Speech Therapy Services

Echolalia & Gestalt Language Processing • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) • Early Language Delay • Neurodiversity-Affirming Social Communication •

Evaluations

During evaluations we prioritize building connection with the child to get a true look at their interests, strengths and support needs. Comprehensive evaluations will include:

  • Parent interview/questionnaires

  • Past assessment/IEP/Treatment Plan review

  • Language Sample Collection & Analysis

  • Home video review (if provided)

  • Informal and formal measures (standardized assessments are only used if appropriate)

Once the evaluation is complete, we will write up an evaluation report, review it with you and collaborate to create a plan for services.

Our Approach to Therapy

We are passionate about providing neurodiversity-affirming services. We listen to and amplify neurodivergent voices and allow their experiences to guide our therapy. We believe that connection and regulation are foundational to supporting speech and language development and make those a priority in our sessions.

  • All sessions are child-led.

  • We incorporate movement and sensory supports into every session.

  • We honor each child’s unique interests and play and follow their lead in sessions.

Our Specialties

Echolalia/Gestalt Language Processing

We specialize in supporting gestalt language processors (children who communicate with echolalia) using the Natural Language Acquisition framework. We have experience identifying speaking, minimally speaking and non-speaking gestalt language processors. Your child may be a gestalt language processor if:

  • They use lines/utterances from media or communication partners to communicate (e.g. “Up up and away!” to communicate that they want to leave).

  • They use rich intonation when they speak (even if speech is unintelligible).

  • They have long strings of unintelligible language (e.g. sounds like jargon, but often is intonationally rich).

  • They have a repertoire of single words but are unable to expand upon those single (e.g. your child may have hundreds of single words but doesn’t flexibly use them in 2+ word utterances)

  • They are very musical. Some children may not be using mouth words to consistently communicate their wants/needs but can sing or hum.

  • They have difficulty answering questions with novel, self-generated language (e.g. they may answer questions the same way every time, use echolalia, repeat the question back to you, or not answer at all).

  • They often reverse pronouns (e.g. “Are you okay?” instead of “I’m okay” or “I’m hurt”).

  • They are an AAC user but are stuck on single words and/or haven’t made progress despite intensive modeling of the device.

Virtual Parent & Professional Consultations
(available to anyone, world-wide)

We provide parent & professional consultations on gestalt language development, neurodiversity-affirming practices/parenting and starting a private practice. During these consultations, we can discuss (not a comprehensive list):

  • Support strategies for the home, school, daycare, etc.

  • AAC customization & implementation

  • Assess home video and language samples

  • Review/suggest treatment and/or IEP goals

  • Mentorship for starting your own private practice

We have various options for consultations. We offer 12-week packages and one-off meetings (45-min & 60-min in length).

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

AAC is used by individuals who, some or all of the time, cannot rely on their speech. If a child cannot rely on their speech, this can cause frustration and barriers to daily life. Implementing AAC allows us to establish a reliable communication system. Research shows that AAC helps people of all ages (even those younger than 3 years old)! You can use AAC early. There are no cognitive skills, test scores, or other milestones that you need to reach before a child can get started with AAC. We believe every child should have access to a robust and reliable means of communication. AAC will allow your child to:

  • Have more autonomy as a communicator.

  • Communicate their wants and needs, express opinions, ask questions, share stories and experiences, and have conversations.

  • Be better understood by others and reduce frustration.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Social Communication

We do not focus on neurotypical social goals or norms for neurodivergent children. Instead, we support a positive sense of self through understanding of neurodiversity and the child’s unique communication, sensory, and play preferences. Areas we often focus on include:

  • Self-advocacy

  • Communication Style Preferences

  • Emotional/Energy Regulation

  • Problem-solving

  • Perspective Taking

  • Spoon Theory

  • Double Empathy Problem

Book a consult or join our waitlist!

We’re accepting new teletherapy (MA only) and parent/professional consultations (open to anyone worldwide).

If you’re looking for in-person services and live in Massachusetts, join our waitlist and someone from our team will contact you.