By Ann Helmus, Ph.D.
Founder & Director, NESCA
For many students, summer is a much-needed break from the pressures of the long school year. But it’s also a unique opportunity to make powerful strides in speech and language development—far more than is often possible with weekly sessions during the academic year.
At NESCA, we offer intensive summer therapy that targets both verbal communication (such as listening comprehension, expressive language, and social communication) and written expression, an area where many students struggle.
Here’s why summer intensives can be especially effective:
- More Frequent Sessions = Greater Momentum
When sessions are scheduled every other day (rather than once a week), skills are reinforced more consistently. Students retain strategies better, build habits faster, and make visible progress over a shorter period of time. - Longer Sessions Allow for Deeper Work
Without the time constraints of school-day schedules, therapy sessions can go beyond the traditional one-hour format. This gives students and therapists time to dig into more complex language tasks, problem-solve in real time, and practice generalizing skills across different contexts. - Less Time Lost Re-Orienting
With weekly sessions, valuable time is often spent reviewing what was last covered. Frequent summer sessions minimize this start-up time and allow therapy to pick up right where it left off—keeping the focus on forward movement. - Fewer Distractions, Better Focus
The relaxed pace of summer means students are often more receptive to learning. Without competing demands like homework, tests, and extracurriculars, they can be more focused and emotionally available for therapeutic work. - Support for Written Expression with Proven Methods
Our speech-language pathologist is trained in the EmPOWER method, a structured approach to teaching written expression. EmPOWER helps students organize their thoughts, clarify their ideas, and express themselves in writing with greater clarity and confidence—skills that are essential for success in school and beyond. - A Stronger Start to the School Year
Students who make gains in the summer enter the fall with more confidence, stronger foundational skills, and better self-awareness as communicators and learners.
If your child struggles with speaking, listening, or writing, summer can be the perfect time to make meaningful gains that will carry over into the school year. Intensive speech and language therapy can provide just the boost they need.
To explore next steps with NESCA’s Speech and Language Pathologists, fill out our Inquiry/Intake Form or visit our Speech and Language Evaluation and Therapy page. Our team will be in touch with you shortly to provide more information or set up a schedule of sessions that work with your family’s summer plans.
About the Author
NESCA Founder and Director Ann Helmus, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical neuropsychologist who has been
practicing neuropsychology for 35 years and has been director of NESCA’s Neuropsychology practice for nearly three decades, continuously training and mentoring neuropsychologists to meet the highest professional standards.
To book a neuropsychological evaluation at NESCA, complete NESCA’s online intake form.
NESCA is a pediatric neuropsychology practice and integrative treatment center with offices in Newton, Plainville, and Hingham, Massachusetts; Londonderry, New Hampshire; the greater Burlington, Vermont region; and Brooklyn, New York (coaching services only) serving clients from infancy through young adulthood and their families. For more information, please email info@nesca-newton.com or call 617-658-9800.
