No, It’s Not Just a Phase: When NYC Parents Should Consider Speech Therapy for Their Child
Are you a concerned parent, lying awake at night, wondering if your child is reaching all their speech and language milestones on time?
As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I am frequently asked about ‘the clues’ provided by a child. Clues they may display to parents, caregivers, teachers, and therapists alike to signal they would benefit from additional support. Specifically, support in the form of pediatric speech therapy in NYC.
Clinical observations of a child at play provide me with valuable information about the unique support needs required for each child in my care to blossom and thrive.
Exploring the Type of Support Your Child Needs
Support services can commonly include a recommendation of speech therapy, occupational therapy, and/or physical therapy. And sometimes social groups or extracurricular activities are used to strengthen areas of concern.
Here are some common clues I have observed during my almost 25-year career as a pediatric speech-language pathologist and resident detective and problem solver!
Infant Speech & Language Development: Common Clues
During infant speech and language development, a few common clues of a communication difference can include:
- Paucity of vocalizations.
- Lack of babbling.
- Repeating the same consonants, vowel sound combinations without variety.
- Differences in the use of eye contact during social games.
- Passionate interest in certain toys, games, puzzles.
- Difficulty following directions given.
- Challenges with pointing to named objects.
- Trouble with labeling common objects or actions.
- Differences in focus and attention, possibly requiring increased or decreased sensory information to thrive.
- Differences in sleeping and/or eating patterns.
- Frustration present when needs cannot be quickly and adequately communicated and met.
Early Childhood Speech Development
In early childhood speech and language development, a few common clues of a presenting communication difference may include the following:
- Challenges with expressing wants, needs, desires, thoughts, and feelings.
- Requesting items in one-word phrases or simply pointing.
- Responding to questions using short one or two-word phrases.
- Difficulty forming longer grammatically accurate sentences.
- Experiencing challenges during circle time at school.
- Avoidance of reading time at home.
- Difficulty answering what, who, and where questions.
- Back-and-forth communication exchanges feel cumbersome.
- Challenges with turn-taking in social settings.
- Difficulty being understood by others.
- Frustration appears when communication breakdowns occur frequently.
Signs in Later Childhood and Adolescence
Lastly, in later childhood and adolescence, speech and language development, common clues that may indicate a communication difference include:
- Difficulty with reading comprehension.
- Trouble with summarizing and discussing reading assignments.
- Challenges with processing spoken information in the classroom.
- Difficulty with homework assignments.
- Challenges with the creative writing tasks.
- Fear of public speaking.
- Challenges in organization, time management, and memory (inside and outside of the classroom setting).
- Trouble initiating and maintaining deep and meaningful friendships with peers.
So, if you are that concerned parent, lying awake at night, please don’t delay. Reach out for the support you are craving.
We are here and ready to lend a helping hand. A caring professional opinion can provide light & support for your child and whole family.
Ready to Watch Your Child Soar?
If you’re ready to experience the unlimited possibilities that can be unlocked through supportive, neurodivergent affirming speech therapy in NYC, we are here and ready to help your child and family soar!
Chatty Child’s speech therapists can assess your child’s speech and language developmental needs and craft an individually tailored treatment plan to address any areas of concern, while working 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
Support Your Child Through Every Stage with Pediatric Speech Therapy in NYC
If your child is struggling with communication, it’s important to know you don’t have to wait and wonder if they’ll “grow out of it.” With the right support, kids can build the tools they need to express themselves clearly and confidently. At Chatty Child, we specialize in pediatric speech therapy in NYC, helping families find answers, encouragement, and a clear path forward.
Here’s how to get started with pediatric speech therapy in NYC:
- Schedule a free 15-minute phone conversation to share your concerns and learn more about how speech therapy can support your child’s growth.
- Book a comprehensive evaluation with one of our pediatric speech therapists in NYC to understand your child’s communication strengths and needs.
- Begin individualized therapy sessions designed to build skills, confidence, and self-expression through evidence-based, child-centered approaches.
- Watch your child thrive as they gain stronger communication tools, emotional awareness, and the ability to connect more fully at home, in school, and beyond.
Expanding Support Beyond Speech Therapy: Holistic Care for Children in NYC
At Chatty Child, we believe in nurturing the whole child. That’s why our services go further than speech therapy, offering a wide range of supports that build resilience, confidence, and lasting progress while equipping caregivers with practical tools to encourage growth at home and school.
- InterAct – An innovative model that weaves together play, performance, and storytelling to spark creativity, boost communication, and inspire self-expression.
- Occupational Therapy – Enhances fine motor development, supports sensory processing, and fosters independence in daily routines.
- Teletherapy – Convenient online speech and occupational therapy sessions available for families anywhere in New York State.
- Tutoring Services – Personalized academic support in reading, writing, and critical thinking to strengthen learning and curiosity.
- Functional Nutrition – Guidance designed to promote both physical wellness and emotional balance during vital developmental stages.
- Consulting – Coaching and collaboration for caregivers, educators, and professionals to create unified strategies across environments.
- Programs – Engaging group opportunities that nurture emotional growth, strengthen social bonds, and encourage joyful learning through play and movement.
Through a creative, evidence-based approach, we help children develop communication, emotional regulation, and confidence, supporting them in thriving both inside and outside of therapy.
About Heather Boerner: A Voice for Children in NYC
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, is a nationally certified and New York State licensed speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience providing pediatric speech therapy in NYC. In addition to her clinical background, Heather is a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, a trauma-informed provider, and a proud neurodiverse and differently-abled individual. Her personal and professional experiences deeply inform her approach to care.
Heather’s own journey as a differently-abled person led her to establish Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice dedicated to empowering children through individualized, compassionate support. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book that promotes confidence, learning, and friendship. The story includes a teaching guide designed for use by parents and educators alike.
Heather and her team offer services both in-person at their Tribeca, Manhattan clinic and virtually throughout New York State, helping children grow in confidence, communication, and self-expression.
