Traditional vs Holistic Speech Therapy: Why Neuro-Affirming Pediatric Speech Therapy Matters in NYC For Highly Sensitive Kids
Allow me to paint a picture for you – his name is Tommy.
Tommy is a little 6 year old boy who just started a new school.
Tommy has curly brown hair that likes to fall in front of his face, tiny freckles sprinkling along his cheeks, and a set of blue glasses that cover his large and curious brown eyes.
Everyone agrees – Tommy is an adorable and delightfully inquisitive and energetic little boy.
But – there is a big problem – his kindergarten teachers are pulling their hair out!
Everyday, Tommy comes to school excited for school – but then he slowly refuses to participate in the day’s activities.
- Tommy avoids eating lunch in the cafeteria everyday.
- Tommy does not join in the recess games with the other children.
- Tommy stares out the window during class time when the teacher is speaking.
The teachers have tried all month to gently encourage Tommy to participate in school – but nothing has worked!
Everyone at the school is stumped!
Why is Tommy refusing to participate in school?
This is when Tommy’s mom called me in. She asked if I could come and observe Tommy in his classroom.
Tommy needed professional support – fast!
Tommy’s mom was feeling upset and confused.
In the mornings with her, Tommy was excited to get ready for school and get on the bus. He often talked about his teachers and classmates fondly.
However, once the school day began he completely refused to participate and no amount of encouragement from the teachers would help.
So, I packed my bag of tricks and headed to Tommy’s school.
In our first session – I observed Tommy and asked him some questions.
- When Tommy stopped right at the door of the cafeteria and did not go in – I stopped with him and asked, “Why don’t you want to eat with your friends?”
He told me, “The cafeteria is too noisy with all the kids talking and the dishes clanking.”
- When Tommy did not want to play tag with the other kids – again I asked him, “Why not?”
He explained, “This game of tag is really loud. And the kids screaming makes me want to run and hide inside.”
- When it was time to go back to the classroom Tommy cheerfully followed his friends back into the class.
He settled down in his seat and took out a piece of paper and pencil.
But as the teacher began talking, I noticed Tommy’s attention drifting.
He started to look out the window at the birds in a nearby tree and turned to me and exclaimed, “Look Ms Heather – a beautiful blue jay!”
Now I am an avid bird watcher myself – but right now – Tommy needs to be paying attention to the teacher’s directions – not the beautiful blue bird outside!
I devised a plan to fix the problem at hand!
The problem was not that Tommy was difficult, or oppositional, or had a behavioral problem – which I hear way too often!
Through my clinical observations and discussions with Tommy I realized that Tommy is – a highly sensitive child.
Being a highly sensitive child and person means that you experience a heightened sensitivity to different environmental stimuli and sensory experiences.
The term highly sensitive child (HSP) was created by the psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron, in the late 1990s to describe a segment of people that experiences and processes sensory stimuli differently and sometimes intensely.
A child who is highly sensitive may have stronger reactions to different stimuli such as: sounds, lights, smells, textures, tastes or competing stimuli.
HSP children may experience overall heightened sensory sensitivities.
When a highly sensitive child or neurodivergent person’s sensory system becomes overwhelmed they may experience physical or emotional overload and subsequent nervous system shut down.
A highly sensitive child can become hyper aware of their surroundings.
A highly sensitive child can become deeply affected by the emotional underpinnings of their environment.
Highly sensitive children can demonstrate a profound and mature level of empathy of others.
As a highly sensitive, neurodiverse, and empathic person myself – I can attest to the level of vigilance that is sometimes required in a new environment, as well as the level of empathy felt for others.
A highly sensitive child often needs therapeutic support and guidance to help them navigate their school and home environments – while simultaneously learning positive strategies to regulate their nervous system and inner emotional world.
So my therapeutic work with Tommy began and I slowly taught him helpful strategies to participate better throughout the day:
- We ordered headphones to wear during noisy times like lunch and recess. We practiced retrieving them from his backpack before these loud activities and putting them over his ears.
Soon, after – he was gleefully going to his backpack, putting on his headphones and running to lunch and recess with his friends.
- Next, we changed Tommy’s seating placement in the classroom. We made sure his desk was at the front of the classroom.
- We also ordered an FM unit – which allows the teacher to use a microphone and the listener to wear a small receiver that allows the teacher’s voice to be amplified and heard in his ear – allowing him to focus on the teacher’s directions and tune out the background noise.
