Services

Pediatric speech therapy and feeding therapy in New York City

Evaluations

Speech, language, and feeding services typically begin with a commprehensive evaluation to identify a child’s strengths and needs.

Speech and Language:

Speech and language evaluations provide an in-depth look at how your child’s communication skills are developing and whether or not professional intervention is warranted. We offer initial evaluations and re-evaluations to diagnose a variety of communication disorders including speech sound disorders, receptive and expressive language delays and disorders, fluency disorders (e.g. stuttering, cluttering), and social communication disorders. Evaluations are individualized based on parent concerns and developmental history with the goal of identifying each child’s unique strengths and weaknesses. Each evaluation starts with a thorough case history and parent/caregiver interview combined with observation, formal and informal assessment measures, and therapist-child interactions. Following the evaluation, we will discuss the results and recommendations. You will also receive a written report detailing your child’s performance on assessment measures, observations, background information, and recommended treatment plan. A thorough evaluation lays the foundation for effective and efficient therapy.

Feeding:

Feeding evaluations are used to diagnose pediatric feeding disorders and to determine which of many factors may be contributing to problematic feeding. Feeding difficulties often result from a combination of factors and each of these areas must be considered in the evaluation: oral-motor skills, gross motor development, medical conditions, nutritional concerns, sensory processing, and behavioral concerns associated with mealtimes. During the feeding evaluation, we will gather detailed information about your child’s medical and developmental history, their current food preferences and aversions, and nutritional intake. We will conduct an oral-motor exam and observe a mealtime to assess your child’s current feeding and swallowing skills. Following the evaluation, we will discuss the results and make recommendations for treatment.

Speech & Language Therapy

We provide individualized speech and language therapy to target a variety of areas including attention and listening, articulation, receptive and expressive language, fluency, motor speech, social communication, and play skills. Our treatment approach is personalized to address the unique needs and interests of each child and their family. Sessions are designed to be fun and engaging while incorporating evidence-based strategies. Families are encouraged to be part of the process and will be provided with strategies and support to optimize their child’s success. Home practice between sessions will accelerate progress and ensure skills are carried over into everyday situations.

Speech and language therapy may support:

Articulation Disorders
Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Phonological Disorders
Receptive and Expressive Language Disorders
Language Delays (“Late Talkers”)
Fluency Disorders (Stuttering, Cluttering)
Social Communication Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Developmental Delays
Genetic Disorders
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (e.g. Tongue Thrust)

We offer a number of evidenced-based treatment methods including Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) and PROMPT for Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Hanen's It Takes Two to Talk program for late talkers, and the Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) approach for augmentative-alternative communication (AAC).

Therapy sessions are offered in-person (at your home, daycare, or school) in New York City and virtually via teletherapy. We see children on the Upper West Side and Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Therapy sessions include time for direct treatment, data taking, and parent discussion. At the end of each session, you will be provided with ideas and activities to support your child’s continued development outside of treatment sessions.

Feeding Therapy

We use a child and family-centered approach to feeding therapy that prioritizes the wellbeing of the whole child and empowers family members to facilitate their child’s success. Our goal is to develop safe, age-appropriate feeding skills and create positive mealtime experiences for the whole family. A variety of therapeutic approaches may be used including strategies from:

The SOS (Sequential-Oral-Sensory) Approach to Feeding
The CAN-EAT Approach: Using medical, motor, and therapeutic strategies in pediatric feeding
TalkTools Feeding Therapy: A Sensory-Motor Approach
TalkTools Functional Assessment & Remediation of Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs)
Melanie Potock's ARFID: The Anxious Eater masterclass

Other health professionals may be involved in a comprehensive treatment plan for your child’s feeding difficulty and referrals will be provided as needed. These professionals may include a dietician, gastroenterologist, lactation consultant, occupational therapist, otolaryngologist (ENT), and/or pediatric dentist.

Concerns frequently addressed with feeding therapy include:

Difficulty transitioning to solids
Chewing difficulties
Gagging/choking/vomiting
Food refusal or aversions
Persistent mealtime tantrums or “battles”
Lengthy mealtimes (more than 30 minutes)
Restricted range of foods (fewer than 20)
Persistent picky eating
Tongue thrust

Parent Coaching & Consultations

Parent involvement is a critical part of the treatment process. Our treatment sessions are only a small part of the time you spend with your child each week, and there are countless opportunities to support your child’s development outside of sessions. We provide ongoing coaching to empower you to help your child develop his or her communication and feeding skills. We believe you know your child best and will work closely with you to develop strategies that work well for your child and your schedule. You will be provided with suggested practice activities after each session.

Jordan is also a Hanen certified professional who provides individualized parent consultations using the It Takes Two to Talk® program for parents of young children (birth to 5 years of age) with language delays.

We also offer consultations with other professionals who may be involved in your child’s care including daycare providers and teachers in order to ensure success across all environments. We are happy to collaborate with all the members of your child’s team!