Neurodivergent-Affirming Care & Speech Therapy for Kids in NYC

What Does Neurodivergent-Affirming Care Look Like in Practice? A Look at Speech Therapy for Kids in NYC

When I begin treating a child and their family at my clinic in Tribeca, New York. I start with a thoughtful case history interview process. This includes: gaining insight into the child’s individual birth, medical, educational, and social-emotional history.

I explore a child’s inner motivations, curiosities, and desires through caring observations and play.

Additionally, I am curious about a child’s daily routines.

I learn about what makes a child feel safe and secure.

As a speech therapist in NYC, I bring warm curiosity to each treatment session. I gain insight into each unique child and family I work with. By following the child’s lead, we can unlock the power of possibilities in each child, together as a team with speech therapy for kids.

This is ultimately the cornerstone of neurodiversity affirming care. Valuing each child for their unique collection of abilities and differences.

Neuro-divergent affirming care embraces the unique collection of abilities of each child.

Sessions at Chatty Child may appear at first like a whole bunch of silly games and fun – played on the floor.

Rest assured, all this pretend play does have purpose!

Understanding Communication Through Observation: Speech Therapy for Kids in NYC

First, we must determine what interests and activities ignite your child’s passions, interests, and creative expressions.

We notice how a child communicates their desires.

Also, we observe how a child navigates their environment.

We explore their interests with them.

Second, we start to gently scaffold and support each child’s individual speech and language goals. Within each child’s individual, intrinsically motivating creative pathways and interests.

We play with child on their level.

Follow the child’s lead.

We support reciprocal engagement.

And embrace all communication modes.

Third, we embrace each child’s unique learning styles, interests, strengths, and support needs. We address their individual goals in flexible, imaginative, and holistic ways. This is at the cornerstone of our neurodivergent affirming care:

We celebrate each child’s unique talents & strengths.

Empower each child to embrace their differences.

We teach each child through empowering, affirming, and effective support.

We’re Here to Help, Every Step of the Way

If you’re ready to experience the unlimited possibilities that can be unlocked through gentle, caring, supportive, neurodivergent affirming care. We offer speech therapy services to help your child and family soar!

Chatty Child’s speech therapists can assess your child’s speech and language developmental needs. They can craft an individually tailored treatment plan to address any areas of concern. Additionally, they work seamlessly with your child’s medical team to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes for your child and family.

To book an in-person or online speech therapy assessment and treatment sessions with Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, please visit our website at: www.chattychild.com; email: info@chattychild.com; or call: 347 491 4451

Sincerely,

Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP

Empower Communication with Neurodivergent-Affirming Speech Therapy for Kids in NYC

Neurodivergent-affirming care honors each child’s unique way of thinking, feeling, and communicating. At Chatty Child, our pediatric speech therapists in NYC create supportive, respectful spaces where kids can thrive—not by changing who they are, but by celebrating how they express themselves and learn best.

Here’s how to get started with neurodivergent-affirming speech therapy in NYC:

Schedule a free 15-minute phone conversation to share your child’s strengths and challenges, and learn how we approach therapy through a neurodiversity-affirming lens.
Book a comprehensive evaluation to assess communication needs, sensory preferences, and learning style, building the foundation for a highly personalized therapy plan.
Begin speech therapy sessions designed to support self-expression, connection, and regulation—at your child’s pace and in ways that feel safe and empowering.
Watch your child grow in confidence as they gain communication tools, build trust in their voice, and feel truly understood in a space that celebrates who they are.

Helping Children Grow with Confidence: Our Full Range of Services

At Chatty Child, our offerings go beyond traditional speech therapy—we provide a range of holistic services designed to nurture your child’s development and empower caregivers with meaningful, collaborative support.

InterAct – A creative therapy model that blends storytelling, imaginative play, and performance-based activities to spark expressive language and build confidence.
Occupational Therapy – Helps children strengthen fine motor skills, navigate sensory input, and gain independence in everyday routines.
Teletherapy – Flexible online options in both speech and occupational therapy, accessible to families throughout New York State.
Tutoring Services – Customized academic support in reading, writing, and critical thinking to boost classroom success and encourage a love of learning.
Functional Nutrition – Individualized guidance focused on emotional regulation and physical wellness during key developmental stages.
Consulting – Collaborative support for parents, teachers, and professionals to align care strategies across home, school, and therapy settings.
Programs – Group-based sessions that promote emotional awareness, social connection, and joyful learning through play and movement.

Together, we help children grow into confident communicators supported at every step, both in and out of the therapy room.

About the Author: Pediatric Speech Therapist in NYC with a Holistic Approach

Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist in New York State and nationally certified clinician with more than 20 years of experience delivering pediatric speech therapy in NYC. Alongside her clinical expertise, Heather is a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, a trauma-informed provider, and proudly identifies as both neurodiverse and differently-abled, bringing a deeply personal lens to the work she does.

Motivated by her own lived experiences, Heather founded Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, a welcoming, strengths-based practice that helps children grow through individualized and compassionate care. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book designed to inspire confidence, learning, and connection, complete with a practical teaching guide for caregivers and educators.

Heather and her team offer both in-person services at their Tribeca clinic and virtual therapy across New York State, empowering children to find their voice, strengthen communication, and embrace who they are with pride.

Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC

Creating Possibilities .. one child at a time ..

Chatty Child Provides Pediatric Speech & Occupational Therapy & Classes in Tribeca, Manhattan, NYC – In Person at 325 Broadway Suite 403 New York, NY 10007 & serving the entire state of New York including: NYC, Westchester, Hudson Valley, Long Island via online therapy in New York State.