I like that it targets an area that I really needed to learn more about!" M.M. (July 2022)

"I feel that the bulk of my caseload consists of NLA processors and I can already see that shifting my focus of intervention is improving their willingness to engage and communicate in the context of treatment sessions." L.G. (July 2022)

"Extremely detailed and informative. I liked all of the content." D.T. (July 2022)

"This course was enriching and inspiring." R.S. (July 2022)

"Oh my goodness. ALL of it. I wish that I had this all ten years ago. I knew the term gestalt and that some kids learned language as "wholes" but I never knew what to do with that information. The DST and DSS were also new to me (or maybe long forgotten?). This is a game changer in my work with autistic students!" S.C. (June 2022)

"I loved the videos of clinicians at work with kids." K.C. (June 2022)

"The section on sensory regulation was very helpful. It was also very useful to learn a bit about how AAC can be used with GLPs.  I loved how in-depth this course was. I also really appreciated all of the case studies/real-life examples." J.W. (June 2022)

"Big emphasis on relationship and connection was very well portrayed throughout." T.S. (June 2022)

"Everything was great! From the basics to the client videos and especially the parent perspective. I appreciated so much that Marge presented primarily from her speech center and not from behind a desk." S.L. (May 2022)

"I liked learning about the differences between gestalt and analytic language processors as well as employing more appropriate language strategies for gestalt language processors." S.L. (May 2022)

"I liked both the specific 'how to' of scoring the NLA and DSS, and also the more general perspective of respecting gestalt processors. The guest speakers helped break up the course." G.H. (May 2022)

"I liked the real life examples – seeing it in action is so much more beneficial than hearing what to do." K.M. (May 2022)

"I am astonished that I have been practicing for almost 25 years with this population and knew nothing about NLA. I liked Marge's easy, loving, joyful, sensory-filled approach to therapy. I began in a rehab center collaborating with OTs and PTs and have felt that it was right for my kids. I did not always get a lot of support even when that positive results were evident. Now, I have the validation and immediately added a trampoline and BIG JOE pillow to my not very big, but very fun playroom." K.K. (May 2022)

"I liked all of it, especially the information on moving into stage 3 and the grammar section with the DSS and DST." C.K. (May 2022)

"I liked the video examples and parent stories." H.J. (Apr. 2022)

"Enlightenment onto the importance of echolalia as acceptable, part of a child's development, and how vital they are for "connecting" to others. Seeing the PASSION in of all the therapists when doing their job, when connecting with their clients...the passion to succeed in communicating with ASD kiddos and adults." A.B. (Mar. 2022)

"I liked the examples of how to mitigate at stage 3 - Marge's DSS chart." D.S. (Mar. 2022)

"I liked the developmental sentence scoring, and the ease of access of the course. " J.C. (Mar. 2022)

"I currently have a student with Autism and he is echolalic. I now have the knowledge to teach him language." D.C. (Mar. 2022)

"I loved all of it! Especially the grammar section." J.S. (Mar. 2022)

"I currently have a student who needs to begin to move from Level 2 to Level 3. This course was very helpful in helping me plan my therapy. I liked the content because it addressed treatment and gave many examples of techniques being used. I also liked that it was recorded and that I could work at my own pace." M.C. (Mar. 2022)

"I liked how to model gestalts that can be easily mitigated to move a child from stage 1 to stage 2." K.P. (Feb. 2022)

"I appreciated the deep dives into various specific cases to see different ways GLPs can sound and different ways NLA approaches can be implemented. I love REALLY picking apart language development, and this course went full speech nerd with me."  S.L. (Feb. 2022)

"I liked all of it – real life examples. It was perfect!." D.B. (Feb. 2022)

"There was soooo much in this course that will impact my practice. I am re-visiting the way I write goals for my gestalt processors and trying to follow the NLA skill progressions. It's amazing how much more engaged children are when I follow their lead and don't force artificial/unreasonable expectations (e.g., all the sentence strips).  I appreciated the video examples and the parent input." D.M. (Jan. 2022)

"Level 3 of the NLA courses is a must for every SLP working with children who are gestalt language processors. Levels 1 and 2 allowed us to learn the NLA stages and guiding treatment principles. In this Level 3 course we learn how to individualize NLA intervention for specific clients with a host of differences, how and why to incorporate movement, and the power of grammar. Marge eloquently guides this course as we learn to tailor NLA intervention to meet the needs of real children and their families within meaningful and engaging contexts, ultimately fostering sincere and organic expression." C.H.

"With the background of knowing about NLA assessment and stages, the level three course gave me an understanding of how to incorporate this knowledge into treatment. I am able to set up an affirming environment for reciprocal, self-generated language without relying on frustrating techniques such as withholding items." E.F.

"Marge Blanc does it again! This course is a phenomenal in-depth deep-dive into all the areas the first two courses left you wondering about. We can truly wrap our heads around Stages 3 and 4, and it all makes so much sense! The case studies are incredible, and really help solidify and put into action all that Marge teaches. Every single pediatric SLP needs this information. It really should be required coursework in graduate school." A.Z.

This program is offered for 1.05 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate Level; Professional Area).

ASHA CEUs: NSS online courses are registered with ASHA and are offered for ASHA CEUs. The number of ASHA CEUs is noted above. Note that 0.1 ASHA CEU = 1 contact hour = equals 1 CEE.

