Hi, I'm Dan. I am a neurodivergent speech-language pathologist (SLP), a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. I work with individuals of all ages to improve their ability to communicate effectively. I address a wide range of issues that impact adults, including expressive language, cognitive-communication impairments, social communication, voice, and fluency.
My role is to assess, develop a treatment plan, facilitate treatment, and provide counseling and education. I evaluate an individual's baseline communication and swallowing abilities to identify specific needs and challenges. Based on that assessment, I develop an individual treatment plan to address your specific goals. Then we use learned therapy techniques to improve speech, language, and swallowing skills. All clients will receive support and guidance on managing communication and swallowing difficulties.
There are several areas that speech language pathologists can help adults. Our sessions can help with issues with producing specific sounds or sound combinations (articulation disorders) and executive function (planning and organizing) for our neurodivergent folks. We can address difficulties in understanding or using language effectively for functional communication needs, including receptive and expressive language skills. I can assist you with challenges around understanding and navigating social rules of communication (taking turns, using appropriate language in different situations). Treatment can address concerns with voice quality, pitch, loudness, or resonance and difficulties with the flow of speech (stuttering). Our sessions can also address issues with swallowing and properly coordinating your facial muscles efficiently (dysphagia) and the sensory challenges that may be related.
I specialize in neurodivergent-affirming communication skills and gender-affirming voice and communications skills. Neurodivergent-affirming communication skills are about recognizing and respecting the diverse ways people communicate, especially for those that are neurodivergent. It focuses on empowering individuals to express themselves authentically, rather than forcing them to conform to neurotypical expectations. This approach emphasizes clear communication, flexible interactions, and understanding individual preferences.
I also specialize in gender-affirming communications skills that focus on modifying voice characteristics like pitch, resonance, and intonation to align with a person's gender identity. I teach techniques for achieving desired voice qualities or even exploring surgical options like voice feminization or masculinization surgery. The gial is to enhance vocal health and empower individuals to express themselves authentically and confidently. This includes aligning the voice with gender identity, adapting body language including facial expressions and others cues that may be part of gender-affirming communication. I use inclusive language and respect client's name (their preference, not what is on their insurance care or other documents) and use their desired pronouns. My goal is to provide care that supports your journey to your authentic self.
I have a master's degree in speech-language pathology from the University of South Carolina. I completed a clinical fellowship under the supervision of a certified SLP at NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. I passed the national certification exam administered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHS) and have licensure in the state of New York.
