In this episode of Brainstorms, Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is joined by Farwa Husain, MS, CCC-SLP, for a thoughtful conversation on echolalia in adulthood and how Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) can support meaningful communication growth for adults with neurogenic language disorders. Together, they explore why honoring authentic, emotionally salient language matters just as much in adulthood as it does in childhood, and how echolalia can be understood as part of a functional communication system rather than something to eliminate.
Farwa and Renee break down the core principles of NLA and discuss how these concepts translate beyond pediatric practice into adult neurorehab, including acute care and medically complex settings. They share practical ways SLPs can incorporate naturalistic language modeling, consider gestalt language processing, and prioritize relationship-centered communication while still addressing cognitive communication goals and therapy demands.
This episode also addresses common misconceptions about echolalia in adults, how NLA can complement cognitive-communication rehabilitation, and real-world clinical examples that illustrate these approaches in action. Whether you are new to NLA or looking to expand your adult neurorehab toolbox, this conversation offers evidence-aligned strategies to help adults reconnect with their voice using the brain’s natural learning pathways.
Farwa and Renee break down the core principles of NLA and discuss how these concepts translate beyond pediatric practice into adult neurorehab, including acute care and medically complex settings. They share practical ways SLPs can incorporate naturalistic language modeling, consider gestalt language processing, and prioritize relationship-centered communication while still addressing cognitive communication goals and therapy demands.
This episode also addresses common misconceptions about echolalia in adults, how NLA can complement cognitive-communication rehabilitation, and real-world clinical examples that illustrate these approaches in action. Whether you are new to NLA or looking to expand your adult neurorehab toolbox, this conversation offers evidence-aligned strategies to help adults reconnect with their voice using the brain’s natural learning pathways.
