Summary
This episode of the All About Kids Mashup Series explores the journey of a speech-language pathologist from Vietnam to the U.S., the impact of telehealth on speech therapy during the pandemic, and the challenges faced in both adult and pediatric settings. It also delves into the world of documentary filmmaking, particularly focusing on the experiences of non-speaking individuals with autism, highlighting the importance of understanding and communication beyond verbal expression. This conversation delves into the sensory experiences of non-speaking autistic individuals as portrayed in a documentary film. It explores the immersive sound design and visual storytelling techniques used to convey the unique perspectives of the film’s subjects. Additionally, the discussion covers the concept of sensory diets, their importance in helping children with sensory processing difficulties, and practical applications for implementing these diets in daily life.
Takeaways
The speaker’s early experiences in Vietnam influenced their career choice.
Telehealth has provided unique advantages and challenges in speech therapy.
Parents play a crucial role in their child’s therapy process.
Working with cancer patients highlighted the importance of health and communication.
Transitioning to pediatric therapy requires a different approach to communication with parents.
Documentary filmmaking is a search process that uncovers stories.
The film ‘The Reason I Jump’ explores the sensory experiences of non-speaking autistic individuals.
Presuming competence is essential in understanding non-speaking individuals.
The film aims to create a sensory experience rather than a narrative-driven one.
Filmmaking challenges include capturing the essence of non-speaking experiences. The film emphasizes the sensory experiences of non-speaking autistic individuals.
Creating immersive soundscapes helps convey the complexity of sensory processing.
Each subject’s story is told in a way that allows for deep understanding and connection.
Visual storytelling techniques include macro close-ups and observational filming.
Sensory diets are tailored to individual needs and help bridge sensory processing gaps.
Children may struggle with sensory processing, leading to dysregulation.
A sensory diet includes specific sensory inputs prescribed throughout the day.
The right state for a child varies depending on the environment.
Practical examples of sensory diets can be easily integrated into daily routines.
Teaching coping skills for sensory preferences is essential for children’s development.
Sound Bites
“I came to the U.S. when I was 18 for school.”
“I wanted to participate in Operation Smile’s trip.”
“I wanted to change the world.”
“Our health is the most important thing that we have.”
“The goal is to help, not to label.”
“We live in a very verbal world.”
“It was a real gift to a filmmaker.”
“It’s a whole extra layer that goes on in his head.”
“The film has a sort of shape and a forward motion.”
“A sensory diet is a way to bridge that gap.”
“Every single person has sensory preferences.”
“We want to help them flourish, just like everybody else.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the All About Kids Mashup Series
00:28 Journey to Speech Therapy: Early Influences
03:52 Telehealth in Speech Therapy: Adaptations and Challenges
10:38 Life-Changing Experiences at the Cancer Institute
14:57 Transitioning from Adult to Pediatric Speech Therapy
19:13 Documentary Filmmaking: Telling Untold Stories
22:58 The Reason I Jump: Exploring Non-Speaking Autism
29:28 Challenges in Filmmaking: Capturing Non-Speaking Experiences
31:21 Exploring Sensory Experiences in Autism
36:57 The Journey of the Film’s Subjects
40:20 Visual Storytelling Techniques
44:25 Understanding Sensory Diets
52:19 Practical Applications of Sensory Diets
About All About Kids:
AAK, the leading provider of children’s therapeutic and educational skills in New York. Their team of experts offer diagnostic evaluations as well as direct and consultative behavioral intervention services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. After comprehensive assessment, each child has a portfolio or program book designed specifically to meet his or her individualized needs. The quality of our ABA services are closely monitored through program and field supervision as well as ongoing consultation by BCBA’s/BCaBA’s, and Experienced Team Leaders.
Click here for a link to comprehensive educational and support resources. Previous podcast episodes and more information about All About Kids is available here.
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