Rachel Verducci

Every child develops at their own pace—but when it comes to speech and language, delays can be confusing and even concerning for parents. It’s natural to wonder:  Is my child just a “late talker,” or is there something more going on? Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in helping families understand the difference between normal variation and signs that extra support may be beneficial. Early identification and intervention have been shown to significantly improve long-term...

The way we approach speech therapy is just as important as the techniques we use. For many years, therapy was often centered around “fixing” differences in communication. But today, a growing movement led by autistic and neurodivergent self-advocates, families, and professionals is changing that narrative. Neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy  recognizes that neurological differences like autism, ADHD, and other communication profiles are not deficits to be erased—they’re natural...

Executive functioning skills are like the brain’s “air traffic control system.” They help us focus attention, plan and organize, remember information, and regulate our behavior to reach goals. For children, strong executive functioning skills make it easier to follow directions, participate in class, manage daily routines, and communicate effectively. Many people don’t realize that speech-language therapy can play a powerful role in building these skills. Because language and executive...