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illinois Developmental 
Therapy Association

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Advancing the Excellence, Education and Ethical Standards of the Developmental Therapist

Upcoming events: monthly board meetings are held once a month, time and dates subject to change based on the board availabilty

    • Friday, December 12, 2025
    • 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Online Webinar (please note this is Central Standard Time)
    • 97
    Register


    How to Use AAC for Children with Complex Language Needs

    This training is designed for Early Intervention providers who want to expand their knowledge and practical skills in supporting young children’s communication development. Participants will learn effective strategies for incorporating Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) visuals into sessions to foster engagement, learning, and language growth.

    The training will cover:

    • Engaging and functional ways to model language using AAC.

    • Techniques for embedding AAC into daily routines and play-based interactions.

    • Strategies for parent coaching to strengthen carryover at home.

    • Practical methods to encourage imitation and communication through motivating activities.

    • An introduction to Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), including how to identify GLPs, adjust communication styles, and model developmentally supportive language.

    By the end of the session, providers will have concrete tools to integrate AAC into therapy, support children who are Gestalt Language Processors, and empower families to promote meaningful communication progress.

    More from our presenter

    Mariana Polistchuk is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Early Intervention provider, and the founder of Functional Pediatric Therapy Clinic in Fox River Grove, IL. She specializes in supporting autistic children, particularly Gestalt Language Processors, and incorporates Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools to foster meaningful communication. With over a decade of experience, Mariana is passionate about parent coaching, individualized treatment, and creating engaging, play-based therapy that empowers both children and families. In addition to her clinical expertise, Mariana is multilingual and speaks Russian and Hebrew, allowing her to serve a diverse range of families.

    Early Intervention Credits:  TBD

    (please note credit is currently unavailable for states outside of Illinois)

    This training is open to all Early Intervention Providers and Service Coordinators

    There will be a free reflective practice session offered after the webinar for all IDTA Members ONLY. This will require a separate registration. 

    Please note, a strict no cancellation policy will be enforced for all IDTA webinars




    • Friday, December 12, 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Online Webinar (please note this is Central Standard Time)
    • 50
    Register

    Reflective Practice Session directly after Webinar.  Separate registration required. 

    Reflective Practice Session for the Webinar:

    How to Use AAC for Children with Complex Language Needs

    This training is designed for Early Intervention providers who want to expand their knowledge and practical skills in supporting young children’s communication development. Participants will learn effective strategies for incorporating Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) visuals into sessions to foster engagement, learning, and language growth.

    The training will cover:

    • Engaging and functional ways to model language using AAC.

    • Techniques for embedding AAC into daily routines and play-based interactions.

    • Strategies for parent coaching to strengthen carryover at home.

    • Practical methods to encourage imitation and communication through motivating activities.

    • An introduction to Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), including how to identify GLPs, adjust communication styles, and model developmentally supportive language.

    By the end of the session, providers will have concrete tools to integrate AAC into therapy, support children who are Gestalt Language Processors, and empower families to promote meaningful communication progress.

    This event is only open to IDTA members who attended the webinar !  

    Early Intervention Credits - TBD

    (please note credit is currently unavailable for states outside of Illinois)

    This is a closed training and is only open to IDTA Members who attended the Webinar. Please note, a strict no cancellation policy will be enforced for all IDTA webinars.




 

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Office: (888) 610-6604
Email: info@illinoisdta.org

Address:
3712 N  Broadway #415
Chicago, IL 60613

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