Pediatric Speech Therapy & AAC Services in East Providence, Rhode Island

Competent Communicators LLC provides connection-based, neurodiversity-affirming speech and language therapy for children in East Providence, Rhode Island and surrounding areas. Our licensed speech-language pathologists specialize in:

  • AAC evaluations and therapy (TouchChat, ProLoQuo2Go, TD Snap & more)

  • Gestalt Language Processing (Natural Language Acquisition)

  • Early intervention speech therapy (birth to age 3)

  • Parent coaching and collaboration with schools

We also partner with local school districts to provide contract AAC evaluations and ongoing support.

Our Mission

At Competent Communicators, our mission is to provide connection-based, neurodiversity-affirming speech and language therapy for children of all ages at our clinic in East Providence, RI. We specialize in supporting autistic children, gestalt language processors, and children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Our services include AAC evaluations, individualized AAC therapy and coaching, school contract services, and early intervention for children ages 0–3. By combining connection-focused therapy with caregiver coaching, we empower families to build meaningful communication skills from infancy through adolescence.

Our Specialties

Gestalt Language Processing: Supporting natural language development for gestalt learners using the NLA framework.

AAC Evaluation & Therapy: Personalized AAC support to help children communicate in ways that feel authentic and empowering.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Social Therapy: Connection-based support that honors each child’s unique way of interacting, playing, and building relationships.

Early Intervention Services: Connection-focused speech and language therapy for children ages 0–3, with caregiver coaching strategies to nurture communication during everyday routines.

Why Work With Us

At Competent Communicators, we celebrate every child’s unique communication style—whether that’s speech, AAC, or both. Our connection-based approach meets kids where they are, builds on what they love, and helps them grow into confident, authentic communicators.

We also believe in the power of early intervention, supporting families from the very beginning. By working with infants and toddlers ages 0–3, we help parents and caregivers nurture communication in daily life, laying the foundation for lifelong connection and success.

Welcome to Competent Communicators — Where Connection & Acceptance Come First

At Competent Communicators LLC, we believe every child deserves to be accepted exactly as they are. We provide family-centered, connection-based speech and language therapy in East Providence, Rhode Island, specializing in AAC, gestalt language processing, and early intervention. Our therapy honors your child’s voice—whether spoken, gestured, or through AAC. We partner with parents, follow each child’s lead, and build communication through joy, play, and authentic connection—not compliance.

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Personalized Therapy to Help Your Child Achieve Their Goals

AAC Evaluation & Therapy

We provide individualized AAC evaluations and therapy in East Providence, RI. From assessment to ongoing support, we help children communicate in ways that feel natural and empowering—whether through TouchChat, ProLoQuo2Go, TD Snap, or other systems.

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Gestalt Language Processing Support

We support gestalt language processors using the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) framework. Our connection-based approach guides children from echolalia to original, self-generated language, with parent coaching built in for everyday support.

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Parent Consults & Coaching

We partner with parents to strengthen communication at home and beyond. Through family-centered coaching, we provide tools, strategies, and support so you can confidently nurture your child’s progress—because you know your child best.

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School Contracting

We collaborate with schools across Rhode Island and Massachusetts to provide AAC evaluations, staff training, and consultation. Our goal is to support successful AAC implementation throughout the school day, empowering both students and educators..

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Meet The Founder and Lead Speech-Language Pathologist

Welcome! I’m Kaitlin.

I became a speech-language pathologist because I’ve always been passionate about child development, connection, and helping children thrive. My approach is family-centered, connection-based, and neurodiversity-affirming. I love creating therapy spaces where kids feel seen, parents feel hopeful, and communication grows through joy.

I’m especially honored to work with neurodivergent children, gestalt language processors, and AAC users—as well as families seeking early intervention speech therapy in East Providence, Rhode Island. At Competent Communicators, we believe all play is valid and every child’s voice deserves to be celebrated.

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  • "My son had a smile on his face at every visit & never wanted to leave."

    My son was referred to Kaitlin for an AAC evaluation & Kaitlin went above and beyond to make sure my son was provided with a device. She is the kindest and most knowledgeable person!! My son had a smile on his face at every visit & never wanted to leave. I HIGHLY recommend Competent Communicators LLC and Kaitlin!


    ~ Sabrina (parent of evaluation client)

  • "Her play-based approach in evaluating my autistic son for an AAC device was outstanding."

    I am delighted to share my positive experience with Kaitlin. Her play-based approach in evaluating my autistic son for an AAC device was outstanding. She not only made him feel comfortable but also guided me seamlessly through the process, handling insurance matters and collaborating with other therapists for a comprehensive plan. Kaitlin's expertise, simplicity, and dedication ensured a painless experience, and the education she provided has set my son up for a successful future. Highly recommend her services!


    ~ Wendy (parent of evaluation client)

How it All Works

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Insurance & Billing

We are in-network with:

  • Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (NHP RI)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • Mass General Brigham Health Plan

  • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

Families may also be eligible for reimbursement from other insurance providers using a superbill. Please note: it is each family’s responsibility to confirm coverage and reimbursement eligibility in advance.

Any services not covered by insurance—such as private pay options—are the responsibility of the family. We are happy to provide guidance on speech therapy, AAC evaluations, and early intervention coverage for children across Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

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@competentcommunicatorsllc
@kaitlinmulcaheyslp

There’s so much more to focus on in a speech therapy lesson than “teaching” language. If we keep these ideas at the forefront of our therapy, the language will flow naturally and won’t need to be explicitly taught. 🤝💬🌈
Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when modeling language for parents of GLPs. Though every child is different, I find these three keys to be important to keep in mind when working with all GLPs.
When consulting and planning for new (and all) AAC users it's really important to consider the long term goal, which is spontaneous, initiated communication about topics, ideas and opinions that are interesting to the client. It can be so easy to get
There are many signs that an AAC user may be a gestalt language processor. Here are some of the more classic signs I have noticed doing AAC therapy over the years. This is not an exhaustive list, but, these are some signs to look out for. If your AA

We’re accepting new clients for speech therapy in East Providence, RI.

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