What if your child’s voice is there—but just needs the right bridge to bring it into the world?

In this episode, I sit down with Elissa R. Mandel, a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD speech-language pathologist and autism clinical specialist who founded Speech Works by Elissa. Her mission? To empower parents of non-speaking and speech-delayed children with tools and strategies to help their kids talk, communicate, and truly thrive.

Elissa’s unique perspective as both a neurodivergent professional and a compassionate guide allows her to connect deeply with the children and families she serves. She’s also an expert cast member on the upcoming TV series Legacy Makers, where her work continues to inspire and educate on a bigger stage.

We explore:
🗣️ Why late diagnosis shaped her approach to communication therapy
🗣️ Common misconceptions about non-speaking children
🗣️ How parents can create a supportive communication environment at home
🗣️ The role of patience, creativity, and connection in speech development
🗣️ Why every child’s communication journey is unique—and worth celebrating

If you’re a parent, educator, or simply someone who believes in the power of every voice, this conversation will give you both hope and actionable tools to support the children in your life.

CONNECT WITH ELISSA R. MANDEL
🌐 Websites: speechworksbyelissa.com | speechworksbyelissa.org
📺 YouTube: Speech Works by Elissa | The Neurodivergent Marketer
📸 Instagram: @speechworksbyelissa | @itselissarenee

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