Supporting Autistic Individuals | Speech Therapy for Autism in NYC

Embracing Differences and Supporting Autistic Individuals to Thrive: Speech Therapy for Autism in NYC

I have been seeing a concerning rise in news coverage, posts, and hashtags on social media about “finding a cure for Autism.”

As a neurodivergent person and holistic speech-language pathologist myself, this language about differently abled communities is greatly alarming and concerning to me. It is especially alarming as someone who provides neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy for autism in NYC.

I invite people to consider that Autistic people and all neurodivergent individuals are beautiful and unique. They are representations of the biodiversity present within each and every person, animal, and being on this planet.

Celebrating Neurodiversity: Insights From Speech Therapy for Autism in NYC

The Neurodiversity Movement was founded, rooted, and grounded in the truth and strength of self-love. With all our differences and imperfections – included and celebrated!

Consider the possibility that we all have a choice to make. Either as neurodivergent people ourselves, or as people who love and support someone who is different from us.

We could spend our energy looking for “a singular cure” to neurodiversity. Alternatively, we could spend our energy creating a new world that supports and embraces all the different learning patterns in children across all spectrums!

As we collectively enter into this much-needed national conversation about Autism and supporting the Autistic community, I encourage you to save a seat at the table for us neurodivergent folks, please!

Pause. Open a dialog. Ask us: “Do we want to be cured?”

Personally, I do not want to be cured. Instead, I want to be supported, embraced, and loved for just being me. With all my differences included!

I imagine that many of our children feel similarly. They want to be supported, seen, accepted, and loved in all their imperfect beauty and glory!

The medical and scientific community has formed a consensus that Autism is not caused by a singular factor. Rather, it is rooted in a person’s neurological makeup. It is influenced by a myriad of factors. This includes a combination of biological and genetic factors, as well as environmental contributors.

What Should You Know About Autism?

Here are some facts about Autism:

Autism is a biological, genetic difference. It has been rigorously studied for several decades.
Also, Autism can result from a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
Biological factors that may result in the expression of Autism include: family history, genetic conditions, biological sex, brain development, and immune system development.
Environmental factors that may result in the expression of Autism include: parental age, birth complications, maternal health, prenatal exposure to pollutants, assisted reproductive technologies, and co-occurring differences, such as ADHD.
Autism is a commonly occurring genetic difference. It occurs in 1 out of every 31 people nationally.
Additionally, Autism is diagnosed more commonly in boys than in girls.

Here are some additional helpful links:

There is no quick fix, pill, or singular cure for Autism today.

Autism is a complex, multi-factorial neurodevelopmental difference. It affects a child’s physical, sensory, and cognitive systems. The presence of Autism can be influenced by a multitude of factors. This includes biological, genetic, and environmental components.

There are many well-researched and proven supports to improve the lives of Autistic children. This includes holistic educational support and neurodiverse-affirming speech, occupational, and physical therapy. In addition, inclusive social groups, classes, and clubs.

I believe it is also important to create an accommodating environment in which Autistic people and all neurodivergent people can thrive.

Our focus should not be on “fixing the individual.” It should be on helping to support diverse learners blossom and grow in their communities.

How Can I Support My Autistic Child?

Creating support can look like:

Building a sensory corner in your child’s bedroom or classroom.
Giving your child a moment to just exhale and breathe.
Taking a movement break after school.
Allowing them to pick their outfit or snack for the day.
Encouraging them to draw that picture in their head.
Letting them read their favorite book – one more time.
Giving them a big bear hug.
Embracing their thoughtful nature.
Going for a swing at the park.

As we currently discuss the needs of the Autistic community on a national stage, please remember to include Autistic people in the conversation.

In addition, I invite you to ask a differently abled person, “What would be helpful for you, today?”

My guess is … they would not say – “I want to be cured.”

I believe Autistic people would smile in joy if we all celebrated their creativity, treasured their attention to detail, and embraced their sensitivity. Also, if we made the world a little softer for them!

I invite you to make the choice to support and embrace someone who is different from you – starting today.

Keep Choosing Support and Connection with Speech Therapy for Autism

Is your autistic child having a hard time communicating or feeling understood? We’re here to support you with speech therapy for autism in NYC!

