The Holistic Speech Path Podcast
In a rapidly evolving world, we began to challenge ourselves and the traditional norms of speech and language therapy, recognizing that it was no longer meeting the diverse needs of our clients.
This podcast is about moving beyond conventional medical models. We explore holistic, whole-child approaches while listening to and trusting each family’s lived experience.
The Holistic Speech Path Podcast
Whole-Body Apraxia and Spelling: Dr. Dana Johnson
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Dr. Dana Johnson, PhD, MS, OTR/L, is the Founder of Spellers Center Tampa and Spellers Center Atlanta, the Founder of Invictus Academy Tampa Bay, and the co-founder of the Spellers Method™. She holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and a PhD in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Development.
Dr. Johnson is a producer of the award-winning documentary SPELLERS, executive producer of UNDERESTIMATED: The Heroic Rise of Nonspeaking Spellers, and co-author of The Spellers Guidebook: Practical Advice for Parents and Students. She also serves on the Medical Science and Advisory Board for Documenting Hope.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Johnson specializes in helping individuals with autism, apraxia, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities develop intentional motor skills and improve their overall health. Her work is rooted in a deep belief that these individuals are capable, intelligent, and deserving of the support needed to unlock their full potential.
As she shares, whole-body apraxia is consistently inconsistent. This episode is will help any professional who is look to reframe or shift their mindset as a good starting point in better understanding our non-speakers, whole-body apraxia as well as presuming competence.
Connect with Dr. Dana Johnson on You Tube, Instagram, X and Facebook.
https://www.youtube.com/@DrDanaJohnson
www.drdanajohnson.com
https://www.spellers.com/tampa
CHAPTERS
00:00
Introduction to Dr. Dana Johnson
02:09
Dr. Johnson's Journey in Occupational Therapy
04:49
The Shift to Whole Body Apraxia
10:22
Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection
14:10
Presuming Competence in Clients
17:38
Practical Strategies for Therapists
26:20
Managing Expectations with Whole Body Apraxia
27:36
Mindset Shifts in Therapy
32:37
The Role of Parents in Advocacy
36:59
Self-Regulation and Co-Regulation
43:22
Challenging Traditional Testing Methods
51:33
The Importance of Vision in Motor Planning
