Speech Therapy Connections
Empowering Communication, Embracing Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy embraces your child’s unique way of communicating, focusing on support rather than change. We celebrate their strengths, provide meaningful strategies, and empower both you and your child on your communication journey.
What is Neurodiversity Affirming Speech Therapy? Getting Autism Support For Your Child As a Support Needs Parent .
Are you a parent who has been searching for a speech therapy provider who is truly neurodiversity affirming for your autistic child? One that celebrates their unique way of being rather than trying to “fix” them or change who they are?
Helping Autistic Children Communicate with Confidence
At Speech Therapy Connections, we understand that traditional speech therapy approaches don’t often align with neurodiversity-affirming practices and may leave you feeling uncertain about what’s best for your child.
When you work with Speech Therapy Connections, we understand that neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy recognizes that…
Autism is a difference in the brain, not a disorder that needs to be fixed
Every way that your child communicates with you is meaningful and valid
Stimming, scripting, and special interests are an important part of your child’s lived experience
Success looks different for every child
Support should focus on helping your child thrive, not changing who they are
How Is This Different From Compliance-Based Speech Therapy Approaches?
Compliance-based approaches often…
Focus on eliminating autistic traits
Emphasize eye contact and “quiet hands”
Discourage scripting and echolalia
Pushes for “typical” communication only
Measures success by how “normal” a child appears
Our Approach To Speech Therapy
Speech Therapy That Honors Every Child’s Voice
Our approach to speech therapy embraces your child’s unique way of communicating, recognizing scripts, echolalia, gestures, and AAC as meaningful. We prioritize self-regulation, comfort, and internal motivation, creating a supportive space where communication feels natural and authentic.
Celebrates your child’s unique way of being
Respects natural movement and self-regulation
Recognizes scripts and echolalia as meaningful communication
Supports all forms of communication (AAC, gestures, words, etc.)
Measures success by your child’s comfort, safety, and internal motivation to communicate in an authentic way
What Does Neurodiversity-Affirming Speech Therapy Look Like?Autism is a difference in the brain, not a disorder that needs to be fixed
In our sessions, we…
Follow your child’s lead and interests while maintaining safe boundaries
Create a safe space for natural communication
Support their preferred way of communicating
Honor and understand their sensory needs - therapy does NOT have to be at a table to be successful!
Build on their strengths and interests
Celebrate all forms of progress
Supporting Your Child's Communication Journey
We focus on:
Understanding your child's unique communication style
Supporting gestalt language processing when present
Implementing AAC to bridge the gap in communication
Creating communication opportunities through play and meaningful experiences
Building on your child's natural interests
Empowering you with strategies that honor your child’s way of thinking
Supporting Your Child's Communication Journey
We focus on:
Understanding your child's unique communication style
Supporting gestalt language processing when present
Implementing AAC to bridge the gap in communication
Creating communication opportunities through play and meaningful experiences
Building on your child's natural interests
Empowering you with strategies that honor your child’s way of thinking
For Support Needs Parents
We understand that you:
Want the best for your child
May have questions about different therapy approaches
Are looking for support that aligns with your values
Want to understand how to best support your child
Need strategies that work in real-life situations
What Families Experience
Through our neurodiversity-affirming approach, families…
Feel more confident with supporting their child’s communication
Have a better understanding of their child's needs
Experience stronger connections with their child
See more authentic interactions
Understand the importance of celebrating of their child's unique way of being
Speech Therapy Connections