Does My Child Need Speech Therapy? | Speech Therapy in NYC

Does My Child Need Speech Therapy: What Are the Signs to Watch For?

Are you a concerned parent? Is your child struggling to communicate?

I have been your child.

As a neurodivergent learner and pediatric speech-language pathologist for over two decades, I do intimately understand both sides of the therapeutic journey. I am hoping these general guidelines help guide you on the right path; in deciding if speech therapy would be beneficial for your child.

Speech-language pathologists assess and treat a wide range of pediatric speech and language differences. I will outline a few common speech and language differences I observe and how I treat them holistically within my practice.

Speech Differences

When assessing a young child I will often observe how a child is communicating their wants and needs. If they want a glass of water, how do they express that need? Do they point? Cry? Do they say the word: “water”? Between the ages of 12-18 months of age, a child communicates by both pointing and using simple words to request desired items. By 24-30 months of age, a child begins to combine some simple two word phrases – like: “go mommy.” By 30-36 months a child is stringing together three word phrases like, “Mommy go out.”

If your child often seems frustrated, that may be a sign of communication challenges. They might cry, point, or pull you toward things they want. But if they aren’t using sounds, vocalizations, or even simple words, it could be cause for concern. These signs may suggest difficulties with speech development or expressive language development.

If this sounds like your child, it may be helpful to get a professional speech-language assessment and to encourage and incorporate some helpful songs and games into your daily routine. A speech-language pathologist can assess your child’s speech and language development, determine if speech therapy is required, and give you helpful games and activities to incorporate into your daily lives to help promote further communication gains.

I invite you to use your voice and sounds in a playful manner in the mirror with your child. It is also important to positively reinforce all communication attempts that are made either through pointing, gestures, speaking, or any other means. This reciprocal (back & forth) nature of a conversation is the cornerstone of every successful communication exchange, so the more you can help your child ground into these foundational skills the better!

Language Differences

Another common concern I observe is when a child is having difficulty processing language within their home or school environment. Perhaps your child is asked to go get their shoes and jacket and they just stand there – looking confused. Maybe, they are not interested in the storybooks you are reading to them each night. Perhaps your child’s teachers are always commenting that your child “cannot sit or focus during circle time.”

If this sounds familiar your child may be experiencing some differences in receptive language development or auditory processing skills.

It is important to receive a speech-language assessment and possibly an audiological assessment to rule out hearing loss. Additionally, to determine what compensatory strategies would be most appropriate and beneficial for your child. For example, we may advocate for seating in the front of the classroom, or use of visual aids, or a note-taker (in the case of an older student.)

Social-Language Differences

Does your child get labeled as shy? Maybe you bring your child to the playground to interact with the other children their age, but they prefer to play in the corner by themselves. Maybe, your child is a chatter box at home. But teachers comment that your child often plays by themselves at school and does not interact with the other children at school easily.

This scenario is one I have heard many times in my speech therapy practice. I often work with children who may be experiencing social anxiety or selective mutism or a social- language difference.

In my experience, it is important to build a strong rapport and trust within any therapeutic relationship to build the child’s confidence and ease communicating in a variety of different settings. Building a safe space can help a child feel empowered to use their voice. With the help of a trained speech therapist, a child with a social-language difference can feel confident to communicate successfully in a variety of different places. These places include: home, school, community playgrounds, and even birthday parties.

Articulation Differences

And last but certainly not least, articulation differences are very often treated by a speech-language pathologist. Some speech patterns are age appropriate, while others are not. In addition, if you notice that your child is having difficulty being understood by others, it is always best to visit a licensed speech-language pathologist. A professional can determine if your child’s articulation errors are age-appropriate (or not.).

These are a few examples of the signs I observe when a child may need a speech-language assessment and speech-language therapy. If you have any concerns about your child’s speech and language development it is always best to get a professional speech-language therapy assessment by a licensed speech-language pathologist.

Final Thoughts from a Speech-Language Pathologist in NYC

Our speech therapists can assess your child’s speech and language development needs and craft an individually tailored treatment plan to address any areas of concern. This is done while providing meaningful activities to incorporate outside of the therapy room to achieve successful communication.

To book a speech therapy assessment & 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

Supporting Your Child’s Voice Through Speech Therapy for Kids in NYC

Your child’s voice deserves to be heard and celebrated. At Chatty Child Speech & Occupational Therapy, we offer a whole-child approach to speech therapy that fosters not just communication, but emotional growth and self-confidence. By combining empathy, mindfulness, and individualized care, we help children thrive in both expression and connection.

Ready to support your child’s journey? Here’s how to get started:

Schedule a free 15-minute phone call to learn more about our services, ask questions, and see if we’re the right match for your child.
Book an initial consultation and assessment session to explore your child’s strengths and set personalized goals for therapy.
Start ongoing speech therapy sessions designed to nurture communication skills and support emotional and developmental growth.
Watch your child thrive—gaining confidence, connection, and the tools to express themselves fully.

Additional Therapy Services Offered at Chatty Child in NYC

Beyond speech therapy, Chatty Child provides a variety of services designed to support your child’s overall growth and well-being:

InterAct – A unique program that combines theater and therapy to build communication through creative expression.
Occupational Therapy – Enhances fine motor skills, sensory integration, and daily life skills for greater independence.
Teletherapy – Convenient online sessions for speech and occupational therapy available to families across New York State.
Tutoring – Customized academic support in literacy, writing, and the creative arts to boost confidence and school success.
Functional Nutrition – Whole-child nutritional guidance to support physical and emotional wellness.
Consulting – Professional support for caregivers, educators, and therapy teams to create strong developmental plans.
Programs – Engaging group classes and developmental clubs designed to inspire learning and connection.

About the Author: Heather Lynn Boerner MA CCC/SLP

Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, is a nationally certified and New York State licensed speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience supporting children and families across New York City. In addition to her expertise in speech therapy, Heather is a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, a trauma-informed clinician, and a neurodiverse learner herself. Her own experience living with a lifelong disability inspired her to found Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC over ten years ago.

Heather’s mission is rooted in creating a supportive, inclusive space where children and families can feel seen, understood, and empowered. Together with her team of speech and occupational therapists, she provides creative and compassionate care, both in-person at the Tribeca clinic in Manhattan and online for families throughout New York State.

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.