After about 3 months – Tommy was listening and participating in the classroom throughout the day.
- We also created a calming corner in the classroom for the whole class with a small mat, tent, books and fidget toys.
Now when Tommy or any of the students start to feel overwhelmed. They can ask the teacher to use the calming corner for a few minutes.
- Lastly, we created a daily schedule on a small white board at his desk. The classroom teacher writes the daily schedule on his white board everyday. And as he completes an activity he crosses it out – feeling accomplished and proud of himself.
By the end of year, Tommy sat with his friends during lunchtime and played happily during recess wearing his headphones. Tommy was also following along with the daily schedule and completing classroom tasks with ease!
By providing these tools and environmental modifications Tommy learned to successfully navigate the world as a highly sensitive child – gaining both indepdence and an inner self confidence!
Tommy practiced using the tools and strategies we developed together and experienced increased autonomy, regulation and joy!
This is the difference between traditional behavioral interventions based on compliance only and the beauty and resilience of holistic, neuro-affirming nervous system regulation work – it works like MAGIC!
I truly hope this story has helped you feel less alone.
Please know that there are many highly sensitive people in the world.
As a fellow HSP and speech therapist – I have navigated this road.
We are here to guide and support you – just reach out for a helping hand!
Until next time …
Sincerely,
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP
*This story is based on common clients’ experiences and real world results. The people’s names and personal details have been altered to protect their privacy.
Is your child highly sensitive too?
Could your child benefit from emotional, sensory or self regulation support?
Are you ready to experience the holistic, neuro-affirming difference in therapeutic care – Chatty Child is here and ready to help!
Chatty Child’s speech, feeding, oral motor and occupational therapy, and mindfulness classes can be an invaluable resource.
We offer personalized neurodivergent affirming, speech, language, feeding and occupational therapy therapy, as well as creative mindfulness classes for all ages and abilities.
In person and online options are available for all therapeutic sessions and classes.
Our speech and occupational therapists are here to support all your child’s therapeutic 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!
Begin Children’s Speech and Occupational Therapy for Learning Success:
At Chatty Child, we believe every child deserves to feel capable, confident at school, at home, and in the community. If your child is struggling here is 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 therapeutic 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 skills and confidence that makes learning joyful, friendships easier, and confidence possible.
Holistic Speech, Feeding & 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 community. Our approach looks at the whole child, recognizing that language development is deeply connected to learning, relationships, and self-confidence.
Our services include:
- Speech Therapy – Individualized, play-based support for language development, speech clarity, social communication, and everyday confidence.
- InterAct – A storytelling and play-centered program that strengthens language, imagination, and connection through shared narrative experiences.
- Mindfulness classes for all ages – support for emotional, sensory and self regulation, curated classes using mindfulness and meditation practices
- Occupational Therapy – Support for sensory processing, motor development, and independence in daily routines and self-care skills.
- hum studios – Mindfulness and compassion-based classes that foster emotional awareness, regulation, and accessibility for children of all ages.
- Teletherapy – Flexible virtual speech and occupational therapy services available throughout New York State.
- Tutoring – Personalized academic support focused on reading, writing, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.
- Functional Nutrition – Developmental support strategies that use nutrition-informed approaches to support regulation, attention, and overall well-being.
- Consulting – Collaborative guidance for parents, caregivers, and educators to support consistency across home, school, and community environments.
- Group Programs – Small-group sessions that build communication, social interaction, and emotional skills through guided peer engagement.
Meet Heather Boerner, Trusted Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist & Feeding Specialist in NYC
Heather Boerner, MA, CCC-SLP, is a licensed, nationally certified speech-language pathologist with over 23 years of experience supporting children through pediatric speech therapy in NYC. Her clinical work is shaped by training in mindfulness, a trauma-informed perspective, and her lived experience as a neurodiverse, differently-abled individual. These elements inform her deeply responsive, whole-child and neuro-affirming approaches to care.
Motivated by her personal journey, Heather founded Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC. The practice is built on creativity, collaboration, and individualized support. She works closely with schools through classroom observations and team meetings to ensure children receive consistent, coordinated care. Heather is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book created to encourage confidence, curiosity, and connection.
Heather and her team offer in-person therapy at the Tribeca clinic and virtual services throughout New York State. Together, they help children build the communication skills, confidence, and self-advocacy abilities they need to thrive in school and beyond.
