Mindfulness for Neurodivergent Minds: A SLP’s Approach to Holistic Speech Therapy in NYC
Traditional meditation practices that include sitting perfectly still and silent can sometimes be quite challenging. This is for both novice, experienced, and neurodivergent meditators alike.
When introducing meditation and mindfulness activities to differently-abled students within my holistic speech therapy practice in NYC, I often start with incorporating visualizations. Then movement, sound, and even their voices to improve their abilities to stay in the present moment.
Adding these multi-modality approaches can help a student anchor into tangible elements within the present moment. These are elements that they can see, feel, hear, taste, or smell.
Using your 5 senses as an anchor into presence can help neurodivergent mediators build the foundational skills needed for living a more mindful and self-regulated life.
Here are some examples from holistic speech therapy of how to incorporate your senses and movement into your daily life. These are designed to improve mindfulness (on and off the mat) for the whole family!
Examples of Incorporating Visualization & Imagery from a Holistic Speech Therapist
- As you gently breathe in and out, picture a bright red balloon that expands as you inhale and contracts as you exhale.
Ideas for Combining Mindfulness with Movement
- As you inhale, bring your arms up. As you exhale, bring your arms down.
Imagine that you are a butterfly, gently floating through the air with each soft and gentle breath.
Tips from Holistic Speech Therapy for Joining Together Meditation & Sound
- I invite you to practice humming aloud with your child. It’s so fun and grounding!
The act of humming aloud quickly activates your vagus nerve and resets the nervous system!
- You can also try chanting an easy mantra like – OM – all together.
As you repeat the mantra – OM – picture your whole body expanding and lightening with each inhale.
- Perhaps, listen to a song and slowly become aware of the different notes and tones.
Becoming Mindful During Activities of Daily Living
Another great time to practice mindfulness is during everyday activities and chores!
You can meditate while brushing your teeth, washing dishes, or even while folding the laundry.
- While you’re washing the dishes, perhaps notice the water running down your hands or the water droplets beading up on the plate.
- Maybe, fall into a gentle rhythm while folding the laundry. Notice the soft texture of your favorite shirt or the smell of freshly clean clothes!
As a speech therapist in NYC, I invite you this week to engage all your senses.
Slow down.
Be present in the little moments of your life.
Become the presence you desire.
Simply begin to notice the sights, sounds, smells, and textures surrounding you.
Take a moment to savor the taste of your favorite tea in the morning …
Find a moment to enjoy the minty fresh bubbles in your toothpaste…
Take a moment to inhale a little more deeply – to smell the freshly fallen leaves …
Gently tune in. Simply Notice. Become a tiny bit more mindful.
And begin to softly witness and notice the small and subtle shifts occurring all around you!
These small moments of mindfulness throughout the day can create a safety net within the nervous system. This slowly teaches the body to return to a place of calm.
I invite you to try some of these meditation and mindfulness techniques with your family today. Watch as clarity and calm gently appear. If you need additional support, our team at Chatty Child is here to help.
Sincerely,
Heather Lynn Boerner MA CCC/SLP
Support Neurodivergent Minds With Holistic Speech Therapy in NYC
Neurodivergent children experience the world with incredible depth, through sensory-rich moments, big feelings, creative thinking, and unique communication styles. At Chatty Child, we offer holistic speech therapy in NYC that embraces these differences rather than trying to change them. Our therapists weave together mindfulness, regulation support, and child-led communication work to help kids feel grounded, understood, and confident.
Here’s how to begin supporting your neurodivergent child’s growth:
- Schedule a complimentary 15-minute call to share your child’s sensory profile, communication needs, and what mindfulness-informed support could look like for them.
- Book a personalized evaluation so we can understand your child’s strengths, sensitivities, and preferred ways of engaging.
- Start individualized sessions that combine mindfulness practices, sensory-aware communication strategies, and supportive exploration at your child’s pace.
- Watch your child grow with confidence as they learn self-regulation skills, deepen self-expression, and build trust in their ability to communicate.
Your neurodivergent child doesn’t need to fit into a mold. They deserve therapy that adapts to them. With holistic speech therapy in NYC, your child can develop communication skills while feeling respected, seen, and supported.
Building Strong Foundations With Holistic Speech Therapy in NYC & Additional Services
At Chatty Child, we believe every child deserves the chance to communicate with confidence, curiosity, and joy. Our approach to speech therapy extends far beyond spoken language. We support the communication, cognitive, and emotional foundations children need to thrive at home, in school, and within their communities.
Working closely with families, our therapists design individualized plans that nurture growth, encourage self-expression, and build confidence across all environments.
- InterAct – A playful, story-centered program using imagination, role-play, and collaboration to strengthen language, confidence, and social connection.
- Occupational Therapy – Enhances sensory processing, fine motor skills, and independence in daily routines.
- Teletherapy – Accessible online speech and occupational therapy for families throughout New York State, providing expert care from the comfort of home.
- Tutoring – Customized academic support in reading, writing, and problem-solving to build motivation and learning confidence.
- Functional Nutrition – Strategies designed to support focus, self-regulation, and emotional well-being through key developmental stages.
- Consulting – Guidance for parents, caregivers, and educators to support consistency and communication across settings.
- Group Programs – Creative, collaborative sessions that foster communication, social-emotional growth, and teamwork through play.
By combining evidence-based practices with compassionate, imaginative care, our team helps children discover their voice, develop resilience, and move through the world with greater confidence.
About Heather Lynn Boerner, Expert Holistic Speech Therapist 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 supporting children through holistic speech therapy in NYC. In addition to her extensive clinical background, Heather is a certified mindfulness and meditation instructor, a trauma-informed practitioner, and a proud neurodiverse, differently-abled individual. These are perspectives that deeply inform her compassionate, holistic approach.
Motivated by her own lived experience, Heather founded Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice grounded in individualized, heart-centered care for children and their families. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book celebrating confidence, learning, and friendship, complete with a teaching guide for parents and educators.
Through both in-person sessions at her Tribeca, Manhattan clinic and virtual services offered statewide, Heather and her team help children develop stronger communication skills, greater confidence, and a fuller sense of self-expression each day.
