12-29-2023 9:06pm

Building Confidence in Speech One Child at a Time with Farwa, Owner of One-to-One Speech Therapy

Donnella Tilery Editor

One-to-One Speech Therapy practice provides services throughout central New Jersey. Each child's communication skills are addressed holistically by Farwa, the owner.

It is her goal to support their sensory needs, motor preferences, and emotional regulation. The research-based sessions are light and engaging for participants demonstrating her commitment to teaching caregivers new ways to guide their child's communication.

She also works with parents to develop strategies for creating positive behavior change. Farwa provides resources and encourages families to stay informed on the latest developments in research and treatments. Farwa believes that parents should be empowered to make decisions that are best for their children.

Learn more about her work and what she offers to families in Somerset County in the following interview.

Raritan Neighbors NJ: Tell us a bit about your business - what do you do?

Farwa: One-on-One Speech Therapy is a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric speech therapy practice that specializes in gestalt language processing and working with autistic and neurodivergent children. I take a play-based sensory-driven approach to create a fun positive environment to support a child’s language and learning.

Raritan Neighbors NJ: Exactly what is Gestalt Language Processors?

Farwa: There are two ways children learn language. We have been traditionally taught that we learn first words and then build on them to communicate in full sentences. That is called analytic language processing. Gestalt language processing (GLP) is another natural way that individuals can also learn language. Gestalt language processors learn the soundtrack of their environment first and unbundle it to build words. This means that they pick up on songs, TV shows, and phrases and use them meaningfully to communicate. For example, a child may sing the Frozen movie song “Let It Go” to share that it is cold before they can tell you their wants and needs. Many gestalt language processors repeat what we say. This is called echolalia, and it is a way to process information. It is meaningful and natural! Anyone can be a gestalt processor!

Raritan Neighbors NJ: Can you tell me how you realized this was a need for families?

Farwa: I realized that there was a need for families to be supported in a positive environment that embraces each child’s unique abilities when my children needed services and I was on the opposite side of the waiting room. When I started my private practice there were very few clinicians embracing neurodiversity-affirming practices and even fewer that knew about gestalt language processing. I made it my mission to teach families, speech-language pathologists, schools as well as other practitioners about GLP so that we remove the stigma that echolalia is a disordered way to communicate.

Raritan Neighbors NJ: Do you have a favorite part of your job that you enjoy doing every day?

Farwa: I get to play all day and see meaningful gains in the children and their families. My families feel like they have a friend that cares about them. They feel supported and empowered to fearlessly advocate for their child. It doesn’t get better than that!

Raritan Neighbors NJ: In your work, how do you assist families in overcoming obstacles?

Family is the heart of my practice and I know firsthand how difficult and lonely parenting can be. My families receive the best evidence-based practices and are a partner in their child’s plan of care. They have early access to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), which gives them better and faster speech and language support. They also receive mentorship and education in every session so they are empowered and confident to model at home and advocate in the schools.

Raritan Neighbors NJ: Why do you think some people misunderstand what you do?

The biggest misunderstanding is that echolalia is not meaningful and that our autistic children are broken. Our children are wonderful, and amazing and given the right language, and sensory and body support can truly thrive and exceed our expectations.

Raritan Neighbors NJ: What are you planning for 2024?

I am most excited about our summer Connect and Play program. It is an intensive therapeutic program for autistic and neurodivergent children ages 4-10 to immerse themselves in a positive environment to create meaningful change. Children receive Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy support while being enriched with yoga, music, drumming circle, and art. We are not only supporting the child but also their family and have Family Farm Days to create meaningful experiences that create new brain pathways! It is one of my favorite things because the enrichment and support that the families experience are monumental!

Raritan Neighbors NJ: How can people reach out to you to find out more information?

They can follow me on Instagram @one.on.one.speechtherapy or my website (www.oneononespeechtherapy.com). Parent Coaching is also available for families interested.

Raritan Neighbors NJ: What else would you like people to know about what you do or your business?

Farwa: One-on-One Speech Therapy is a pioneer in providing the best support for gestalt language processors to help them unbundle their language and have our children confidently communicate. I provide one-on-one mentorship to speech pathologists and parent coaching worldwide and am passionate about creating a positive neurodiversity-affirming environment for our children.

Raritan Neighbors NJ:What do you enjoy about living or working in Somerset County?

Somerset County has the most amazing and supportive businesses. They are creating such a wonderful inclusive space for our families. It has been such a pleasure being here.