Instagram story viewer> @joysparkstudio> Posts

Ann Roberts, M.Ed., BCBA,LBA

@joysparkstudio

139

followers

179

following

Language support for early learners. Private pay • CT & NY

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Download All

Your child has the words. But just can't use them yet.

If your 2-5 year old labels everything around them but mostly repeats phrases they've already heard — rather than combining words into something original — you're not imagining a gap, and it's usually not a vocabulary problem.

It's a specific, teachable skill. Flexible language depends on being able to relate ideas to each other, not just recall words. When that skill isn't solid yet, a child can have a great vocabulary and still sound "stuck."

This pattern shows up with autism, and it shows up without it. What matters isn't the diagnosis — it's whether your child has this skill yet.

I'm Ann, a BCBA and certified special education teacher working with families across CT & NY. If this sounds like your child, send a DM — I'd love to talk it through with you, no pressure.

💬 Free discovery call

#EarlyIntervention #SpeechDelay #ToddlerLanguage #BCBA #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #LanguageDevelopment #AutismSupport #CTparents #NYparents #generativelanguage by @joysparkstudio

8

0

a month ago

If your child can label a picture, but goes quiet when you ask about their actual day, you’re not imagining the gap. It’s real, and in my experience, it’s teachable. I put together a short, free checklist for exactly this pattern- #joysparkstudio #derivedrelationalresponding #autismparent link in bio if it sounds familiar. by @joysparkstudio

9

1

3 months ago

If you swore you wouldn’t yell today- and then your kid refused to put on his pants, this one is for you. Yelling isn’t who you are- it’s a pattern you’ve been stuck in. And patterns can change. A new group is forming in June for parents who want to Yell Less. Link in bio to get on the waitlist for the June Yell Less Project. by @joysparkstudio

7

0

5 months ago

I see you.
Long before I was a developmental therapist, I was a young mom hearing that my child had a scary diagnosis. Nothing in my life had prepared me for the fear, the grief, the overwhelm, and the isolation.
Now, 20-something years later, my work is to hold space for those going through their child’s diagnosis now. I want to show you that you actually do have everything you need within yourself to help your child. You have your limitless love and your intuition. And that’s all you really need. by @joysparkstudio

6

0

5 months ago

Life is beautiful. by @joysparkstudio

5

0

5 months ago

Anxious, worried, and overwhelmed by your child’s autism diagnosis? That’s understandable. This will help. by @joysparkstudio

11

2

5 months ago

If you are concerned about your child’s development- or just curious- my developmental assessment offers a gentle, play-based look at how your child learns, communicates, and connects.

Best for toddlers 1-4 years old.

Sound like a match? Let’s connect. DM me to schedule a free 15-min discovery call.

Private pay only.
Inquire about in-person or remote assessments. by @joysparkstudio

6

0

5 months ago

Being an effective parent isn’t just about what you do.
It’s about how you show up.
If you are doing alllll of the things, but it still feels really hard- you might need to develop your leadership skills.
Follow me to find out how parent coaching can help. by @joysparkstudio

4

0

5 months ago

If you want to change the world- or even just your tiny part of it- start with yourself. The smallest shift in you moves everything around you. by @joysparkstudio

4

0

5 months ago

Think early intervention parent coaching is stressful?
Spoiler: it’s actually fun. We play, we problem-solve, we celebrate tiny successes. You will come away from coaching feeling empowered and confident to help your child learn, grow, and thrive. by @joysparkstudio

5

0

6 months ago

You don’t have perform for your child. Just be present with them. Join them. Play is connection, not a show. by @joysparkstudio

4

0

6 months ago

So many parents tell me, “I’m trying to play… but they won't let me.”

It's not you.
It's the directing.

Directing happens when we’re trying to help, teach, or keep things moving.
But it often leaves both you and your child feeling disconnected, pressured, and out of sync.

Connection feels different.
It’s slower. Softer. More curious.
It’s joining their idea instead of steering it.
It’s watching before acting.
It’s letting the moment unfold instead of managing it.

When you shift from directing to connecting, your child shifts too —
from resisting to engaging,
from overwhelmed to open,
from “I don’t want this” to “you see me.”

Connection first.
Learning follows. by @joysparkstudio

9

0

6 months ago