What is Speech and Language Therapy?

Speech-language pathologists are focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of speech, language, and communication challenges. They work with clients of any age to help them communicate, whether that be through speech or by using assisted communication devices.

What kind of training do Speech-Language Pathologists have?

To become a Speech-Language Pathologist, a person must complete extensive education at the Master’s level at an accredited university and maintain their certification by engaging in on-going professional training and mentoring. Speech-language pathologists can specialize in certain aspects of communication.

What can my child expect to do in a Speech and Language therapy session?

To determine the appropriate course of therapy, our speech-language pathologists closely consider a child’s needs, abilities, and goals. Therapy sessions may look like quiet play at a table, shared book reading, active play in the sensory gym, and/or collaboration or co-treatment with an occupational therapist.

Help us bring Therapy that fits® to more children! Learn how you can support DFX here

Consultation

DFX offers specialized consultation services through our Consultation that Fits program. Our aim is to expand access to high-quality services and resources for multidisciplinary expert-driven consultative care, especially in locations where services may be difficult to find.

Through consultation, we support family members, caretakers, educators, therapists, and others in the client ecosystem in building capacity for long-term success. Our goal is to empower individuals to thrive within their current environments by offering education, personalized strategies, and connection to relevant social and community supports.

This program has grown out of many years of experience in consulting with families, schools, and other organizations.

DFX's co-founders Tracy Stackhouse, MA, OTR/L, and Mouse Scharfenaker, MA, SLP, established DFX as a resource to support those living with Fragile X Syndrome and became recognized for their holistic, comprehensive approach to care, Therapy that fits®, which involves expanding understanding of a client's unique needs and building capacity of caregivers across their ecosystem.

Learn About DFX's Fragile X Work

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Request Consultation Intake Call

Questions? Email us at consultation@developmentalfx.org

Caregiver & Family Consultation

DFX consultants offer individualized virtual consultation with caregivers and/or the individual to support education and strategy implementation across home, school, work, and community environments. Services are trauma-informed, client-centered, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each person. We specialize in supporting individuals with Fragile X syndrome, autism, dyspraxia, and other developmental or neurological differences.

Areas of focus may include: regulation, gestalt language processing, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), pragmatic (social) language, transitions, executive functioning, sensory integrative processing, movement, and anxiety.

Therapist, Educator, Provider, and Organization Consultation

DFX provides specialized consultation for therapists, educators, providers, and organizations to promote meaningful support and inclusion across environments. This often stems from supporting individual clients via our approach. Through collaborative problem-solving, we work together to identify effective strategies, connect you with relevant community resources, and enhance continuity of care, build capacity for equitable access, engaged belonging, and meaningful participation.

Consultation Areas include:

Regulatory capacity, gestalt language processing, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), pragmatic (social) language, transitions, executive functioning, sensory integrative processing, movement, and anxiety
Fragile X Syndrome
Total Communication Approaches – supporting speech, AAC, gestures, echolalia, and all communication forms.
Supporting Gestalt Language Processors – what GLP is, how to respond, and building connection through language
Connection Before Correction – strategies for co-regulation, play, and relationship-based interaction
Sensory integration-informed supports for daily living at home and in the community
Supporting Self-Advocacy – helping children share needs with peers and adults
Executive Function Supports at Home – visual schedules, low-tech supports, and routine building
Toilet Learning, Sleep, and Eating Challenges – affirming strategies that reduce stress without shame
Supporting the creation of sensory spaces and regulation-friendly environments
Creating social stories or visual guides that explain what to expect in different situations in the community, such as healthcare visits or trips to the park

Consultation focuses on supporting the broader team around the client—such as caregivers, educators, therapists, or organizational staff. Our goal is to share expertise, build capacity, problem-solve collaboratively, and provide education, strategies, or environmental modifications that empower others to better support the client within their natural environments. Consultation does not involve direct intervention with the client but rather equips the support team with tools for long-term success.
Yes! While each state and country have their own laws and regulations related to consultation, we will explore the regulations that apply in your area and develop a plan of service that is appropriate.
If the model is not a good fit for you due to regulations in your area or a better fit of care elsewhere, we can provide you with potential local resources.
At DFX we have a multidisciplinary team consisting of occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, feeding therapists, psychologists, and a Fragile X syndrome expert. You will be paired with a consultant who is best suited to address your specific concerns, and we may involve others on the DFX team to collaborate.
Both types of consultations are a high-level, virtual consultation that provide advanced guidance informed by extensive knowledge, experience, and clinical reasoning. The specialized consultation is with DFX providers recognized internationally for their significant contributions, leadership, and deep understanding within a specific field.