Creative Pathways to Holistic Self Care: How a Neurodivergent Speech Therapist in NYC Regulates Her Nervous System Using Mind, Body, Heart Alignment
I am reminded this week of the importance of carving out small moments for self-care. Particularly, while we all transition into the higher vibration months of the spring and summer season.
During this transitional period from spring into summer, we begin to anticipate the end of the school year. This comes with all the fun and adventurous summer plans on the horizon!
During this time of year, I invite you to all remember the importance of balancing and regulating our nervous systems.
I learned about a helpful theory called Spoon Theory. This framework has been a helpful tool for me personally in learning how to balance my energy output.
I have learned through personal experience that engaging in my special interests, hobbies, and calming sensory activities instantly acts as a recharge and reset to my nervous system. Time and time again!
In this blog, we’ll explore how speech therapy with a neurodivergent speech therapist in NYC can support nervous system regulation and energy balance for children.
What Is Spoon Theory?
Spoon theory is a concept created by Christine Miserandino. She is a well-known blogger who lives with Lupus, which is a chronic autoimmune condition.
She created Spoon Theory to explain what it is like to experience a limited supply of energy that you must manage on a daily basis.
Spoon theory quickly gained popularity for its clear description of what it is like to navigate life with health and physical challenges.
In Spoon Theory, spoons are used to illustrate units of energy. Each task in a day costs a certain amount of spoons or energy output, which then must be replenished.
For example, getting dressed, brushing your teeth, and eating breakfast – just getting out the door in the morning – may cost you multiple spoons!
Therefore, it is prudent for a neurodivergent child to learn how to plan and organize their day. They must manage their energy and find ways to replenish and recharge after each day.
Neurodivergent people must be very mindful about the spoons they use for each daily activity, while not running out of spoons. Yes – this can be quite a balancing act!
What It Means to Be “Out of Energy” as a Neurodivergent Person
For neurodivergent people, this Spoon Theory metaphor helps explain why advice such as “just push through it” is not very helpful!
For many neurodivergent people, when they are out of energy or “out of spoons,” that is their body’s alarm system. This alarm is telling them it is time to rest and recharge!
A balanced nervous system is like a table or the four walls of a house. It requires four legs or elements to remain stable and whole.
These four elements of health and a balanced nervous system include:
- Physical Health
- Mental Health
- Emotional Health
- Social Connections & Spirituality
The pillars that create a foundation for optimal health, well-being, and a calm nervous system include:
- Sleep
- Nutrition
- Exercise and Movement
- Stress Management
Addressing these four foundational elements of health (adequate nutrition, sleep, movement, and social & creative outlets to reduce stress) balances the mind, body, and heart.
The Four Pillars of Well-Being in Te Whare Tapa Whā
I really enjoyed learning about this holistic health model called The Māori Model (Te Whare Tapa Whā).
Te Whare Tapa Whā is a holistic health model that was created by the Māori people of New Zealand in the 1980s.
This holistic health model demonstrates that overall health and well-being are influenced and interconnected by four key elements of health. These elements are physical health (taha tinana), spiritual health (taha wairua), family health (taha whanau), and mental health (taha hinengaro).
A Māori meeting house (wharenui) illustrates the importance of each foundational element to maintaining homeostasis, balance, and well-being.
The Māori people strongly believe that the mind, body, and heart are deeply connected. They embrace the healing powers of social connection, community, and family bonds.
This holistic approach to healing promotes living a healthy lifestyle through diet, movement, and social connections.
Now, this sounds like a solid, holistic plan to me. Who’s on board?
Here are some key takeaways I have learned from personally navigating the world as a neurodivergent person with physical and health challenges.
The Importance of Tuning into Your Physical Body
Neurodivergent people can have difficulty tuning into their own body signals.
Therefore, it is extremely important to develop tools and reminders for your child. These reminders may include times to hydrate, eat, take bathroom breaks, and develop mini sensory breaks throughout the day.
I invite you to work with your child’s teachers, speech, and occupational therapists to develop a daily routine in which your child is encouraged to tune into their body signals. This should help them notice when they feel hungry, tired, or upset, and to attend to their personal needs.
- Develop a routine that works for your child and allows them time to recharge and reset their nervous systems as needed.
- Encourage your child to engage in grounding activities that can calm and regulate their nervous system.
Here are some creative ideas to help regulate your child’s nervous system:
- Movement and Exercise
- Time in nature
- Time with animals
- Listening to music
- Sports activities, such as swimming, biking, hiking, soccer
- Activities at the park such as swinging, jumping, climbing
- Time in quiet, such as reading, watching a movie, or playing a video game
- Hot bath or shower
- Weighted blankets
- Deep massage & stretching
- Brushing the skin (talk to your OT about the brushing protocol)
The Importance of Tuning into Your Mental Health
It is also important to protect your child’s mental health.
