About The Speech Playroom
In the Speech Playroom, we use play, the work of children, to bring out their communication in the context of acceptance and fun. We build on the strengths of our clients, joining them in the behaviors they NEED to have, until the behaviors are no longer needed.
All therapists are PROMPT trained, using a variety of techniques to access speech and language targets in the context of loving acceptance in child-led play (Son-Rise programs), speech sound training (PROMPT and HODSON’s Auditory Bombardment/Cycles Approach) , and activities to support and regulate the body’s neurological systems (HANDLE and Reflex Integration Therapy). We specialize in severe motor speech disorders, such as childhood apraxia of speech, phonological pattern distortions, and imprecise articulation due to limited tone, strength and range of motion of the oral facial muscles. We also treat children in the autistic spectrum and with attention deficit disorders.
As a Certified HANDLE Screener and Practitioner Intern, Bethe also treats clients with difficulties in learning, task performance, or social interaction as a result of neurodevelopmental irregularities which interfere with processing information from their environment.
We believe that parents and care-givers are the TRUE speech and language therapists. We partner with them to equip them with the tools their child responds to, to continue the work at home. Therapy rooms are video monitored so that parents and care-givers can observe the sessions, learn our techniques and share with us their knowledge of their child.
Specialties: apraxia and other neuro-motor speech problems, autism, attention problems with sensory processing disorders.
The Speech Playroom serves private clients as well as The NYC Dept of Education CPSE and CSE students and Bethe is an Early Intervention provider.
About Bethe Halligan M.S.CCC
Bethe Halligan is a Speech-Language Pathologist who has worked for over 20 years with adults and children with speech and language disorders. She began her career at NYU medical Center’s Rusk Institute of Rehabilitative Medicine, where she worked collaboratively with the full therapeutic team of Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists to provide the best therapy for the adults and children in their care. Bethe has since focused her work on children with moderate to severe communication difficulties, including diagnoses of autism, childhood apraxia and oral hypotonia, and attention deficits.
Bethe has continued her education, to meet the needs of her clients. She has incorporated Hodson’s technique of Auditory Bombardment with mild amplification, and the Cycles approach, for Phonological Processing disorders and PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) to address speech errors. The Son-Rise Program principles have been the basis for child-led intervention for all the children, using energetic celebration of the child’s efforts and successes and non-intrusive Joining* when a child is exclusive.
In her commitment to treating the Whole Child, Bethe, a certified HANDLE Screener, is completing the process of becoming a HANDLE Practitioner (Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency), and is studying Reflex Integration intervention.
Bethe feels she has the best job in the world, because she gets to play all day with very special kids and their families, sharing her skills and opening their world of communication.
