A core characteristic of Autism is communication differences. At Heyday, these differences are supported using a child-led, strengths-based approach following the neurodiversity-affirming paradigm. We do not use compliance-based methods or aim to change a neurodivergent child in any way. We strive for progress, not perfection, and provide children with the tools they need for communication. Our goal is not to make Autistic children talk- the goal is COMMUNICATION.

Does your child repeat lines from favorite shows, books, or other people? Do they have difficulty answering questions and using conversational speech? They may be a Gestalt Language Processor! Gestalt language processing (GLP) is a natural way to process language. It is suspected that the majority of Autistic individuals process language this way (and some neurotypicals too!) and while some may progress through the stages of language acquisition, others seem to get “stuck”.

Renée Bruder is a certified GLP clinician, possessing the knowledge and skills to support your child’s language development.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC is a fantastic way to IMPROVE and INCREASE your child’s expressive and receptive language skills. AAC DOES NOT hinder spoken language! We can help you learn about different modalities of communication and help you get access to a high tech speech generating device. Children, speaking and non-speaking, can all benefit from AAC. We will walk you through the steps and support you and your child along the way.

Does your child have difficulty saying words correctly? Do they mix up sounds like “tandy” for “candy” or “dough” for “go”? They could have a speech sound disorder.

Speech sound disorders refer to difficulties articulating, producing certain sounds, or sound patterns of language. These challenges become evident when compared to the communication abilities of other children within the same age group.

Types of speech sounds disorders:

Articulation: difficulty producing individual speech sounds. If your child has an articulation disorder, they may substitute a sound like 'w' for 'r' as in "wabbit" for "rabbit". Or they may push their tongue between their teeth when trying to say an 's' sound ("thaw" for "saw"). These errors should disappear by the age of 5. Lateral lisps (sounds like air is coming out the sides of the mouth) are not developmental and should be addressed as early as possible.

Phonology: Patterns of predictable errors in speech, affecting groups of sounds or sound patterns. Phonology refers to how we use sounds to differentiate the meanings of words. Many children use phonological patterns when learning to speak. Children with phonological delay or disorder frequently exhibit sound substitutions or omit sounds altogether. For example, your child says "top" for "stop"- this would be called cluster reduction and should be gone by 4 years old. What if your child says "tandy" for "candy" or "dough" for "go"? This is called fronting and should be gone by the age of 3.5.

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS): is a relatively rare type of motor speech sound disorder. Kids with CAS have trouble forming sounds and words because their brain has difficulty planning movements for speech. Your child knows what they want to say, but the brain can't make the muscle movements needed to say those words. This type of speech sound disorder can only be diagnosed by a trained speech-language pathologist.

Renée Bruder has completed advanced training in using DTTC, a motor-based approach to treat CAS.

A language disorder is a neuro-developmental disability that affects the way a child understands and/or uses language to communicate. It can be hereditary or can happen for no reason at all and can impact many areas of communication.

Language disorders can affect social skills, academics, everyday interactions.

Parent coaching is the evidence-based approach to supporting your child and will give you great skills for working on language development at home!

Nicole Varanakis is highly skilled in working with early language delays.