ASHA CEUs: Attendees must meet at least one of the following conditions in order to be eligible to earn ASHA CEUs:

• Current ASHA Member
• ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) Holder
• Licensed by a state or provincial regulatory agency to practice speech-language pathology (SLP) or audiology
• Credentialed by a state regulatory agency to practice SLP or audiology
• Credentialed by a national regulatory agency to practice SLP or audiology
• Engaged in a Clinical Fellowship under the supervision of an individual with their ASHA CCC
• Currently enrolled in a masters or doctoral program in SLP or audiology

If an attendee is not an ASHA member or CCC holder but meets any of the above criteria, they may inform the ASHA CE Registry of their eligibility by visiting this site.

Customer Support: Please phone 888.337.3866 or email info@northernspeech.com.

Course Completion Timeframe:

You have unlimited time to complete our online courses. You may log off and log on as often as you’d like to in order to complete all sections of a course.

However, completion dates are based on Eastern Standard Time. Therefore, if you need your CEUs by a certain date, be sure to complete the course test before 11:59pm EST on that date. For example, if you need CEUs before January 1st, you will need to complete the course test before 11:59pm EST on December 31st.

Content Access:

Access to course materials and content does not expire, even after completing the post test. You may continue to review course material by logging into your NSS account, clicking the My Online Courses tab, and then viewing your desired course.

Certificate of Completion:

On successful completion of the post test (80%), a certificate will be immediately available for download and/or printing. This certificate will include your name, date of completion (based on Eastern Time Zone, USA/Canada), and number of contact hours (CEUs / CEEs). Please note that CEUs are awarded on the date of successful test completion, not the date of course enrollment. Please ensure that you successfully complete the post test prior to any licensure renewal dates.

ASHA CE Registry Submission:

During the enrollment process, if you select to receive ASHA credit for this course and if you provide your ASHA number, NSS will automatically submit your CEU information to the ASHA CE Registry after successful course completion (80% on post test). This submission happens once per month, during the first week of the month. For example, if you complete your course on November 7th, NSS will submit all November online course CEUs to ASHA during the first week of December. When ASHA inputs the information into their database, they will mark the course as completed on the last day of the month in which it was completed, so November 30th using this example. The certificate of completion available for you to print immediately, however, will reflect the actual completion date, November 7th in this example. Due to ASHA processing procedures please allow 2-3 weeks, from the submission date, for the course to appear on your ASHA transcript.

Purchase Orders:

Purchase orders are currently not accepted for online orders, if you wish to submit a purchase order please do so at info@northernspeech.com or fax to 888-696-9655.

What is an Online Course?

Our Online Courses consist of video, audio, and/or text content and are offered for ASHA CEUs. Unlike a webinar, which requires participants to be logged on and at a computer at specific times, our Online Courses are available to you at any time, from any device, via your NorthernSpeech.com online account. You may work at your own pace and start and stop your course as you wish. Your course will conclude with a short post test. On successful completion of the post test (>80%), a printable certificate of completion is presented to you.

Receiving CEUs:

Northern Speech is an ASHA CE Provider and our online courses are registered with ASHA and offered for ASHA CEUs. Please note that successful completion of the online post test is required prior to the awarding of CEUs. Please contact your state licensing board for acceptance policies related to CEUs earned online. Please note that courses offered for university students are not applicable for CEUs.

Registering for an online course:

You may browse all online courses by clicking the Continuing Education tab above, then Online Courses. Once you find a course, click Enroll Now, and you will be asked to either log into your existing Northern Speech account or create a new online account. Once you’ve entered your account information and provided your credit card payment, your course will be immediately available to you.

Accessing your purchased course or returning to a purchased course:

You will be able to access your online course by logging into your Northern Speech account and then clicking the My Online Courses tab on your profile screen. Click the course you would like to start or to resume. From there, proceed through the course sections until you are ready to complete the post test. You do not have to complete your course all at once. You may log on and off as you wish.

Testing requirements:

Each online course concludes with a post test consisting of multiple choice or true & false questions. Scores of 80% or greater are required for successful course completion and awarding of CEUs. You may revisit course materials and retest as needed to achieve a passing score.

Number of CEUs offered:

We offer courses from 1 to 21 contact hours. Each course will note the number of CEUs offered. Please note that 0.1 CEU = 1 contact hour = 1 CEE.

State licensing boards and online CEUs:

NSS is an ASHA CE Provider and most state licensing boards DO accept ASHA CEUs earned online (usually classified as home-study credits). Some boards do, however, place a limit to the number of CEUs that can be earned via home study/online courses. For the most current information, we suggest that you contact your licensing board or agency to verify acceptance policies and/or any CEU limits related to home-study courses prior to enrolling in an online course.

Course formats:

Our course formats include: text, audio, video, and PowerPoint with author narration. Each course will note the format on the course description page. Most courses include closed captioning.

Course handouts:

Most of our online courses provide a link to download the accompanying handout as a PDF file. 

Group discounts:

Groups of 3 or more are eligible for a 20% discount on each registration on most of our online courses. To receive this discount, registrations need to be processed together via the "Group Rates" tab on the Online Course of your choice.

Computer requirements:

For our online courses to function best, we recommend that you update your computer to include the newest version of your Internet browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Internet Explorer, etc.) and newest version of your computer's operating system. Also a high-speed Internet connection is recommended (cable or DSL). Speakers or headphones will be required for many of our courses as many contain audio components.

Course Cancellation Policy:

A purchased online course can be exchanged, refunded, or transferred to another individual if contact is made with NSS (via phone or email) within 30 days of purchase and the course materials have not been viewed or downloaded. 

Special Needs:

Please click here for any special needs requests, and we will do our best to accommodate them. 

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