Positive Neurodivergent Representation in the 2026 Winter Olympics: A NYC SLP’s Personal Perspective
As I watched the ice skater Alyssa Liu’s winning performance at the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics, I was awe struck by the pure joy, happiness and ease in which she performed her skating routine.
She did not let the pressure of the moment or the judges shake her. She remained focused – using the energy of the crowd to propel and excel her skating performance – reaching an amazing state of natural flow.
After this mesmerizing gold medal skating performance, I learned that Alyssa Liu was evaluated and diagnosed with ADHD in her last year of high school.
In recent interviews, Alyssa describes struggling with finishing homework, keeping organized, and working within deadlines.
These are all common struggles people with ADHD experience daily when completing their school work.
“It is so refreshing to witness Alyssa being open about her neurodivergence as a young woman in 2026. After winning the gold medal this year, She told ESPN: “I have ADHD, and I love situations that I’m not expecting. It gives me a dopamine rush.”
This is a common learning thread for people with ADHD.
They often explore novel experiences to maintain self regulation – which provides consistent dopamine hits throughout the day.
Additionally, children with ADHD may excel and show a preferred interest for certain academic subjects, musical talents, art or sports – demonstrating an ability to remain hyper-focused on a particular idea, task, or assignment – within a desired and conducive learning environment.
It is clearly visible – Alyssa Lui (like many neurodivergent people) achieves calm, clarity, and creativity, through movement and engaging activities!
By embracing movement, music, creativity and her athletic passions she is able to reach an ultimate flow state.
As a fellow neurodivergent learner, I am inspired by her lack of conformity; her ability to advocate for accommodations; and her ability to rewrite the rules of Olympic sports.
Growing up, I have also felt the pressures of studying within rigorous, high-achieving, academic environments.. As a dedicated student, I had many obligations including: academic, athletic, spiritual, social engagements, and even weekly service projects into the community.
As I witness Alyssa’s empowering journey, I am reminded of the importance of self-advocacy in my own journey.
As a high school student at George School – a prestigious Quaker boarding school. I learned the importance of trust, thoughtful teachers, creative learning, and the power of accommodations.
I am reminded that within carefully crafted and tended to environments neurodivergent children can grow and thrive!
Alyssa Lui originally retired at 16 years old. She was exhausted and finished with the pressure of the sport. Alyssa took a 2 year hiatus to finish high school, travel with friends, hike mount Everest – explore the world and herself!
When Alyssa returned to skating – it was her own terms! She missed the joy and calm that the ice provided for her. But this time – she would make the rules! She would maintain creative control. She would pick her own costumes, music, routines, schedule and diet.
When Alyssa learned how her body functions best she was able to take her power back – winning the gold – with awe inspiring joy and flow!
This is a teachable moment for all neurodivergent people. We can all use this moment to remember these key tenets:
- Embrace your differences
- Always be authentic, honest and true to yourself
- Listen to your body
- Follow what brings you joy in life
- Don’t be afraid to ask for accommodations
- Embrace movement and creativity
- Believe in your unique gifts
- Celebrate your wins
- Give a helping hand to others
- Follow the beat of your drum &
- Be the change you want to see in this world
At Chatty Child, we can help your children embrace their differences – finding calm, clarity and creativity in their everyday lives.
We are here to help. Let’s create voices and limitless possibilities – together!
Sincerely,
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP
Begin Children’s Speech Therapy for Learning Success in NYC
At Chatty Child, we believe every child deserves to feel capable, confident, and successful in the classroom. If your child is struggling with focus, organization, reading, peer relationships, or self-expression at school, we’re here to provide the individualized support they need to thrive. Here’s how to get started:
- Contact us or call 347.491.4451 for a free 15-minute conversation to discuss the classroom challenges your child is facing and how speech therapy can help.
- Schedule a comprehensive evaluation that may include school observations to understand your child’s needs in their actual learning environment.
- Begin individualized therapy sessions with goals focused on the skills that support classroom success—from auditory processing to executive functioning to speaking confidence.
- Collaborate with your child’s educational team through regular communication, team meetings, and shared strategies that create consistency across home and school.
Your child doesn’t need to struggle alone. With the right support, they can build the communication foundations that make learning joyful, friendships easier, and confidence possible.
Comprehensive Speech and Developmental Support for Children in NYC
At Chatty Child, we empower children to build communication skills that foster connection, learning, and everyday confidence. Our approach goes beyond isolated speech milestones, recognizing how communication, social development, emotional regulation, and readiness to learn are deeply intertwined.
We partner with families to design tailored support plans that nurture self-expression and growth across home, school, and community settings.
Our offerings include:
- Speech Therapy – Individualized, play-based sessions that enhance language, articulation, social communication, and confidence in real-world interactions.
- InterAct – A story-driven, imaginative program that strengthens language, connection, and self-assurance through creative play.
- Occupational Therapy – Guidance in sensory integration, fine motor skills, and fostering independence in daily routines.
- Hum Studios – Mindfulness, meditation, and compassion-based classes designed for accessibility at all ages and abilities.
- Teletherapy – Flexible virtual sessions for speech and occupational therapy, serving families across New York State.
- Tutoring – Customized academic support to boost reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
- Functional Nutrition – Nutrition strategies that promote focus, regulation, and overall developmental health.
- Consulting – Collaborative guidance for parents, caregivers, and educators to help children thrive in multiple environments.
- Group Programs – Small-group sessions fostering communication, cooperation, and social-emotional growth.
Through individualized care, creative approaches, and evidence-informed practices, Chatty Child helps children find their voice, grow in confidence, and flourish in every area of development.
Meet Heather: Expertise Guided by Compassion and Insight
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA, CCC-SLP, is a nationally certified and New York–licensed speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience delivering pediatric speech therapy in NYC. Her approach blends professional expertise with mindfulness practices, trauma-informed care, and the perspective of living as a neurodivergent, differently-abled individual.
Motivated by both personal insight and clinical experience, Heather founded Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice centered on creative, individualized support for children. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book designed to inspire confidence, curiosity, and connection.
Heather and her team provide in-person services at their Tribeca clinic as well as virtual therapy sessions throughout New York State, empowering children to strengthen communication skills and express themselves confidently in everyday life.
