• What Is Speech Therapy?

    Speech therapy is a specialized service provided by a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) that focuses on improving a child’s ability to communicate effectively and, when needed, supports feeding and oral motor skills. The goal of speech therapy is to help children develop the skills necessary for clear speech, understanding and using language, social communication, and safe, effective feeding.

    Speech therapy may target areas such as:

    • Speech production – improving clarity of sounds and words (articulation)

    • Language skills – enhancing understanding (receptive language), expression (expressive language), and social use of language (pragmatic/social language)

    • Social communication – developing back-and-forth conversation skills, understanding nonverbal cues, and improving social interactions

    • Oral motor and feeding skills – strengthening muscles for speech, chewing, and swallowing


    Specialties and Methods in Speech Therapy

    Speech-language pathologists are trained in a wide range of approaches and may specialize in treating various diagnoses and challenges. Some of the key areas of expertise and therapeutic methods include:

    Diagnoses Addressed:

    • Apraxia of Speech (difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech)

    • Neurodevelopmental communication disorders (including speech and language difficulties related to autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other developmental conditions)

    • Executive functioning challenges (impacting organization, attention, and communication skills)

    Therapeutic Approaches and Specialties:

    • Articulation therapy – improving clarity of speech sounds

    • Receptive, expressive, and pragmatic language therapy – targeting understanding, use of language, and social communication

    • Social language therapy – focusing on conversation, social interaction, and understanding social cues

    • Early literacy support – enhancing pre-reading and reading skills connected to language development

    • PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) – using tactile cues to guide speech production

    • DTTC (Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing) – a motor-based approach specifically for childhood apraxia of speech

    • DIR/Floortime (Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based Model) – a play-based approach that supports emotional, social, and communication development

    • Orofacial Myology – addressing tongue thrust, mouth breathing, and other oral motor patterns

    • Oral Motor Therapy – strengthening the muscles of the mouth, jaw, and tongue for speech and feeding

    • Feeding therapy – supporting safe and effective eating and swallowing skills

  • What Is Feeding Therapy for Children with Developmental Delays?

    Feeding therapy is designed to help children who struggle with eating, drinking, chewing, swallowing, or tolerating different food textures and flavors. Feeding difficulties can arise from a variety of factors, including sensory sensitivities, oral motor challenges, medical conditions, or developmental delays.

    A feeding therapist—typically a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or occupational therapist (OT) with specialized training—works with both the child and family to improve feeding skills in a safe, supportive, and enjoyable way. The goal is to help children develop the ability to eat a wide range of foods comfortably and meet their nutritional needs for healthy growth and development.

    Feeding Therapy for Developmental Delays May Target:

    • Oral motor skills (strengthening the lips, tongue, jaw, and cheeks for effective chewing and swallowing)

    • Sensory sensitivities (helping children tolerate different textures, tastes, temperatures, and smells)

    • Picky eating or food aversion (gradually increasing food variety and acceptance)

    • Safe swallowing (dysphagia) (improving the coordination and safety of swallowing to prevent choking or aspiration)

    • Transitioning between food stages (such as moving from purees to solids)

    • Self-feeding skills (using utensils, cups, and finger foods)

    • Reducing mealtime stress (for both the child and the family, creating positive eating experiences)

    Common Feeding Therapy Methods & Certifications:

    Feeding therapists use various evidence-based approaches to address feeding and swallowing challenges. Some widely recognized methods and certifications include:

    • SOS Approach to Feeding (Sequential Oral Sensory): A play-based, gradual method that helps children explore and become comfortable with new foods through sensory exposure.

    • Oral Motor Protocol: Focuses on oral motor exercises to improve strength, coordination, and range of motion in the mouth muscles for better feeding and speech.

    • Pediatric Dysphagia Training: Specialized techniques to assess and treat swallowing disorders in children.

    • Sensory Integration Therapy (SIPT Certified): Addresses sensory processing difficulties that may contribute to food refusal or aversion.

    • Feeding Aversion Programs: Structured plans to help reduce extreme avoidance behaviors around eating.

    • Picky Eaters Approaches: Structured strategies specifically designed to help children with limited diets gradually expand the variety of foods they accept, focusing on reducing anxiety around trying new foods and building positive associations with eating. These methods may include play-based exposure, gradual desensitization, and family mealtime coaching.

    • Tube Weaning Programs: Supports children transitioning from tube feeding to oral eating when appropriate.

  • What Is Occupational Therapy for Children with Developmental Delays?

