Neurodiversity Affirming Speech Services

Key Principles of Neurodiversity-Affirming Speech Therapy:

1. Strength-Based Approach
   Rather than focusing solely on deficits or areas that need "correction," neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy highlights an individual's strengths and builds on their existing skills. We work to help clients communicate in ways that align with their natural abilities, honoring their communication style. For example, some clients may benefit from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, while others may prefer visual or non-verbal modes of expression.

2. Individualized Goals
   Neurodiversity-affirming therapy avoids one-size-fits-all strategies. Instead, speech therapy goals are tailored to the individual, considering their specific neurological makeup, personality, preferences, and life context. Goals focus on enhancing communication skills in a way that is meaningful and functional for each person, whether that’s improving social communication, increasing language comprehension, or developing better self-advocacy.

3. Respect for Autonomy and Self-Advocacy
   A cornerstone of neurodiversity-affirming therapy is empowering individuals to advocate for their needs. This includes honoring their preferences around communication methods, social interactions, and other areas of life. For example, a neurodiversity-affirming goal may include a client learning to advocate for their sensory or communication needs, desires, or boundaries in different environments, rather than teaching them to mask these needs.

4. Holistic and Contextual Understanding
   Neurodiversity-affirming practices consider the whole person, acknowledging that communication challenges often arise in specific environments or situations. For example, a person may have no difficulty communicating at home but struggle in noisy or unfamiliar settings. A neurodiversity-affirming therapist takes these environmental factors into account. Working collaboratively, the client and therapist can identify the most supportive settings and strategies to foster effective communication.

5. Cultural Competency and Inclusivity
   Neurodiversity-affirming speech therapists work to ensure that therapy is culturally responsive, respecting the individual's background, family dynamics, and cultural context. Therapy should be inclusive, recognizing the role of cultural norms, values, and language in shaping how individuals express themselves. For example, a therapist might consider how cultural expectations of communication may differ across communities and adapt therapy to be sensitive to these differences.

Collaborative Approach
Effective neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy involves collaboration not just between the therapist and client, but also with families, caregivers, and other professionals. We take time to understand our client’s broader support system and collaborate to create a unified and consistent approach to communication. This team approach is essential in ensuring that the therapy process aligns with the client’s needs and daily life.

Real-World Impact: Client Success Stories

"Alyson taught us that verbal communication is not the only form of communication. We learned to teach our toddler signs and use communication boards, which have become a daily routine for our entire family and have allowed for improvements in our child’s communication. We have learned that no two children are the same and to not compare one to the other; each child is different. We as a family feel thankful and happy working with Alyson; she has taught us individualized ways to help our child, and we feel hopeful for her growth.”

What to Expect in Our Sessions: A Collaborative, Supportive Environment

• All sessions currently offered via Zoom with encouragement to create your own comfortable, sensory-friendly treatment space

• Flexible communication methods

• Respect for individual needs (e.g. flexible session length, various teaching/learning styles, client-driven interests and goals)

• Goal-oriented, strength-based interventions

Ready to Begin Your Communication Journey?

1. Begin with a free 20-30 minute initial consultation

2. Schedule your comprehensive, individualized communication assessment (standardized assessments not required)

3. Receive personalized treatment recommendations

4. Work on your communication goals in a supportive, affirming environment

Expert-Driven, Compassionate Care: Alyson's Specialized Training

With 15 years of experience and specialized certification in neurodiversity-affirming practices, Alyson brings:

• Advanced understanding of neurodivergent communication

• Trauma-informed and culturally sensitive therapeutic techniques

• Cutting-edge research-backed interventions

• Deep commitment to neurodiversity advocacy

Resources

• Learning to Listen: How Neurodivergent Clients Taught Me to Rethink Speech Therapy. Alyson Hendry, SLP, Speech & Movement Blog, Dec. 2024.

• Affirming neurodivergence: No more ‘quiet hands’. The ASHA LeaderLive Speech-Language Pathology, November/December 2023.

• Meaningful Speech. Research & Resources.

• Rachel Dorsey- Autistic SLP.