#95 - Books, Video Modeling, and Beyond: Engaging Young Learners With Clay Hadden, SLP

In today’s episode, I’m talking to Clay Hadden.  You might know him on Instagram or YouTube as Mister Clay.  Clay is a speech/language pathologist and he runs a popular YouTube Channel where he offers several videos that combine music and visuals to work on language skills in a super fun way.  Clay also just published his first children’s book.  In this interview we chatted about his new book…which I LOVE, as well as using video modeling for young autistic kids.  Jump in and listen now!

Bio: Clay Hadden, M.S. CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist with over 18 years of experience in providing child-centered therapy. He specializes in a play-based, child-led approach with a strong focus on augmentative and alternative communication in his speech clinic in Aiken, SC. Clay also creates children's music with The SOKS and offers educational content on his YouTube channel, Mister Clay. His goal is to one day fund therapy services for under- and uninsured families with proceeds from his creative ventures. His first picture book, 'I Hear Nature' from Ninewise Publishing comes out November 19th, 2024.

Topics Covered:

1. Clay’s Background: Journey from pre-med to becoming a speech-language pathologist, his transition to pediatric work, and establishing his own practice, Ready, Set, Talk.

2. Pandemic Pivot: Creation of his YouTube channel during the pandemic to provide AAC modeling videos for clients.

3. Encouragement for Content Creation: Clay encourages other speech therapists to try content creation, such as books, videos, and podcasts, even if it's intimidating.

4. Mission to Support Families: Clay’s goal to use income from his creative work to provide low-cost therapy services for families in need.

5. New Book for Young Children: Clay’s children's book, designed with onomatopoeic sounds and interactive elements, aimed at engaging young children, including nonverbal and early communicators.

6. Fundraising and Social Impact: Partnership with his publisher to donate books to children affected by Hurricane Helena in North Carolina.

7. Supporting Gestalt Language Processors: Clay’s use of book videos for children who are gestalt language processors, utilizing video models to provide consistent presentations for children who prefer it.

8. Video Modeling: Explanation of video modeling to aid in transitions, play, and skill development while respecting neurodiverse preferences.

9. Music in Therapy: Use of music as a tool to build relationships and teach language, modifying familiar songs to match children’s interests.

10. Adapting to Children's Preferences: Respecting individual children’s need for consistency and sameness in activities and using their interests as a bridge for engagement.

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