Important Medical Disclaimer & Terms of Use of Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC’s Website, Creating Voices Blog, and all related content.
By accessing this website, Creating Voices blog and all related content you are agreeing to these terms and conditions of use. The contents in this medical disclaimer and terms of use can be modified or changed at any time. Chatty Child assumes no obligation to correct or update the website nor to resolve or clarify any inconsistent information that might be a part of the website. The information contained in this Chatty Child website and Creating Voices blog are for general and informal purposes only. Information discussed on this website and blog are not intended to and should not be used as substitute for medical or therapeutic advice, diagnosis or treatment. This website and blog does not constitute in any way a therapeutic relationship. Please contact our office or email us to be evaluated at our clinic for specific concerns or questions. All contents in this website and blog are for informal purposes only and copyrighted and created by Heather Lynn Boerner MA CCC/SLP © 2026 – all rights reserved. Written permission to copy and distribute any content is required
Please read our full medical disclaimer policy here:
Important Medical Disclaimer for Chatty Child’s website, Creating Voices Blog., and all related content:
Chatty Child’s website and related Creating Voices Blog is for general educational and informational purposes only. Information discussed in this website and blog is not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical or therapeutic advice, diagnosis or treatment.
This blog and website does not in any way constitute the practice of any medical, therapeutic or professional healthcare relationship, advice, diagnosis or treatment. This does not constitute a therapeutic relationship.
We cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this blog or website. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical or therapeutic treatment immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking care because of something that you have read in this blog or website. If you are experiencing a medical emergency,please call 911 or call for emergency medical help on the nearest telephone immediately.. If you need professional therapeutic help please contact a licensed professional in your state, country or region. This blog and website is for educational purposes only and does not constitute in any way, shape or form a therapeutic relationship.
Health Related Content: This website and blog does not provide medical advice. The content is developed by Chatty Child, its partners, and outside sources. The content on this website including graphics, images, text and all other materials are provided for reference and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be exhaustive, comprehensive or applicable to specific medical conditions.
This website is not an attempt to practice therapeutic care or provide specific therapeutic recommendations or advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, replace or overrule a qualified health care profession’s care.
Users should not use this website as emergency care. The content on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical and therapeutic advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Always consult with a qualified and licensed professional and follow their advice without delay regardless of what is posed on this website.
Use of content: Use of content on the Chatty Child’s website does not establish a provider–patient relationship. Should you electronically request an appointment through the website, Chatty Child will use the information provided by you to arrange for a visit or electronic communication as appropriate. Patient-related forms are provided on the website.
Liability The user assumes full responsibility for using the information on this site, and you understand and agree that Chatty Child and its affiliates are not responsible or liable for any claim, loss or damage resulting from its use by you or any user. Chatty Child cannot and does not warrant that access to the site will be error or virus free and does not guarantee against unauthorized users or hackers attempting to obtain access to this website.
Chatty Child does not intentionally or knowingly collect personal information from children under age 18. If you are visiting the website or reading the blog and are under the age of 18 – please consult a parent or guardian for help in using this website.
Accuracy and Timeliness: Chatty Child disclaims any warranty concerning its accuracy, timeliness and completeness of content, and any other warranty, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Chatty Child also reserves the right to temporarily or permanently discontinue this website, any page or any functionality at any time and without any notice.
External Links: In order to provide website users with other visitors with what is believed to be helpful information, the Chatty Child website and blogs contain links to other websites that may contain related content. However, Chatty Child provides no authority over external organizations’ websites, and this policy does not apply to external sites that are provided as links. Pages of external websites might have different terms of use.
Chatty Child provides links to certain external websites as a convenience to visitors of its website; the existence of a link is not intended to be, and should not be taken as an endorsement by Chatty Child of any product or service that may be available through such external websites.
Copyright :All copyrightable text, graphics, design, selection and arrangement of information in this website are copyrighted by Chatty Child or Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CC/SLP – unless otherwise noted. Contents © by Heather Lynn Boerner or Chatty Child 2026 will be indicated on original content. We required written permission to copy beyond personal use.
Privacy Policy: By using the Chatty Child website, you agree to acceptance of Chatty Child’s website privacy policy
We will review this medical disclaimer frequently and reserve the right to revise it periodically. If we make changes to this policy, we will post the updated policy here.
