Neurodiversity Affirming Speech Therapy (Terapia del Habla Bilingüe) & IEP Advocacy/Support in Belvidere & Northern Illinois
Welcome to Songbird Speech & Family Services, PLLC!
As a niche, neurodiversity affirming speech therapy & family services practice, we honor, respect and most importantly appreciate different ways of being, thinking, and communicating. We are proud to offer a child-led, interest based alternative to the harmful behavioral methods that are too often recommended to autistic and neurodivergent individuals with speech, language, and social differences.
Ofrecemos terapia bilingüe para niños de 2 a 5 años y consultas bilingues también!
We provide convenient and accessible services both virtually and in home. Let us come to you and help jump start your child’s communication in truly meaningful moments today!
At Songbird Speech,
We don’t just “work” with your child, we celebrate them!
We’ve fully stepped away from traditional, harmful speech therapy. We don’t withhold favorite toys. We don’t force eye contact. We don’t use rewards, or have children earn their comfort items. We don’t drill robotic language like “I want ___” repeatedly. Nope.
We DO support natural language development by meeting your child exactly where they’re at. We DO encourage special interests and include them in our sessions because we know we see the best language during activities your child loves! We DO honor and expand on all communication with a special focus on teaching self advocacy through all communication modalities.
Sound like everything you’ve been searching for for your child? You’re in the right place! Want some help getting other members on your child’s care team on board with affirming support? We help with that too, through our IEP advocacy and review consultation services!
It’s just different with us. Let us show you why!
Our Mission
Songbird is a neurodiversity affirming, trauma informed communication therapy and family services practice which strives to honor and appreciate differences. We are proud to offer a relationship based, client-led approach to communication therapy, instead of the harmful behaviorist or compliance based focus that is often recommended to neurodivergent and autistic individuals.
We also understand that the science is clear - ANYONE can be bilingual/multilingual! Bilingualism is not harmful for children with language delays. Bilingualism is an asset, NOT a detriment! We believe in supporting all of the beautiful languages in your child and family’s life.
We feel strongly that parents/caregivers are the experts on their children and know their needs best. We partner with our families and provide coaching and feedback to ensure you feel confident supporting your child’s development!
Our Specialties
We offer highly specialized support in:
-Gestalt Language Processing (GLP)/Echolalia
-Bilingual (English/Spanish) Early Childhood Aged (2-5 years old) Speech and Language Therapy - Terapia del habla bilingue para los niños de 2- 5 años en ingles y español!
-Neurodiversity Affirming, Child Led Speech Therapy for Autistic and Neurodivergent Children
- Receptive and Expressive Language
-Affirming Social Communication Therapy for Autistic and Neurodivergent Preteens/Teens and Adults
-AAC - Alternative & Augmentative Communication
-Neurodiversity Affirming IEP Advocacy & Consultation Support
Why Choose Us
Songbird Speech is made up of a mother-daughter duo with a combined over 23 years of special education experience!
We are specialists in our niche areas, but if we aren’t a best fit for you - we can guide you in the right direction. Our goal is for you and your family to get the support you need and deserve.
Ditch the feeling of overwhelm and uncertainty knowing your child’s growth and individuality will be fully supported with us, right from the start.
What We Do - Lo Que Hacemos
Speech & Language Therapy, In Home or Virtual - Terapia del Habla En Casa o Virtual
Speech and language therapy for children, teens and young adults. Ofrecemos terapia del habla bilingüe para niños de 2 a 5 años!
Parent/Professional Consultations & IEP Advocacy and Review - Consultas Para Padres y Profesionales, Apoyo con IEPs
We offer affordable phone or virtual consultations for parents, caregivers, and professionals needing more individualized support. Our IEP advocacy services provide compassionate guidance through review and affirming recommendations so your child can be supported correctly and as their most authentic self!
Professional Development & Trainings
Are you a school administrator, educator or school based SLP looking to understand more about gestalt language processing, child led therapy, and neurodiversity affirming practices? Are you a community partner looking to host an affirming training for parents/caregivers? We’d love to help!! Book a training with us!
Meet Your Therapist - Conoce a la terapeuta
Welcome! I’m Kierstin.
Bienvenidos! Soy Kierstin.
I am a licensed and ASHA certified Bilingual (English/Spanish) Speech Language Pathologist and Meaningful Speech team member who is passionate about supporting communication development through authentic relationship building and connection, affirming natural ways of being, and partnering with parents in thoughtful collaboration.
Soy una terapeuta del habla y lenguaje bilingüe (inglés/español) certificado por ASHA y miembro del equipo de Meaningful Speech que es apasionada de apoyar el desarrollo de la comunicación a través de las relaciones auténticas y la conexión, afirmando formas naturales de ser, y asociándome con los padres en colaboración.
Songbird was born out of a desire for better care, better support, and a mission for every child's "song" to be heard – in any and every communication modality!
Songbird nació del deseo de una mejor atención, un mejor apoyo y la misión de que la "canción" de cada niño sea escuchada, ¡en todas y cada una de las modalidades de comunicación!
What Others Are Saying About Songbird
Lo que dicen otros de Songbird
How it All Works
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Contact us for a free 15-20 minute initial consultation. We will determine if your child may benefit from services with Songbird - Una llamada de 15-20 minutos para decidir si su hijo/a se beneficia de servicios con Songbird.
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If needed, the next step would be an evaluation session to determine your child’s exact strengths and needs. Evaluations can include parent/caregiver interview, language sampling during play based activities, review of educational reports/IEPs, other informal measures, and/or standardized measures if determined necessary. If your child had a recent evaluation within the last 6 months, these results can be referenced instead of a formal evaluation.
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Your SLP will thoroughly review the results of the evaluation and areas of need for your child. Goals will be proposed with your valuable input. Next, first therapy sessions can be scheduled to get started and seeing results right away!
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Start seeing the incredible results and progress that child led, truly affirming speech and language therapy provides!! Get ongoing support for any questions you may have and tips on how to further support growth at home.
Insurance & Billing
Songbird Speech provides services on a private pay basis. SuperBills may be provided upon request for potential partial or full reimbursement with insurance.
Now accepting new clients for speech therapy & IEP advocacy support in the greater Rockford IL area!
Aceptando clientes nuevos en Belvidere/Rockford IL y los alrededores!