At Chatty Child, we provide personalized, holistic, and compassionate care designed to meet your child’s unique needs. Our therapists offer thorough evaluations of speech and language skills and create a customized treatment plan that targets areas of growth. In addition, we collaborate closely with your child’s medical team to ensure coordinated, effective care that supports your child and your family.

To schedule an in-person or virtual speech therapy evaluation with Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC-SLP, please visit www.chattychild.com, email info@chattychild.com, or call 347-491-4451.

Warmly,
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC-SLP

Support Your Autistic Child With Neurodiversity-Affirming Speech Therapy for Autism in NYC

Autistic children experience the world in rich, unique ways. Sometimes through deep focus, vivid imagination, or sensory intensity. At Chatty Child, we provide speech therapy for autism in NYC. Our therapy honors these differences and supports each child’s authentic communication style. Instead of trying to “fix” who they are, we help autistic children build skills, self-expression, and confidence in ways that feel comfortable and respectful of their nervous system. Whether your child communicates with gestures, AAC, echolalia, or spoken language, our therapists meet them with warmth, curiosity, and individualized care.

Here’s how you can support your autistic child’s growth:

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute call to share your child’s communication profile and learn how neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy can help them feel more empowered in everyday interactions.
Book a personalized evaluation to understand your child’s strengths, sensory needs, and communication preferences so we can create a therapy plan that supports joy, autonomy, and connection.
Begin individualized sessions that blend sensory-aware strategies, collaborative play, AAC support, and child-led communication work, always honoring your child’s pace and personality.
Watch your child thrive as they gain tools to express themselves, advocate for their needs, and participate in the world with growing confidence and self-trust.

Your autistic child doesn’t need to be “cured”. They deserve to be supported, celebrated, and understood. With the right approach to speech therapy for autism in NYC, your child can grow into their strengths, feel seen for who they truly are, and flourish in a world learning to embrace neurodiversity.

Integrated Care for Stronger Communication Foundations

At Chatty Child, we believe every child deserves the tools and confidence to communicate with joy, curiosity, and authenticity. In addition, our approach to speech therapy reaches beyond verbal expression. We help children strengthen the communication, cognitive, sensory, and emotional skills that support success at home, in school, and throughout their community.

Working closely with families, we create personalized plans that encourage growth, self-expression, and confidence across all areas of a child’s life.

InterAct – A creative, story-driven program filled with imagination, role-play, and collaboration to enhance language, social connection, and expressive confidence.
Occupational Therapy – Supports sensory integration, fine motor development, and greater independence in daily activities.
Teletherapy – Convenient virtual speech and OT services available throughout New York State, bringing expert care directly to your home.
Tutoring – Tailored support in reading, writing, and problem-solving to spark curiosity and strengthen academic skills.
Functional Nutrition – Personalized strategies to improve focus, emotional regulation, and overall developmental wellness.
Consulting – Guidance for parents, caregivers, and educators to ensure children receive consistent, effective support in every setting.
Group Programs – Interactive, play-based groups that nurture communication, teamwork, and social-emotional growth.

By blending evidence-based methods with creativity, connection, and compassion, our team helps children discover their voice, strengthen resilience, and flourish with confidence.

Neurodiversity-Informed Support for Every Child: Meet Your Speech Therapist in NYC

Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC-SLP, is a nationally certified and New York State–licensed speech-language pathologist with more than twenty years of experience supporting children through pediatric speech therapy in NYC. Alongside her extensive clinical training, Heather is a certified mindfulness and meditation instructor, a trauma-informed practitioner, and a proudly neurodiverse, differently-abled individual whose lived experience shapes her compassionate, attuned approach to care.

Additionally, her personal journey inspired her to found Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive, child-centered practice committed to helping every child communicate and learn in ways that honor their unique strengths. Heather is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book that celebrates confidence, curiosity, and friendship and includes a teaching guide for caregivers and educators.

Heather and her team provide services both in-person at their Tribeca clinic and through virtual sessions across New York State, supporting children as they develop communication skills, build confidence, and express themselves more freely.