Mellisa Essenburg, M.S. Ccc-Slp Speech-Language Pathology

11/17/2025

Casting Call! 🎬

Netflix's Love on the Spectrum is looking for participants for the next season! ❤️

This series follows adults on the autism spectrum as they navigate the world of relationships and dating while celebrating finding love and helping break down myths, misconceptions, and stereotypes.

Northern Pictures would love to hear from you if:

- You’re 18 or older
- You’re on the autism spectrum
- You’re single and interested in dating

If that sounds like you (or someone you know!), email a photo and short description of yourself to production@northernpictures.com.au

Please note: Being contacted does not guarantee participation. It’s just the first step in discussing the possibility of joining the show.

09/16/2022

https://abc7news.com/uc-berkeley-cal-graduation-nonspeaking-autism-graduates-david-teplitz/11870714/?utm_campaign=Content_Marketing_Promotion&utm_medium=post&utm_source=Facebook_page&fbclid=IwAR2cjAvLOFxoCY2m1vQsmGub3TvFGUUtsh21ziR_TMTltLM3nGHpAfam6N4

Both graduates hope to inspire others with nonspeaking autism and say those with disabilities can achieve a lot if they are able to participate.

07/13/2022

The California Department of Rehabilitation Voice Options program provides free iPads with speech generating apps to individuals with communication disorders. The program is state funded and completely free of charge to clients. There are no restrictions regarding age, type of disability, income, or insurance.

If you know of anyone with a communication disability who might benefit from a speech generating device (Assistive Technology/AAC), please feel free to reach out and I can assist you through the process!

The Voice Options program process is incredibly simple:

Step One: The client, SLP, or caregiver contacts me to schedule an orientation and demonstration.

Step Two: The client participates in a Voice Options orientation (in person or via Zoom) and receives a speech-generating device demonstration.

Step Three: The client takes a short-term loaner iPad home for a 2 to 14-day trial period. The loaner iPad is preloaded with six speech-generating applications (LAMP Words for Life, Proloquo2Go, TouchChatHD with Word Power, Proloquo4Text, and Predictable). The client will practice using two or three of the applications during the trial period to help determine which speech application will work best for them.

Step Four: The client receives a new iPad with one speech-generating application of their choice downloaded onto the iPad. The funding request may also include accessories such as a case, keyboard, or wheelchair mount.

07/12/2021

The CA Department of Rehabilitation Voice Options Program offers iPads with communication apps at no charge to individuals with communication impairments. Contact me for more information if you are in San Diego, Imperial or Riverside county!

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is an employment and independent living resource for people with disabilities...

06/20/2018

http://www.campsay.org/cswc/

Camp SAY is a two week summer camp for children who stutter and their young friends and family members, located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Camp SAY is a program of SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young, which helps kids who stutter gain confidence an...

02/16/2018

New MIT research finds that for children's brain development, parents don't just need to talk to their kids -- it's important to talk with them, in back-and-forth exchanges.

12/13/2017

Comprehension depends on what you already know. Let’s start there.

11/26/2017

WOW! What a great list!!

http://www.andnextcomesl.com/2017/07/calm-down-strategies-for-kids.html

07/26/2017

https://www.engadget.com/2017/07/26/apple-cochlear-made-for-iphone-implant/

Cochlear's new made-for-iPhone implant works natively with compatible iOS devices.

06/27/2017

05/12/2017

A really lovely video modeling how parents can help support language development when reading books with toddlers!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki5jYbRcydU&feature=youtu.be

The book can be found here: http://amzn.to/2f8PsPQ If you click through this affiliate link and purchase the book, I do get a small commission. By doing this...