    Occupational therapy (OT) for children with developmental delays focuses on developing the foundational skills needed for everyday activities. These skills include fine motor coordination, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and attention—all of which are essential for participating in play, learning, and basic daily routines.

    Pediatric occupational therapists work with children to improve:

    • Fine motor skills (such as grasping, writing, buttoning, using utensils)

    • Hand-eye coordination (needed for tasks like cutting, drawing, catching a ball)

    • Sensory processing and integration (helping children respond appropriately to sensory input like textures, sounds, or movement)

    • Visual-motor integration (combining what the eyes see with how the hands move, crucial for activities like writing or puzzles)

    • Core strength and postural control (supporting balance, stability, and upright sitting for focus and engagement)

    • Emotional regulation and coping skills (helping children manage feelings, reduce frustration, and handle transitions)

    • Attention, focus, and executive functioning (developing planning, organization, and task-following skills)

    OT may also gently support life skills, such as dressing, feeding, and hygiene routines, to promote greater independence in daily activities.

    Common Occupational Therapy Methods & Certifications:

    Occupational therapists may draw from a variety of specialized approaches to meet each child’s specific needs. Some widely used methods and certifications include:

    • Sensory Integration Therapy (SIPT Certified): Helps children process and respond to sensory input (like touch, sound, or movement) in a more organized and effective way.

    • Sensory Diets: Customized activity plans designed to provide the right types and amounts of sensory input a child needs throughout the day to stay regulated and focused. These can include movement breaks, calming strategies, or specific tactile or auditory activities.

    • DIR/Floortime (Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based Model): Uses play-based interactions to support emotional, social, and communication development.

    • Zones of Regulation: A structured program that helps children learn to manage their emotions and self-regulate.

    • Integrated Listening Systems (iLs): Combines music, movement, and cognitive activities to enhance brain function and sensory processing.

    • Astronaut Training (Vestibular-Visual-Auditory Integration): Targets sensory systems related to balance, coordination, and attention.

    • Feeding Therapy (SOS Approach, Beckman Oral Motor): Supports children with picky eating, oral motor skills, or challenges with food textures.

    • Handwriting Without Tears: A multisensory approach to developing handwriting skills.

    • Executive Functioning Programs: Focus on building skills like attention, organization, planning, and following directions.

    • Kinesiotaping for OT: Applies therapeutic tape to support posture, muscle tone, and joint alignment during therapy activities.

    • Visual-Perceptual Training: Enhances how children interpret visual information, which supports reading, writing, and coordination.

    Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI): A motor-based approach using specific movement exercises to promote neurodevelopment and improve gross motor and postural control. Though DMI is often associated with physical therapy, some occupational therapists incorporate it to support motor planning, balance, and functional movement within play-based activities.

  • What Is Physical Therapy for Children with Developmental Delays?

    Physical therapy (PT) for children with developmental delays supports the development of gross motor skills and overall physical function. Children with developmental delays may experience slower progress in areas such as sitting, crawling, walking, balance, and coordination.

    Pediatric physical therapists use movement-based, play-centered techniques to help children reach age-appropriate physical milestones. The goal is to improve mobility, strength, posture, and body awareness—supporting a child’s independence and participation in daily life.

    Physical Therapy for Developmental Delays May Target:

    • Building strength and improving muscle tone

    • Enhancing balance and coordination

    • Supporting gross motor milestones (e.g., sitting, crawling, standing, walking, running)

    • Improving posture and alignment

    • Developing motor planning and body awareness

    • Encouraging independent movement and functional mobility

    • Improving sensory-motor integration and reflex organization

    • Preventing secondary complications such as joint stiffness or muscle tightness

    Common Physical Therapy Methods & Certifications:

    Physical therapists may draw from a variety of techniques and approaches to meet each child’s unique needs. Some widely used and recognized methods include:

    • Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT): Focuses on facilitating more efficient movement patterns in children with motor challenges.

    • Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME): Uses specific exercises to stimulate postural and motor responses, encouraging progress toward motor milestones.

    • Sensory Integration Therapy: Helps children improve movement and coordination by processing sensory input more effectively.

    • Kinesiotaping: Applies therapeutic tape to support muscle function, posture, and joint stability.

    • Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI): Uses a structured set of exercises to promote neuromotor development and improve functional movement.

  • How Pediatric Specialists Support Children with Developmental Delays

    Children with developmental delays may need support from a team of specialists who each bring unique expertise to address different areas of a child’s growth and well-being. These professionals work together to assess, treat, and guide families through challenges related to learning, behavior, communication, emotional regulation, and daily functioning.

