services

Our licensed therapists offer a variety of services for children and adolescents. In addition to individual speech/language therapy, play-based psychotherapy, tutoring, and occupational therapy, we also offer social skills groups, camps, and special workshops/classes. Read on to learn more:

Speech and language therapy focuses on the evaluation and treatment of children who have difficulty listening, speaking, reading and/or writing. Our speech language pathologists have experience treating disorders that can effect these areas of communication. Our speech language pathologists are also learning specialists and have extensive experience in working with children with learning differences.
In child therapy, the therapist works to create a non-judgmental atmosphere with clear boundaries in which a child can feel safe to express feelings, identities, and struggles. This environment also facilitates children's development of mastery, coping, and problem-solving skills. Amy uses an eclectic model - drawing on methods and techniques from psychodynamic therapy, child-centered therapy, cognitive/behavioral therapy, and family therapy - adapted to meet the needs of children's presenting problems.

The ability to self-regulate is critical for success in school, in relationships, and in life. Using the principles of DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) coupled with Executive Functioning Training and Sensorimotor Therapy, we will focus on the following skills: impulse control, emotional control, flexible thinking, working memory, self-monitoring, planning and prioritizing, task initiation, and organization. Group will utilize structured activities/teaching, games, and movement to teach skills. Participants will go home with concrete skills to practice throughout the week.

  • Sundays, 10am - 12:30pm
  • October 19, 2025 - November 9, 2025
  • 4-week "intensive" session
  • Ages 7 - 10 years 
  • Limited to six children
  • $1,500 (payment plan available)

 

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Dyslexia is a language-based reading disorder due to a weakness in phonological processing or the way our brain recognizes and interprets sound and sound sequences. Poor phonological awareness skills result in difficulties with word recognition, decoding, and spelling. As a speech-language pathologist that is also certified in Wilson Reading System, Jennifer is in a unique position to support both the underlying language weaknesses present in dyslexia as well as provide a systematic, multi-sensory approach to reading remediation. Jennifer is able to provide a customized treatment plan that will support your child’s reading acquisition. To find out more information or schedule an appointment, please fill out the inquiry form on our contact section.

social groups

Our mission for groups is to build community through play! Our social groups are play-based (following the lead and interests of each child), and are geared towards meeting each child exactly where they are. Our goals include: to build social communication, to learn more about ourselves independently and in a group, to boost confidence, to develop problem solving skills, to learn about physical and emotional regulation, and to enjoy peer interactions. We value play, and creating natural opportunities for children to have fun AND make friends.

Apply for Any Group

 

Lego Group

Drawing on the Lego Serious Play and Lego-based Counseling models, this group will work to build social competence through the use of legos.  We will engage in project-based activities designed to encourage friendship and collaboration, emotion management/regulation, growth mindset, self-esteem, and mindfulness.

  • Fridays from 3:30pm - 4:30pm
  • Ages 6 - 8 years old
  • Maximum of 4 kids per group

 

Board Games Group

Board games are the perfect tool to introduce and teach social/emotional learning! Using classic games as well as new favorites, we will develop self-awareness, management of emotional responses, self-esteem, team work/collaboration, self-control, conflict resolution, making thoughtful decisions, and empathy.  

  • Fridays from 4:45pm - 6:15pm
  • Ages 9+ years old
  • Maximum of 6 kids per group

 

Apply for Any Group

about

Speak, Learn, & Play, LLC was founded in 2013 by Jennifer Volpe, CCC-SLP and Amy Weber, LCSW. Started initially to meet the communication, learning, and social/emotional needs of children and families, Speak, Learn, & Play has quickly grown to offer myriad services including speech/language therapy, tutoring, social skills groups, child psychotherapy/play therapy, occupational therapy, and therapeutic camps. Using a collaborative model and state-of-the-art techniques, we strive to treat the whole child. Please read on to learn more about Speak, Learn, & Play's founders:

Amy Weber

Amy

Amy Weber is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families, both as a clinician and an administrator. Amy has post-graduate certificates in child and adolescent psychotherapy from the William Alanson White Institute and infant-parent psychotherapy from the Jewish Board for Families and Children's Services. She has extensive training in DIR/Floortime, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Executive Functioning, SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), Collaborative Problem Solving, and trauma-focused therapy. She is co-founder of Speak, Learn, and Play. She is the author of a children's book: Gratitude Is Your Super Power. Amy sees children for individual and group therapy. She also offers parent coaching.

Jennifer Volpe

Jennifer

Jennifer Volpe is a New York State licensed speech pathologist with over 15 years of experience and the founder of Manner of Speaking. She holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCCs) from the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is certified as a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD). Jennifer also holds a Certification as a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist through the Center of Effective Reading Research and Dyslexia Practitioner through the Wilson Reading System. Jennifer provides speech and language therapy in all areas, focusing on language-based learning disabilities. Jennifer works with children ages birth to adolescence. Trainings include certification in the Wilson Reading System, PROMPT, Visualizing and Verbalizing, and Basic Writing Skills.

Why Transitions Are So Hard (And What You Can Do to Help)

 By: Amy Weber, LCSW


Let’s talk about transitions.