Here are some ideas to encourage positive mental health:
- Time with special interests
- Exploring new hobbies
- Journaling
- Creative writing
- Painting, drawing
- Creative Projects – the sky is the limit!
Self-care is not selfish. Your child must put on their “oxygen mask” before they can engage with the world and build meaningful connections!
Please remember …
- Your child’s needs are valid.
- Your child’s sensory system is unique and matters.
- Your child knows their body best.
- It’s OK for your child to take a break – ground, regulate, reset.
- It’s OK for your child to ask for help and accommodations.
The Importance of Social Connections and Belonging
Social connection and belonging are human needs.
Here are some ways you can help to strengthen your child’s social connections and belonging:
- Connect with others in the neurodivergent community
- Set up play dates
- Invite them to speak their truth
- Explore classes, activities, and communities around you
Use your light as a beacon of hope for other differently-abled children and families!
Ready to Explore Neurodivergent-Affirming Care for Your Child?
Are you ready to experience the joys of holistic and neurodivergent-affirming care?
Chatty Child is ready to help your child and family grow and blossom this Spring!
I invite you to consider exploring speech therapy today. Your child does not have to struggle to communicate anymore!
We can help your child become a calm and confident communicator!
Are you looking for personalized care from a team that has navigated your path?
Our experienced speech therapist and occupational therapists can assess your child’s therapeutic needs. They can do this while providing the personalized and tailored support your child needs to grow and thrive!
Chatty Child is a personalized, boutique, neurodivergent-affirming speech, language, feeding, and occupational therapy clinic.
We are here to support all your child’s speech, language, learning, feeding, and occupational therapy needs.
I invite you to schedule a tour to discover the support waiting for your child at Chatty Child.
We are here to help and support your child in growing and learning!
Let’s create excellent communicators, confident voices, calm minds, and limitless possibilities – together!
Sincerely,
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP
Work With a Neurodivergent Speech Therapist in NYC for Nervous System Regulation
At Chatty Child, we support neurodivergent children and families in building communication, regulation, and daily routines that honor the nervous system. Our approach integrates mind, body, and heart alignment to better understand each child’s unique sensory and emotional experience.
Here’s how to begin:
- Call 347.491.4451 or reach out online for a free 15-minute conversation.
- Complete a comprehensive evaluation with a neurodivergent speech therapist in NYC focused on communication and regulation.
- Begin speech therapy centered on nervous system support, emotional safety, and communication growth.
- Build practical strategies for home and school to support regulation and daily functioning.
With support from a neurodivergent speech therapist in NYC, families gain tools to better understand regulation needs and create more supportive, sustainable daily environments.
Supporting the Whole Child Across Home, School, and Community
At Chatty Child, we take a whole-child approach to development, supporting communication, learning, emotional regulation, and daily functioning together rather than in isolation. We understand that speech, behavior, relationships, and confidence are interconnected and continuously shape one another across environments like home, school, and community.
Our services include:
- Speech Therapy – Personalized, play-based support that builds language, articulation, social communication, and confidence in everyday interactions.
- InterAct – A storytelling and play-centered program designed to strengthen language development, imagination, and connection through guided shared narratives.
- Occupational Therapy – Support for sensory integration, motor skills, and independence in daily routines and self-care.
- Hum Studios – Mindfulness and compassion-based classes that build emotional awareness, regulation skills, and accessibility across developmental stages.
- Teletherapy – Convenient virtual speech and occupational therapy options available to families across New York State.
- Tutoring – Individualized academic support in reading, writing, comprehension, and foundational thinking skills.
- Functional Nutrition – Nutrition-informed guidance to support attention, regulation, and overall developmental health.
- Consulting – Collaborative caregiver and educator support to help children thrive across home, school, and community settings.
- Group Programs – Small-group experiences that encourage communication, cooperation, and social-emotional growth through structured interaction.
Meet Heather: Neurodivergent Speech Therapist in NYC
Heather Boerner, MA, CCC-SLP, is a New York–licensed and nationally certified speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience supporting pediatric communication in NYC. Her work integrates clinical expertise with mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and her perspective as a neurodivergent clinician.
She is the founder of Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, where she provides individualized, inclusive care focused on communication, regulation, and confidence building. Heather is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book about self-expression and identity.
Heather offers in-person sessions in Tribeca and virtual therapy across New York State, supporting children in building practical communication skills for everyday life.