    Collaborating with the right specialists can help children build critical skills, access necessary services, and thrive at home, in school, and in their community. Each specialist focuses on a specific area of development, ensuring that care is comprehensive, personalized, and holistic.

    Types of Pediatric Specialists for Developmental Delays

    Developmental Pediatrician

    A medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and managing developmental, learning, and behavioral challenges. They often oversee and coordinate care across various therapies and specialists.

    Pediatric Neurologist

    Focuses on the brain and nervous system. They evaluate conditions like motor disorders, seizures, muscle tone differences, or neurological causes of developmental delays.

    Child Psychologist

    Specializes in emotional, behavioral, and social development. They can conduct evaluations for ADHD, autism, anxiety, and other conditions, and provide therapy or behavior strategies.

    Neuropsychologist

    Performs detailed cognitive and learning evaluations to identify how a child’s brain functions in areas like memory, attention, problem-solving, and processing. Their assessments help guide educational plans and interventions.

    Pediatric Audiologist

    Evaluates hearing and auditory processing. Hearing issues can impact speech, language development, attention, and learning.

    Pediatric ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat Doctor)

    Assesses medical issues affecting speech, hearing, breathing, and feeding—such as chronic ear infections, enlarged tonsils, or airway concerns.

    Pediatric Ophthalmologist

    Evaluates and treats vision issues that can affect learning, motor coordination, and attention.

    Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

    Designs behavior plans based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles to teach skills and reduce challenging behaviors. Often works with children on the autism spectrum.

    Parent Coach

    Supports parents with strategies and tools to manage daily challenges, improve communication, set routines, and strengthen the parent-child relationship. Coaches can focus on behavior management, emotional regulation, or family dynamics.

    Sleep Trainer (Pediatric Sleep Specialist)

    Helps families establish healthy sleep routines and address sleep issues that can affect a child’s development, behavior, and overall well-being.

    Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT)

    A certified teacher who provides individualized instructional support in a child’s natural environment (home, daycare, or preschool). SEITs help children meet developmental and learning goals while supporting their integration into group settings.

    Tutor (Specialized Academic Support)

    Works with children to reinforce academic skills, often tailoring instruction to meet specific learning styles, developmental levels, or areas of difficulty.

    School Placement Consultant

    Assists families in finding appropriate educational settings, whether mainstream, integrated co-teaching (ICT), or specialized schools, based on the child’s unique learning profile.

    Social Worker or Family Support Coordinator

    Connects families to community resources, government programs, and emotional support. 

    Nutritionist (Pediatric Dietitian)

    Specializes in assessing and supporting a child’s nutritional needs, ensuring they receive proper nourishment for healthy growth and development. A nutritionist can help with feeding challenges, food sensitivities, limited diets, weight concerns, and meal planning—especially important for children with picky eating, sensory sensitivities, or medical conditions affecting nutrition.

  • What Does a Special Education Attorney Do?

    A special education attorney is a legal professional who specializes in education law, specifically focusing on protecting the rights of children with disabilities and ensuring they receive appropriate educational services under federal and state laws.

    Their primary role is to advocate for families when there are disputes or challenges with a school district regarding a child’s educational needs, services, or placement. They ensure that schools follow the laws set by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other relevant regulations.

    How Special Education Attorneys Help Families:

    • Reviewing and advising on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans to ensure they are legally compliant and meet the child’s needs.

    • Representing families in disputes with school districts, including mediation, due process hearings, or appeals when services or placements are denied or inadequate.

    • Advocating for appropriate placements, such as specialized programs, out-of-district placements, or private school reimbursement when public schools cannot meet a child’s needs.

    • Ensuring that procedural safeguards (legal rights protecting students and parents) are followed by the school district.

    • Negotiating settlements with school districts to secure services, compensatory education, or tuition reimbursement.

    • Educating parents about their rights and helping them understand complex special education laws and policies.

    When Might a Family Need a Special Education Attorney?

    • If the school refuses to evaluate your child for special education services.

    • If you disagree with the school’s evaluation or proposed IEP goals, services, or placement.

    • If your child’s needs are not being met, or if services outlined in the IEP are not being provided.

    • If you are seeking private school tuition reimbursement due to inadequate public school services.

    If you need representation at mediation or a due process hearing against the school district.

  • What Does a Specialized School Placement Consultant Do?

