Jessica Neely

About

Jessica Neely is a Speech & Language Therapist (SaLT) and International Behaviour Analyst (IBA) with over 10.5 years of clinical experience working with children across early years, primary school, and complex needs settings.

Specialisations

Jessica specialises in supporting children who present with:

speech and language delays and disorders
social communication difficulties
emotional regulation and challenging behaviour
developmental language disorder (DLD)
communication needs associated with autism and neurodiversity
children whose behaviour is impacted by unmet communication needs

Her clinical work sits at the intersection of communication, regulation, and behaviour, allowing her to support not just what a child is doing, but why.

She is proud to be dually qualified, a milestone that allows her to integrate evidence-based behavioural principles with a communication-first, child-centred approach.

Clinical Approach

In her own words:

“I don’t see behaviour as something to fix. I see it as communication that hasn’t been understood yet.”

Jessica’s approach is:

relational and child-centred
grounded in behaviour-as-communication
non-punitive and regulation-focused
practical and easy for families and schools to implement

She works collaboratively with parents, teachers, and multidisciplinary teams, translating clinical theory into clear, compassionate strategies that fit real life.

Therapeutic Frameworks & Methodologies

Jessica integrates a range of evidence-based approaches, including:

speech and language therapy intervention
applied behaviour analysis (function-based, ethical practice)
naturalistic and play-based intervention
visual supports and AAC-informed strategies
PROMPT-informed speech production techniques
emotional regulation and co-regulation strategies

Her strength lies in blending these approaches, ensuring therapy is effective, respectful, and meaningful.

Professional Philosophy
Jessica believes that:

behaviour is meaningful, not manipulative
children do well when they can, not when they’re forced
progress happens fastest when children feel safe, understood, and supported

Her work is guided by empathy, clinical integrity, and a deep respect for each child’s individuality.

Professional Presence

Jessica also shares professional insights on Instagram at

@thetherapyblend, where she discusses communication, behaviour, and regulation through a balanced, SLT-led lens.

Qualifications

• a Bachelor’s degree in Speech & Language Therapy from Trinity College Dublin
• a Master’s degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) from Queen’s University Belfast
• a International Behaviour Analyst (IBA) license from International Behaviour Anaylsis Organization
• PROMPT Therapy – Level 1 training, supporting motor-based speech production

Licenses

• DHA License