Play-Based, Neurodiversity-Affirming Speech Therapy
Providing in-home services for children ages 3+ in the greater Olympia area.
Populations and Diagnoses
Gestalt language processors
Autistic children
Children with high sensory needs
Non-speaking children
AAC users and prospective users
Neurodivergent children/teens (autism, ADHD, AuDHD, 2e, etc)
Late talkers
Speech sound disorders (articulation / pronunciation concerns)
Receptive/expressive language
Our Services
Learn More
-
We specialize in comprehensive evaluations and therapy for children who use echolalia and may be gestalt language processors/learners (GLP/GLL).
For children getting ready to start school, we also provide IEP guidance and advocacy for developing a supportive and appropriate school plan that fits your child’s unique language learning needs.
What is Gestalt Language Processing?
Gestalt language learning (pronounced “guh-SHTALT”) is also commonly called echolalia, scripting, or using "movie talk." This style of learning language is a common way that autistic people develop language skills, but it is often misunderstood.
GLPs may not respond to "traditional" speech therapy approaches, even after being in speech therapy for years. Sometimes, GLPs will use a few taught words like "more", "help", or "all done", but have difficulty developing language beyond that.
-
We have specialized training in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and how to provide specialized support for gestalt language processors (GLPs) who use AAC.
We have extensive experience and success with:
Providing AAC evaluations which meet criteria for insurance funding
Setting up and programming new AAC devices
Training families and caregivers in its use
Supporting children in learning how to navigate and use speech-generating devices to meet their communication needs
-
Executive functioning coaching is available for older adolescents and teens. This is a highly collaborative therapy to support your child’s personal goal areas for skills such as planning, time management, motivation, problem solving, and more.
-
We regularly offer trainings and workshops for speech therapists, occupational therapists, mental health providers, and educators on:
Neurodivergence
Building a neuroaffirming classroom and school
How to better understand gestalt language processing
How professionals in other disciplines can better understand and support these unique language learners
Welcome to the Communication Haven
We know that learning how to communicate is hard work for kids. We also know that it can be even harder for parents and families, especially when it feels like things are not going according to plan.
That’s where we come in. We are experts at two things around here:
Play
Celebration
Okay and maybe a few other things, too. But mostly those.
Because when there is authentic and joyful play, there is connection. And when we focus on celebrating the little wins, it takes the pressure off of everyone.
Finding things to celebrate and moments to play together make the hard things feel a whole lot lighter. True for kids, true for adults.
Let us help celebrate all the things you and your child are already doing well, relieve some pressure, and build confidence that you know what to do next.
With the building blocks of play and celebration, communication can flourish.
Meet your therapist!
Kendra Thomas, M.S., CCC-SLP
Owner, Speech-Language Pathologist
Neurodiversity Affirming
Kendra is a sensory-trained and neurodiversity-affirming speech therapist who believes whole-heartedly that authentic and joyful connection is key to successful therapy.
She is committed to meeting kids where they are at, celebrating their unique strengths and interests, and supporting how their brain works and learns best.
Family Centered
Guided by a child-led philosophy, Kendra is skilled at making speech therapy adapt to what a child is already interested in. She collaborates with families to balance new ideas with the demands of real life to provide supports feel like natural and achievable additions to existing routines.
Sensory Supporting
Regulation is not something that has to happen first before kids can come to therapy – it is a normal ongoing need that is always changing. That is okay and expected! We adapt to meet those needs and fit them into the natural rhythm of our session.
It’s okay for kids to show up as their authentic and messy selves, even if that means they come to a session dysregulated. Kendra has both practical experience and formal training working to meet sensory and regulation needs, and sees this as a core part of the speech therapy process.
Advanced Training and Certifications
Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) trained
AAC for Gestalt Language Learners trained
More Than Words Hanen certified
Member of Therapist Neurodiversity Collective
Getting Started
It’s easy to get started! We come to you for convenient in-home speech therapy. Get services started in 3 simple steps:
Step One
Contact us to schedule a phone consultation and intake.
Step Two
We will schedule your in-home evaluation to do a thorough and strengths-based evaluation of your child’s speech and language needs.
Step Three
We will work collaboratively to create goals and a treatment plan to support your child in a way that works for you.
Insurance & Billing
We operate as an out of network provider, meaning we do not bill insurance directly.
We can provide you with a “Superbill” to provide to your insurance for reimbursement or to count toward your plan’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum if applicable. This is your responsibility to confirm your insurance out of network coverage.
We also accept HSA/FSA.
Please reach out if you would like support navigating the Superbill/out of network process and we can help! You can also contact your insurance provider and ask about their reimbursement process / options for using out of network providers when in network providers are not available.