    A specialized school placement consultant helps families find the most appropriate educational setting for children with developmental delays, learning differences, behavioral challenges, or other special needs. These consultants have deep knowledge of a wide range of school environments—public, private, special education, therapeutic, and mainstream—and work closely with families to identify placements that are the best fit academically, socially, and emotionally.

    Their goal is to ensure that a child is in a setting where they can thrive, receive the support they need, and make meaningful progress.

    How a Placement Consultant Can Help Your Family:

    • Assessing your child’s profile – reviewing evaluations, IEPs, and input from professionals to understand learning style, strengths, and areas of need

    • Exploring appropriate school options, including:

      • Specialized private schools for learning differences

      • Therapeutic day schools for emotional or behavioral needs

      • Mainstream schools with inclusion or integrated co-teaching (ICT) settings

      • Schools with strong support for neurodivergent learners

    • Coaching families through the application process, including documentation, interview prep, and navigating school tours

    • Collaborating with other team members, such as therapists, psychologists, and advocates, to ensure recommendations align with the child’s full support plan

    • Supporting transitions, whether from preschool to kindergarten, elementary to middle school, or into post-secondary programs

    • Advising on out-of-district placements when public schools cannot adequately meet a child’s needs

    • Helping with DOE reimbursement or impartial hearing preparation if pursuing private placement through legal or funding pathways

    When to Consider a School Placement Consultant:

    • If your child’s current school is not meeting their needs, academically or emotionally

    • If you're overwhelmed by the number of options and don't know where to start

    • If you're seeking a more supportive or specialized setting but need expert guidance

    • If you’re involved in a legal or reimbursement process and need documented support for placement decisions

  • In addition to therapeutic services and academic support, enrichment programs, extracurricular activities, and specialized camps play an important role in a child’s development. These programs offer opportunities for children with developmental delays to build social connections, explore interests, develop new skills, and gain confidence in supportive, inclusive environments.

    Programs are often adapted to meet the needs of children with different abilities and may offer additional support personnel, smaller group sizes, or sensory-friendly settings to ensure that every child can participate and thrive.

    Types of Supportive Programs and Activities:

    Social Skills Groups

    • Structured groups led by therapists or trained facilitators that focus on developing social communication, peer interaction, turn-taking, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills in a safe, guided setting.

    Adaptive Sports and Recreational Programs

    • Modified sports programs (such as soccer, swimming, martial arts, gymnastics, or dance) designed to accommodate various physical, sensory, and cognitive needs—fostering teamwork, motor skills, and confidence.

    Art and Music Therapy Classes

    • Creative outlets that help children express themselves, develop fine motor skills, enhance emotional regulation, and build self-esteem through structured art or music activities.

    STEM, Robotics, and Coding Classes

    • Adapted science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs designed to engage children in hands-on learning, foster problem-solving skills, and spark creativity.

    Sensory-Friendly Playgroups

    • Unstructured or semi-structured play sessions held in sensory-friendly environments, allowing children to explore, socialize, and practice communication in a comfortable, supportive space.

    Drama and Theater Programs

    • Adapted performing arts programs that help children develop self-expression, confidence, language skills, and social interaction through role-play, storytelling, and stage activities.

    Life Skills and Executive Functioning Classes

    • Programs that focus on teaching practical skills like time management, organization, self-advocacy, hygiene routines, cooking, and community safety.

    Parent-Child Classes

    • Joint classes that encourage bonding, support early development, and teach parents strategies to reinforce skills at home—such as parent-child yoga, music classes, or movement-based sessions.

    Specialized Camps for Children with Developmental Delays:

    Day Camps and Sleepaway Camps

    • Programs specifically designed for children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, autism, or sensory needs. These camps offer traditional camp activities (like swimming, hiking, and crafts) in a structured, supportive environment with trained staff and low camper-to-counselor ratios. Some camos will integrate therapy services (Speech, OT, PT, social skills) alongside fun activities- helping children build skills while enjoying camp experiences. 

    Mainstream Camps That Accept Outside Support Personnel

    • Many inclusive or mainstream camps welcome children with developmental delays and allow families to bring outside support personnel—such as SEITs, aides, or therapists—to ensure their child has the accommodations needed to participate successfully alongside typically developing peers. These camps provide the opportunity for children to engage in typical camp experiences while receiving individualized support.

    Programs are often adapted to meet the needs of children with different abilities and may offer additional support personnel, smaller group sizes, or sensory-friendly settings to ensure that every child can participate and thrive.

    Types of Supportive Programs and Activities:

    Social Skills Groups

    • Structured groups led by therapists or trained facilitators that focus on developing social communication, peer interaction, turn-taking, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills in a safe, guided setting.

