2026 Full Online LAMP Course (Aotearoa/New Zealand) WFL & the LAMP Therapy Approach

ATANZ is excited to host 

2026 Full ONLINE LAMP Course

(Aotearoa/New Zealand)

Words for Life & the LAMP therapy approach 

(October–November 2026 | Via Zoom)

ATANZ is excited to offer the full two‑day LAMP course as an online programme for Aotearoa/New Zealand, in response to community feedback.

Course Format

The course is delivered across four online sessions over 8 weeks:

• Three foundational sessions (2.5 hours each)
• One advanced, technical session (4.5 hours, professionals only)

Presented by

Dr Sam Brydon

Dates:

Session 1, Monday 12 October 2026, 

Session 2, Wednesday 28 October 2026, 

Session 3, Monday 9 November 2026 

Time: 1 pm - 3.30 pm

Session 4, Monday 23 November 2026  (Professionals only) 

Time: 9.30-pm - 2.30 pm 

About this event: 

It is intended that the workshop will be fully participatory, with a strong emphasis on practical application of the LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) therapy approach and LAMP Words for Life app. Sessions will include group discussions, hands-on practice activities, small-group work, and action planning to support the transfer of new knowledge and skills into everyday practice. Numbers will be capped at 30 participants per workshop, and sessions will not be recorded. 

This workshop will provide comprehensive training about the LAMP therapeutic approach, which was developed by John and Cindy Halloran, and Mia Emerson, and focuses on supporting autistic children to use AAC. This approach can be used across AAC systems, but it is particularly suited for use with the LAMP Words for Life app.

LAMP Words for Life is a communication app that has been specifically designed with autistic children in mind, and is the partner app for the LAMP therapeutic approach, with a focus on learning words through unique and efficient motor plans. This app will be demonstrated and demystified throughout the workshops, with plenty of opportunities for participants to practice and hone their skills at setting up, modelling, and using in a range of activities.

Throughout the workshops, participants will:

• Learn the theory underpinning the LAMP approach
• Understand the role of multi‑sensory convergence
• Explore the five core elements of LAMP
• Gain practical strategies to engage autistic children in communication‑rich activities
• Develop skills to set up, model, edit, and use LAMP Words for Life in everyday contexts

By the end of the first three sessions, participants should feel confident in their understanding of the LAMP therapeutic approach, the importance of multi-sensory convergence, and how to engage autistic children in communication-rich activities. Participants will also develop practical skills in setting up, modelling, editing, and using LAMP Words for Life as they begin implementation.

Professionals who complete ALL three first sessions will receive a free LAMP app license. Further details about access and activation will be provided after completion of the three sessions.

Session 4 (professionals only): 

The fourth session extends learning with a deeper technical and systems focus, including:

• Tips for successful initial implementation of LAMP
• Supporting children and young people with additional behavioural and sensory needs
• Coaching and supporting communication partners
• Implementing LAMP effectively in classroom settings

About the presenter:

Sam Brydon is a speech language therapist with 30 years of experience in the field of disability, including as a social worker. Sam originally trained and worked in England, before emigrating to Aotearoa in 2007. She has since worked for the Ministry of Education, Patricia Avenue Specialist School, and currently for The TalkLink Trust. She completed doctoral research at Massey University in the field of AAC in 2023. Sam first discovered LAMP when she was reading and researching for her PhD. She attended the first training in Aotearoa in 2019 and has since implemented and supported LAMP with many children and young people with diverse communication needs and has been excited to observe how successful this approach can be with children who have previously struggled to use AAC

Mininum numbers:

Events require a minimum of participants to proceed. We'll confirm if we can go ahead, at the latest two weeks before the start date of the event. We offer the option to attend at a different location or a full refund in case we need to cancel. Please keep this in mind when booking any travel and accommodations.

Cancellations by participants less than 14 days before the event will not be refunded. Substitution by another person is possible when you notify us by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than 3 days before the start of the event. Please check out our full Cancellation and Refunds Policy and additional Certificates of Attendance Terms and Conditions here.

Who can attend:

This first 3 sessions of this course is for all people including speech-language therapists, occupational therapists, teachers, teacher aides and is also suitable for parents/caregivers working with autistic children with diverse communication needs. 

The 4th session is a 4.5 hour session which will have a more technical focus and is aimed at professionals (such as speech-language therapists) working in this space.

Costs: 

• $ 395 for ATANZ members
• $ 495 for non-members (remember membership is $110)
  
• $   50 for Whānau/ family members, first 3 sessions only (limited numbers)
• $ 125 for Students (limited numbers)
  

Please check out our Whanau Professional Development and Learning Grant and ATANZ Professional Development Grant

Registrations close 28th of September or when sold out – places are limited! 

Questions:

All login details will be sent to registrants closer to the date.

Please contact us with any further questions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.