Neurodiversity-affirming speech-language therapy.

Expert speech-language therapy and parent coaching in San Diego

Parents are the experts in their children. When you have concerns about your child’s development, you, as the parent or caregiver, are most equipped to help your child’s skills improve. North Star’s research-based speech therapy model utilizes parent coaching as a foundation for treatment. Parents who learn how to support their child’s communication skills report reduced stress levels, while their children make faster progress than with traditional speech therapy alone. North Star’s expert pediatric speech-language therapists actively involves parents and caregivers in online or in-clinic speech therapy sessions, giving you the tools to confidently support your child’s development.

 North Star is thrilled to offer free AAC devices through a grant funded by the California Department of Rehabilitation. Learn more about the Voice Options free AAC program.

Contact us to schedule an AAC demonstration to receive a free iPad with a speech-generating app, ideal for nonspeaking or nonverbal children including autistic children and those with childhood apraxia of speech.

“Dr. Katherine hasn't only enhanced and changed our son's life, she has done so for both my husband and I. We finally have a clear path of where we're going and the light is shining so bright for our son's future. We will do anything to ensure our son has a normal life and to know Katherine shares that mission is everything to us. Thank you will never be enough to truly express our gratitude, but we will be sure to say it after each session until it does.”

Toddler boy sits on speech-language pathologist's lap; boy and speech therapist look at book. The speech therapist talks and points to the book as the child looks at the book. In the background, a father sits with a one-year-old girl on his lap.

— K.A., parent

Help your child communicate.

A female speech-language therapist wears a light pink shirt, sits on the ground, holds a small pink ball, smiles, and leans toward a one-year-old girl. The young girl, wearing a pink shirt, looks at the ball and holds another small ball.

Speech therapists, or speech-language pathologists (SLPs), are experts in communication. Speech-language therapy (also called speech therapy) helps children who have difficulty communicating, including saying sounds correctly and speaking in words or sentences. Speech therapy can help treat communication difficulties caused by autism in toddlers and children, teach words to children who aren’t talking help children say sounds more clearly, improve your ability to understand your child, and decrease tantrums caused by frustration. Speech-language therapy should be individualized to your child’s needs and family’s goals and should always be based on researched-based techniques. Most SLPs have a master’s degree, but North Star’s founder, Dr. Katherine, holds the highest degree available in the field, a doctorate in speech-language pathology. North Star’s therapists are pediatric experts. She will work with your family and guide you to improve your child’s skills during speech therapy.

 
An example of speech-language therapy for early intervention which includes parent coaching. Dr. Katherine, a pediatric speech-language pathologist (SLP) sits on the floor in the center of the photo. Dr. Katherine holds a yellow bubble wand, laughs,…

The best speech therapy for your child.

North Star’s speech-language therapists are experts in pediatric speech and language therapy with extensive experience in autism, early intervention, speech production, childhood apraxia of speech (known as “CAS” or “apraxia”), augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and nonspeaking individuals (also called “nonverbal”). Our therapists understand and apply clinical research, ensuring that your child receives the highest-quality speech therapy available. North Star challenges the traditional model by providing care that is truly family-centered. Parents and caregivers are included in every step of the process, including participating in each speech therapy session. Visit us in our office in Point Loma! Online speech and language therapy is available only in California.

 

Early intervention helps children under three years old improve their communication skills. Children under three may qualify for free speech-language therapy at North Star through the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC).

North Star’s speech therapists have expertise in augmentative-alternative communication (AAC) device selection, programming, and implementation. AAC helps verbal and nonspeaking (or nonverbal) children reduce frustration and improve communication.

North Star specializes in working with autistic toddlers, children, teens, and young adults. North Star works with parents to improve your child’s communication skills to support children with tantrums, echolalia, and nonspeaking children.

An example of speech-language therapy for speech production. Dr. Katherine, a female pediatric speech-language therapist, wears a white blouse and sits on the ground in the right on the picture. Dr. Katherine holds a book, talks, and points to the b…

Children who are difficult to understand might need speech therapy to learn to speak clearly. North Star’s expertise in treating speech sound disorders, such as errors with S, R, L, K, and G, and apraxia, ensures measurable progress.

Pediatric speech-language therapy in Point Loma.

Online pediatric speech-language therapy in California.

Connect with us @northstarslpc on Instagram for speech-language and parenting tips and tricks.