Jessica Wait, CCC-SLP

As a neurodivergent Speech-Language Pathologist myself (ADHD), I understand and believe, from lived experience, that it is impossible to make a neurodivergent person “less neurodivergent” or “more neurotypical.” I desire, instead, to support the communication goals of each individual client in order to live rich, fulfilling lives–whatever that means to them. I want to support my clients’ abilities to connect meaningfully with those around them and to self-advocate in all areas of their lives. I also believe in supporting multimodality communication, meaning that as a therapist I affirm and encourage any and all communication–not only those produced using mouth words. 

I fundamentally believe in supporting personal autonomy and intrinsic motivation, and oppose techniques that solicit specified “verbal behaviors” or trained, rote phrases. I view each client as an individual and a whole person–not simply as an individual with communication challenges. I approach therapy from a holistic, trauma-informed perspective and seek to honor the unique lived experience of each client–including areas of strength and areas in which they would benefit from/desire support.

I specialize in working with neurodivergent, culturally diverse, and linguistically diverse populations. I have been privileged to work with clients ages 2 through 18 with a diverse array of diagnoses and communication needs. I have 13 years of experience working in the public schools–4 years as a teacher, 3 years as a speech-language pathology assistant, and 6 years as a speech-language pathologist. I have extensive experience conducting bilingual speech-language evaluations. I am an NLA (Natural Language Acquisition) educated clinician; I am familiar with the differences between analytic and gestalt language processors and the ways in which therapeutic approaches should differ for each. My approach to therapy tends to be, as much as possible, play- and interest-based, because when an individual is engaged in play or a topic of interest, it is then that their brains are primed for engaging, learning, and growing.

In addition to being an SLP, I am also a wife of 17 years and “mama” to a delightful 4-year-old. I love camping, hiking, backpacking, photography, and just being in nature. I love to travel and experience different cultures.

Ages:

Young Adults
Adolescents/Teenagers (14-18)
Preteens/Tweens (11-13)
Children (4 -10)
Toddlers (1 - 3)

Services Offered:

● Receptive and expressive language therapy

● Speech sound (articulation and phonology) production therapy

● Pragmatic language (Upon client request, pragmatic language supports are offered–e.g., self-advocacy, perspective taking, and understanding differences in neurodivergent and neurotypical communication styles)

● Speech and language screenings and evaluations (including bilingual evaluations)

Therapy may be offered in-office, in homes (provided that there are no pets in the home), or via teletherapy.

p. (480) 885.2973
e. Jessica.Wait@neurodiversecounseling.com

Insurance Accept:
Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Optum / United Health Care
ESA Scholarship

Location:
In-person and telehealth

Contact Jessica