If you’re parenting a neurodivergent child, you probably already know this word well. And you may say it with the same tone of voice most people reserve for “tax season” or “dental surgery.”

Transitions—whether they’re tiny (turning off the tablet), daily (leaving the house), or major (starting a new school)—can be really tough for neurodivergent kids.

The good news? With a bit of understanding and the right tools, transitions can get smoother—for them and for you.


🧠 Why Transitions Are Especially Tricky for Neurodivergent Kids

First, let’s bust a myth: Your child isn’t being “difficult” on purpose. Their brain might be having a hard time with the shift.

Here’s why transitions are hard:

  • Executive functioning differences make it tough to stop one activity and start another.
  • Anxiety thrives in the unknown—what’s coming next might feel unclear or overwhelming.
  • Sensory sensitivities mean new environments or tasks can feel physically uncomfortable.
  • Need for predictability means change can feel like losing control of their world.
  • Intense focus or hyperfixation (especially with autism or ADHD) makes leaving a beloved task feel like ripping Velcro off the brain.

When we understand what’s happening underneath the behavior, we can move from reacting with frustration to responding with empathy and support.


💡 So What Helps? Concrete Tips for Smoother Transitions

Here are tools and strategies that actually work—with real kids, in real homes (yes, even on mornings where everyone is running late and the dog just ate the breakfast bar).


✅ 1. Preview What’s Coming

Think of this as giving your child’s brain time to warm up to the change.

  • Give countdowns: “In 10 minutes, it’s time to stop playing and get dressed.”
  • Use visuals: timers, schedules, first/then boards.
  • Offer information: “After lunch, we’re going to the grocery store. You can bring your fidget toy.”

🔁 Consistency helps, but so does kindness in your tone. Think coach, not drill sergeant.


✅ 2. Use Predictable Routines

Routines provide structure and reduce the need for constant decisions—which can be exhausting for neurodivergent brains.

  • Create morning or evening routines with steps shown in pictures or simple words.
  • Practice them when things are calm.
  • Keep them posted where your child can see them.

📌 Pro tip: Include your child in creating the routine—it gives them ownership and helps build buy-in.


✅ 3. Give Control Where You Can

When kids feel powerless, they’re more likely to dig in their heels. So offer choices where it’s safe.

  • “Do you want to brush your teeth before or after pajamas?”
  • “We need to leave in 5 minutes. Want to set the timer or should I?”

🤝 This isn’t giving in. It’s giving agency. And that can lower resistance.


✅ 4. Keep It Calm and Low-Verbal During the Transition

When a child is emotionally overloaded, less is more.

  • Use short, supportive phrases: “It’s time. I’m here to help.”
  • Avoid reasoning or arguing in the heat of the moment—save the problem-solving for later.
  • Use movement (walking, jumping, carrying something) to help regulate if needed.

🌊 Be the calm in their storm—not the thunder.


✅ 5. Name and Validate the Feelings

Even if your child can’t say it, big feelings are often bubbling under the surface during transitions.

  • “You were really into that game—it’s hard to stop.”
  • “You’re not ready yet. That makes sense. I’ll help you.”

🧘 When kids feel seen, their nervous system starts to settle. You’re not just managing behavior—you’re building emotional safety.


✅ 6. Celebrate Small Wins

Every smoother transition is worth celebrating.

  • “You turned off the tablet with just one reminder—awesome job.”
  • “You were upset about leaving, but you still walked to the car. That was brave.”

🌟 Celebrate effort, not perfection. You’re reinforcing flexibility and confidence.


❤️ Final Thoughts

Transitions aren’t just about getting from Point A to Point B. They’re moments where kids need emotional support, structure, and time to shift gears.

If your child struggles with transitions, that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong—it means you’re raising a child who experiences the world deeply, and who needs your help to feel safe while moving through it.

You’re not alone. And you’re doing more right than you know.


📥 Bonus Freebie

Want a little help getting started?
Grab the free “Smooth Transitions Toolkit” printable that has all the tips you need.

careers

Come join our team!

We are always looking to work with like-minded professionals. If you are looking to start your own part-time or full-time pediatric private practice, then Speak, Learn and Play is the place for you! Speak, Learn and Play is a collaborative therapy practice where therapists run their own private practices but have the benefit of working alongside other professionals to facilitate a team approach. We have a fully equipped sensory gym ideal for both occupational and physical therapies. Separate treatment rooms are also available for rental. There are ample opportunities for cross-referrals and networking. We offer half-day and full-day rentals, seven days a week. For more information, please email us at speaklearnandplaybrooklyn@gmail.com.

The therapists at Speak Learn and Play are committed to helping prospective and newer members to our various fields of practice. Current and prospective high school, undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to shadow our therapists. We also offer volunteer opportunities at our Summer Camp for those looking to get practical experience in pediatric speech, occupational and play therapy. Please email speaklearnandplaybrooklyn@gmail.com to apply.

contact

540 President St., Ste. 2D, Brooklyn, NY

Speak, Learn, & Play
540 President Street, Ste. 2D
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Tel: (347) 457-5900
Fax: (347) 457-5653

info@speaklearnandplay.com

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