Build Meaningful Connection and Communication
Individually-Tailored, DIRFloortime® play-based communication services for
children and families
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Welcome
Aloha! E Komo Mai.
Come in, join the fun, and feel at home.
Garden Island Speech Therapy is a private neurodiversity-affirming practice that uses the DIRFloortime® model in supporting children and their families on Kauai’s south shore. I am passionate about supporting families to find more ease when communicating in their everyday lives.
My Approach
Family-Centered, Child-Led, Play-Based, Developmentally-informed
My approach incorporates caregivers from the initial evaluation through each individualized play-based session.
I use the evidence-based DIRFloortime® model to evaluate and support:
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autistic individuals
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children with language delays or disorders
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those with speech sound disorders like Childhood Apraxia of Speech, articulation, and phonological disorders.
Using the DIRFloortime® model—focusing on Development, Individual Differences, and Relationships—
I partner with your family to build an in-depth understanding of your child’s unique strengths, needs, and developmental path. Together, we create customized supports and strategies to gradually discover the “just right invitation” to playfully connect with your child during and between our Floortime sessions.
MEET the therapist
Julie Spicer, MS, CCC-SLP, DIR-Advanced
Developmental Communication Therapist + Play Enthusiast
Aloha! I’m Julie, owner of Garden Island Speech Therapy, and DIR® trained speech and language therapist.
It’s my passion to empower the whole family as we discover and individualize tools to support your child’s regulation and engagement, spark joy and social connection, while bolstering communication through child-led play and curious exploration.
I love helping families use the power of their relationships to authentically support their child's development and communication. It is connection that leads the way to meaningful experiences together (both big and small ones), and helps you tune into your child and"let go" during playful sessions that catalyze your child's development.
With experience in DIRFloortime®, parent coaching, child language development, articulation and phonological disorders, executive functioning and social-emotional development, I'm ready to support your family.
Services
DIR® Profile Building
A comprehensive process of creating your child's DIR® Profile using the three key components of DIRFloortime®: the 'D', the 'I' and the 'R', to identify your child's strengths and reach a comprehensive understanding of their developmental differences and vulnerabilities. This process includes a combination of play based observations, caregiver questionnaires, caregiver interviews and standardized and non-standardized assessment are used to gain a comprehensive picture of your family’s needs and build your child's DIR® Profile.
Communication Profile Assessment
A tailored communication assessment suitable for families seeking a more targeted evaluation of specific areas of vulnerability and challenge. This could precede or follow the DIR profile building, depending on the family's needs.
DIRFloortime® Play Sessions
Ongoing sessions using the DIRFloortime® approach, tailored to individual needs identified in the intake process (whether DIR® Profile or Communication Profile).
Caregiver Reflective Consultations
Virtual or in-person consultations focusing on reflective discussions with caregivers and reflective video review of interactions with their child. Offered as a stand-alone service (not requiring initial DIR® Profile or Communication Profile Building).
Autism Sleep Services
Offered as a future service.
Professional Training
Offered as a future service.