    Adaptive Sports and Recreational Programs

    • Modified sports programs (such as soccer, swimming, martial arts, gymnastics, or dance) designed to accommodate various physical, sensory, and cognitive needs—fostering teamwork, motor skills, and confidence.

    Art and Music Therapy Classes

    • Creative outlets that help children express themselves, develop fine motor skills, enhance emotional regulation, and build self-esteem through structured art or music activities.

    STEM, Robotics, and Coding Classes

    • Adapted science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs designed to engage children in hands-on learning, foster problem-solving skills, and spark creativity.

    Sensory-Friendly Playgroups

    • Unstructured or semi-structured play sessions held in sensory-friendly environments, allowing children to explore, socialize, and practice communication in a comfortable, supportive space.

    Drama and Theater Programs

    • Adapted performing arts programs that help children develop self-expression, confidence, language skills, and social interaction through role-play, storytelling, and stage activities.

    Life Skills and Executive Functioning Classes

    • Programs that focus on teaching practical skills like time management, organization, self-advocacy, hygiene routines, cooking, and community safety.

    Parent-Child Classes

    • Joint classes that encourage bonding, support early development, and teach parents strategies to reinforce skills at home—such as parent-child yoga, music classes, or movement-based sessions.

    Specialized Camps for Children with Developmental Delays:

    Day Camps and Sleepaway Camps

    • Programs specifically designed for children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, autism, or sensory needs. These camps offer traditional camp activities (like swimming, hiking, and crafts) in a structured, supportive environment with trained staff and low camper-to-counselor ratios. Some camos will integrate therapy services (Speech, OT, PT, social skills) alongside fun activities- helping children build skills while enjoying camp experiences. 

    Mainstream Camps That Accept Outside Support Personnel

    Many inclusive or mainstream camps welcome children with developmental delays and allow families to bring outside support personnel—such as SEITs, aides, or therapists—to ensure their child has the accommodations needed to participate successfully alongside typically developing peers. These camps provide the opportunity for children to engage in typical camp experiences while receiving individualized support.

    • Programs are often adapted to meet the needs of children with different abilities and may offer additional support personnel, smaller group sizes, or sensory-friendly settings to ensure that every child can participate and thrive.

    Types of Supportive Programs and Activities:

    Social Skills Groups

    • Structured groups led by therapists or trained facilitators that focus on developing social communication, peer interaction, turn-taking, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills in a safe, guided setting.

    Adaptive Sports and Recreational Programs

    • Modified sports programs (such as soccer, swimming, martial arts, gymnastics, or dance) designed to accommodate various physical, sensory, and cognitive needs—fostering teamwork, motor skills, and confidence.

    Art and Music Therapy Classes

    • Creative outlets that help children express themselves, develop fine motor skills, enhance emotional regulation, and build self-esteem through structured art or music activities.

    STEM, Robotics, and Coding Classes

    • Adapted science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs designed to engage children in hands-on learning, foster problem-solving skills, and spark creativity.

    Sensory-Friendly Playgroups

    • Unstructured or semi-structured play sessions held in sensory-friendly environments, allowing children to explore, socialize, and practice communication in a comfortable, supportive space.

    Drama and Theater Programs

    Adapted performing arts programs that help children develop self-expression, confidence, language skills, and social interaction through role-play, storytelling, and stage activities.

    Life Skills and Executive Functioning Classes

    • Programs that focus on teaching practical skills like time management, organization, self-advocacy, hygiene routines, cooking, and community safety.

    Parent-Child Classes

    • Joint classes that encourage bonding, support early development, and teach parents strategies to reinforce skills at home—such as parent-child yoga, music classes, or movement-based sessions.

    Specialized Camps for Children with Developmental Delays:

    Day Camps and Sleepaway Camps

    • Programs specifically designed for children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, autism, or sensory needs. These camps offer traditional camp activities (like swimming, hiking, and crafts) in a structured, supportive environment with trained staff and low camper-to-counselor ratios. Some camos will integrate therapy services (Speech, OT, PT, social skills) alongside fun activities- helping children build skills while enjoying camp experiences. 

    Mainstream Camps That Accept Outside Support Personnel

    • Many inclusive or mainstream camps welcome children with developmental delays and allow families to bring outside support personnel—such as SEITs, aides, or therapists—to ensure their child has the accommodations needed to participate successfully alongside typically developing peers. These camps provide the opportunity for children to engage in typical camp experiences while receiving individualized support.