Supporting Authentic Communication: How Neurodivergent Affirming Speech Therapy Is Practiced in New York City

You may be wondering as a parent of a differently-abled child what neurodivergent affirming care actually looks like – in real life and practice.

As a person born three months premature and diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 2 – I have walked in your shoes.

I have been an advocate and crusader for the disability community for my entire life — certainly way before it was the popular and cool thing to do!

You may have questions like, “What are some of the hallmark features of neurodivergent affirming care?

What makes neurodivergent affirming care so empowering and validating?

First, I would like to briefly explain the history behind neurodivergent affirming care.

The neurodivergent movement began in the early 1990s as a grass roots effort that was created and led by the Autism community itself.

This self advocacy movement grew as a response to behavioral interventions that were being heavily relied upon at that time.

Many Autistic people began to speak out about their personal experiences with these treatment protocols.

At the same time the creation of the internet allowed for greater communication and connections globally.

The Autism community began to challenge the status quo – fighting for holistic and compassionate care that acknowledged both their autonomy and strengths – strongly rejecting the deficits and weakness based medical model.

Importantly, neurodivergent affirming care grew from a movement within the disability community itself.

We were sick of going to doctors and therapists – only to be told what was wrong with us and what needed to be fixed!

The traditional medical model is based on an outdated deficit model of labeling and treating disorders, weaknesses and diseases.

Priority is given to coding and labeling for reimbursement purposes – instead of examining the patient through a holistic and strength based perspective and lens.

The neurodivergent community began to collectively demand better and more compassionate and holistic care for themselves and their families!

This outdated healthcare system that focuses solely on deficits is not supportive to us, and so we began vocalizing and advocating for our own needs.

We began to demand that the medical community – fully see us and acknowledge not only our weakness – but also our strengths, gifts and talents – and so the neurodivergent affirming movement was born!

Here are some key elements to a successful and supportive neurodivergent affirming speech therapy session:

Following the child’s lead – what do they gravitate towards?
Engaging with the child and their interests
Accepting all communication attempts
Encouraging all modes and forms of communication – including gestures, pictures, symbols, vocalizations, and eye gaze
Listening to a child’s wants and needs and responding accordingly
Forming goals with the family and child together as a united team and front.
Using the child’s strengths and interests in therapy to achieve goals.
Using a strength based model – following the child’s intrinsic motivations and passions, while focusing on their strong abilities to bolster weaker skills.
Encouraging the child to receive sensory support to initiate self soothing and regulating behaviors throughout the sessions which help maintain engagement and focus.
Neurodiversity affirming care is based on a strength based approach and model – instead of focusing solely on a child’s weaknesses and deficits – the clinician creates a curated therapy session for your child’s unique learning profile based on their special interests and passions.

This means the therapist and family focuses on the child’s strengths, while utilizing their passions and interests to develop their intrinsic motivation for learning and growth.

A hallmark feature of neurodivergent affirming care is individualized and tailored intervention techniques that are unique to each child’s learning approach, sensory profile and specific speech and language goals.

Empowering children that are differently-abled means prioritizing their ability to communicate their autonomy, agency and choice – at all times!

Teaching a child to self advocate for themselves is priceless and of utmost importance!

I will often teach a child to express themselves – using words like “no”, “I don’t like that”, or “please don’t touch me” – to express their feelings and needs.

I teach children to set and communicate their boundaries and if someone does not listen to them – I invite them to communicate that strongly – and even to ask an adult for help when needed.

When I first created Chatty Child I had a very special vision and mission in mind – to create a professional, holistic center – where children of all ages could come and receive empowering and neurodivergent affirming care.

Now for over a decade – Chatty Child is that nurturing clinic – where each child is treasured and supported for their own unique gifts and strengths.

I use each child’s special gifts, interests and passions as motivators to work on those skills that are more challenging and frustrating for them.

In every speech and language therapy session – I work first on self regulation of the body and mind and then communication skills .

These speech therapy sessions are based on their personal choice of communication mode and style, as well as their special interests and gifts.

We may also work on improving and modifying their learning environments, particularly in the classroom and in collaboration with the child’s classroom teachers.

These environmental and learning accommodations could include:

Using noise cancelling headphones in loud environments – if they are sensitive to sounds.
Providing an FM listening unit – to both the child and teacher- if auditory processing is a concern.
Considering the use of a dimmer light switch in the bedroom and covers for the fluorescent lights in the classroom – if a child is sensitive to light.
Allowing sensory breaks for a child that craves movement to focus and listen.
Creating a calming corner to self regulate if a child becomes overwhelmed – this can include pillows, blankets, fidget toys and books.
Using supports to improve focus and attention in the classroom. This may include the use of a wiggle cushion to sit on during desk time.
Providing seating at the front of the classroom or next to someone that is calming and co-regulating for the child – as a body double.

We work closely with each child’s classroom teacher and staff to ensure that their learning environment is fitted with the most appropriate accommodations for them to learn and succeed!

As a neurodivergent affirming person and speech therapist myself – it is extremely important to respect, value and accept all forms of communication as valid.

Valid forms of communication include: Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems (AAC), pointing, gestures, sign language, vocalizations, words, and any other means of verbal or non-verbal communication.

Neurodivergent care is rooted in accepting and validating all differences.

What Makes Neurodivergent Affirming Care Both Empowering and Compassionate?

Neurodivergent affirming care moves away from structured social training programs that encourage a child to develop neurotypical social skills such as: making sustained eye contact with the speaker; keeping calm hands or body during learning; or requiring a child to sit in a seated position for long periods of time without sensory breaks.

Neurodivergent affirming practices instead use identity first language and encourages the child’s community as whole to reframe behavioral challenges – instead creating a sensory friendly learning environment for the child that prioritizes autonomy, agency, choice, communication and self-regulation above all else.

Neurodivergent affirming practices teach the child to embrace their differences and use their strengths and gifts to succeed!

It is also important to note that differently-abled communities may experience other forms of trauma. Life experiences can include a multitude of influencing and co-occurring factors including:: age, race, identity, sexuality, employment, access to education, healthcare, social connections, and supportive communities that can foster their overall well-being.

Therefore, it is extremely important for your speech therapist to be well versed in trauma-informed care – as a neuro-divergent supporting clinician who guides the community

As a neurodivergent individual myself, it is absolutely amazing to see how neurodivergent affirming care has gained popularity, strength and validity within the therapeutic and greater global community –

I am so here for it – lets go – onwards and upwards!

Be your unique self!
Embrace your differences!
Explore those special interests!
Celebrate your strengths and gifts!
Drop me a line – let me know your favorite ways to self-regulate after a long day at school or work.

I personally – love to crawl inside my bed and covers, turn off all the lights, and listen to my favorite electronic music track with my headphones!

If you are ready to experience the difference of holistic and neurodivergent affirming care – Chatty Child is ready to help your child and family grow and blossom!

I invite you to consider exploring help today – your child does not have to struggle to communicate anymore!

Communication CAN be a joyful time for connection and fun with your child!

Are you looking for personalized care from a team that has walked in your shoes?

Our experienced speech therapists can assess your child’s speech and language skills, 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 – grow and learn!

Let’s create excellent communicators, confident voices, calm minds, 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.

Holistic Speech and Occupational Therapy Services for Children in NYC

At Chatty Child, we support children as they develop the communication, cognitive, and social-emotional skills that help them thrive at home, in school, and in their wider community. Our approach looks at the whole child, recognizing that language development is deeply connected to learning, relationships, and self-confidence.

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.

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.