What Does Neurodivergent Affirming Care Look Like in Practice?

When I begin treating a child and their family at my clinic in Tribeca, New York. I start with a thoughtful case history interview process that includes: gaining insight into the child’s individual birth, medical educational and social-emotional history.

I explore a child’s inner motivations, curiosities, and desires through caring observations and play.

I am curious about a child’s daily routines.

I learn about what makes a child feel safe and secure.

I bring warm curiosity to each treatment session, gaining insight into each unique child and family I work with. By following the child’s lead we can unlock the power of possibilities in each child, together as a team.

This is ultimately the cornerstone of neurodiversity affirming care – valuing each child for their unique collection of abilities and differences.

Neuro-divergent affirming care embraces the unique collection of abilities of each child.

Sessions at Chatty Child may appear at first, like a whole bunch of silly games and fun – played on the floor.

Rest assured all this pretend play does have purpose!

First, we must determine what interests and activities ignite your child’s passions, interests and creative expressions.

We notice how a child communicates their desires.

We observe how a child navigates their environment.

We explore their interests with them.

Second, we start to gently scaffold and support each child’s individual speech and language goals within each child’s individual, and intrinsically motivating creative pathways and interests.

We play with child on their level

We follow the child’s lead

We support reciprocal engagement

We embrace all communication modes

Third, as we embrace each child’s unique learning styles, interests, strengths, and support needs we address their individual goals in flexible, imaginative and holistic ways – this is at the cornerstone of our neurodivergent affirming care:

We celebrate each child’s unique talents & strengths

We empower each child to embrace their differences

We teach each child through empowering, affirming and effective support.

If you’re ready to experience the unlimited possibilities that can be unlocked through gentle, caring, supportive neurodivergent affirming care we are here and ready to help your child and family soar!

Chatty Child’s speech therapists can assess your child’s speech and language developmental needs and craft an individually tailored treatment plan to address any areas of concern; while working seamlessly with your child’s medical team to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes for your child and family.

To book an in-person or online speech therapy assessment and treatment 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

Meet the Author: A Pediatric Speech Therapist in NYC

Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, is a nationally certified and New York State licensed speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience providing pediatric speech therapy in NYC. In addition to her clinical background, Heather is a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, a trauma-informed provider, and a proud neurodiverse and differently-abled individual. Her personal and professional experiences deeply inform her approach to care.

Heather’s own journey as a differently-abled person led her to establish Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice dedicated to empowering children through individualized, compassionate support. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book that promotes confidence, learning, and friendship. The story includes a teaching guide designed for use by parents and educators alike.

Heather and her team offer services both in-person at their Tribeca, Manhattan clinic and virtually throughout New York State, helping children grow in confidence, communication, and self-expression.

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.