Early Intervention Developmental Specialist: Empowering Families and Children
Unlock Your Child's Potential with Expert Guidance
If you're concerned about your child’s speech development, behavior, or social interactions, a developmental consultation can provide the insights and guidance you need to help your child thrive.
As an early intervention specialist and developmental professional, I, Gabriele Nicolet, am dedicated to helping families navigate the challenges of early childhood development. With years of experience working with infants, toddlers, and young children, I offer specialized services to support your child's growth and your family's well-being.
I understand the unique challenges and worries that come with parenting a toddler, preschooler and beyond. My consultations are designed to give you a clear picture of your child's developmental status and provide a roadmap for the next steps in their journey.
Who Needs Early Intervention Services?
If you're a parent of an infant or toddler experiencing any of the following, my early intervention specialist services may be right for you:
Communication Concerns: Is your child using fewer words compared to peers?
Behavioral Challenges: Are you dealing with frequent meltdowns or difficult behavior?
Social Interaction Issues: Does your child show shyness or prefer adults over children?
Sleep Difficulties: Is bedtime a constant struggle?
Picky Eating: Are mealtimes stressful due to food selectivity?
Inconsistent Skill Demonstration: Does your child show inconsistencies in their abilities?
Developmental Concerns: Are you worried about autism or future communication abilities?
My Child is Using Fewer Words Compared to Other Children
If your child is using fewer words than their peers or siblings at the same age, it may be a sign of a speech or language delay. For example, if your 2-year-old is only using single words while other children their age are combining words into short phrases, it's essential to have more information about why.
Early intervention with speech therapy games for toddlers and targeted language intervention approaches can help close the gap and improve your child's communication skills. But first we need to answer the question: “Does my child need speech therapy?” or something else? A developmental consultation is great for that.
Frequent Meltdowns or Difficult Behavior
Toddlers and preschoolers who struggle with communication may have frequent meltdowns or challenging behavior. Examples include:
Screaming when they don't get what they want
Being unable to tolerate visitors in the house
Melting down on the floor of Target or the grocery store
Having trouble leaving places or transitioning between activities
These frustration behaviors might stem from an inability to express their needs and wants effectively. Or, it might come from difficulty regulating their body and brain. A developmental consultation is a great first step to figuring out why challenging behaviors are happening.
Shyness or Preference for Talking to Adults Over Children
Some children with developmental delays may show a preference for interacting with adults rather than peers. Examples include:
Not wanting to play with other children
Staying on the periphery of a group of kids
Not staying long at any one activity or toy
Always needing your attention
A Developmental Consultation can help you determine what steps you should take next. We want your child to build the confidence and social communication skills necessary to engage with peers and develop friendships.
Difficulty Sleeping and Its Connection
to Child Development
Sleep problems can be common among developmental delays. Examples include:
Refusing to go to bed or stay in bed
Only wanting one parent to put them to bed
Demanding numerous books or another glass of water
Coming into the parent's bed during the night
Crying for a specific parent
Repeatedly leaving their room
A developmental consultation can help determine what’s at the root of their sleep issues. I can provide strategies and referrals to improve bedtime routines and promote better sleep, which can positively impact your child's overall development.
Picky Eating
Picky eating can sometimes be associated with speech and language delays, developmental delays, and other conditions. Examples include:
Eating the same foods repeatedly
Only eating a specific food for a period, then refusing it
Insisting on a particular brand of chicken nuggets
Refusing to eat vegetables or fruits
Having major meltdowns if different foods touch on the plate
A developmental consultation can help identify if there's a link between your child's picky eating and their communication skills. I can work with you to develop strategies to expand your child's food choices and reduce mealtime stress.
Inconsistent Demonstration of Skills
Toddlers and preschoolers with developmental delays and disorders may show inconsistencies in their abilities.
Examples include:
Sometimes being able to play independently, while at other times struggling to do so
Losing skills they once had
Using words effectively in some situations, but not in others
These inconsistencies can be puzzling and concerning for parents. A developmental consultation can help identify the reasons behind these inconsistencies and provide targeted interventions to support your child's development.
Concerns About Autism or Future Communication Abilities
As a parent, it's natural to worry about your child's future, especially if you suspect they are autistic or will always have significant communication challenges. Common concerns include:
Whether they will graduate high school
If they will be able to attend school
Whether they will have friends
If they will be happy
Whether they will ever live independently
If they will get into trouble with authority figures
A developmental consultation is the first step in addressing these concerns.
By identifying your child's unique strengths and challenges, I can develop a personalized treatment plan to support their communication, social, and academic success. Early intervention with evidence-based therapy approaches can significantly improve your child's long-term outcomes.
If you’ve been up late at night searching for "toddler speech therapy near me" or wondering, "does my son need speech therapy," a developmental consultation might be the answer. As a trained developmental speech therapist, I can recognize all types of communication disorders in children. As a child development specialist, I can give you the guidance and support you need to help your child thrive. Schedule a developmental consultation today and take the first step towards unlocking your child's full potential.
The Emotional Impact of Developmental Delays on Parents
It's common to feel worried, exhausted, inadequate, embarrassed, and unhappy when your child is struggling. I am here to support you and your family throughout the consultation process. I’ll give you the tools, strategies, and reassurance you need to help your child succeed and to feel confident in your parenting abilities. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You're taking a proactive step towards improving your child's life and your family's well-being. With the right support and interventions, your child can make significant progress, leading to happier, more fulfilling experiences for your entire family. You may be feeling:
Worried about your child's development
Exhausted from constant negotiation and crying
Inadequate as a parent due to your child's behavior
Embarrassed or disappointed by your child's actions
Unhappy because your child is unhappy
Embarrassed because your child behaves differently than other kiddos
What You'll Get from a Developmental Consultation
During a one-hour in-person or online observation, I will assess your child's speech, language, motor, play, cognitive, and social skills. Following the evaluation, you'll receive:
A detailed written report detailing your child's developmental status
Practical strategies to implement at home
A clear "word picture" of your child's behavior and needs
Personalized recommendations for the next steps, which may include:
Speech therapy
Occupational therapy for motor issues
Hearing tests
Physical therapy
ENT or dentist referrals for breathing concerns
Play therapy for flexibility and social skills
A developmental consultation can provide the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions about your child's care and help them reach their full potential.
“Thank you for everything this past year. Words cannot express our gratitude. I don’t know what we would have done without you. You gave Z a voice and confidence to share. We are forever grateful.”
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As a certified early intervention professional with a strong background in early childhood special education, I offer:
Comprehensive developmental assessments
Individualized family service plans
Evidence-based intervention strategies
Parent coaching and education
Interdisciplinary collaboration with other specialists
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Research shows that early intervention services can significantly improve outcomes for children with developmental delays or disabilities. As an early intervention specialist, I specialize in:
Birth to three programs
Toddler development
Infant-toddler assessment
Family-centered practices
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With a graduate degree in speech language pathology and extensive experience in the field, I am qualified to provide top-tier early intervention services. My credentials include:
Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology
Coursework in orofacial myology and oral motor treatments
Continuing education in developmental specialties
Expertise in interdisciplinary collaboration
Take the First Step Towards Your Child's Success
Don't wait to address your concerns. Schedule a consultation today and start your child's journey to clearer communication, improved behavior, and happier days.