What Speech Therapy Can Really Do for Your Neurodivergent Child

Parent Tips| Social Skills| Therapeutic Approaches| Expert Advice

June 13, 2025•2 min read

When most people hear “speech therapy,” they think of kids who can’t pronounce their R’s or aren’t talking yet. There’s a lot more to it, especially for neurodivergent kids.

Speech therapy (more accurately called speech-language therapy) can help with so much more than just how words sound. It supports communication in all its forms-verbal, nonverbal, social, and even alternative methods like visuals or communication devices.

What Does Speech Therapy Include?

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with kids on a wide range of skills, including:

Expressive language: What your child says and how they say it
Receptive language: What your child understands when others speak
Social communication: Turn-taking, conversation flow, and reading social cues
Articulation and fluency: Speaking clearly and smoothly
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication): Tools like picture boards, visuals, or devices that support communication

Even if your child is already verbal, they may still benefit from support in one or more of these areas.

Why It Matters for Neurodivergent Kids

Kids with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent profiles often process language differently. That might show up as:

Difficulty following multi-step directions
Trouble knowing when or how to join a conversation
Getting stuck on certain topics
Sensory overload that makes it hard to stay present

Speech therapy doesn’t aim to change who your child is. It helps them communicate in a way that feels natural and effective for them. The goal isn’t “fixing speech,” it’s building connection.

Signs Your Child Might Benefit from Speech Therapy

Here are some signs speech therapy might help your child:

Frustration when trying to express themselves
Struggles to answer questions or understand what’s being asked
Delays in hitting language milestones
Difficulty joining peer play or conversations

Supporting Communication at Home

Even if you’re not ready to start therapy, there are things you can do at home to support your child’s communication:

Model language in a low-pressure way. Talk to and around your child even if they’re not responding.
Use visuals like first-then charts or picture schedules to support understanding.
Pause and wait. Neurodivergent kids often need extra time to process.
Celebrate the effort, not just the words.

Getting Clarity

If you’re unsure whether your child would benefit from speech therapy, an evaluation can help. You don’t need to wait for a diagnosis or crisis point. A speech therapist can offer insights, even if therapy isn’t ultimately needed.

Listen to episode 109 of the Every Brain is Different podcast for more strategies to help your neurodivergent child communicate.

neurodivergent communication support speech-language therapy ADHD

Samantha Foote

Samantha’s mission is to strengthen, guide, and empower parents, children, and adults to develop emotional awareness, improve social skills, and gain effective coping skills resulting in improved peer relationships, increased family harmony, and a calmer & more relaxed demeanor. She is a board-certified music therapist, a Positive Discipline Parent Educator, and a registered Music Together teacher. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University and completed her Masters of Music with a specialization in Music Therapy degree from Colorado State University. She is a Neurological Music Therapy Fellow and a Dialectical Behavior Therapy-informed Music Therapist. When she is not working, Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and extended family. They enjoy fishing, camping, and other outdoor adventures.

Back to Blog