Language is more than just communication — it’s a vital part of neurodevelopment. At the University of New Mexico (UNM), a pioneering initiative is training the next generation of culturally responsive speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to meet the needs of diverse communities and support neurodivergent children where it matters most: in how they understand and express the world.

UNM’s Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences is tackling a persistent gap in care. Many bilingual or multilingual children — especially those from Hispanic, Native American, and immigrant families — face delayed or missed diagnoses because traditional assessments don’t reflect their lived experiences or linguistic backgrounds. This is especially problematic for children with autism or other neurodevelopmental differences, who may already face communication challenges.

By training SLPs who understand both cultural context and developmental science, the UNM program helps ensure early and accurate support for neurodivergent children. The program places emphasis on early childhood neurodevelopment, recognizing how language acquisition and sensory integration are deeply intertwined. Delays in access or misdiagnosis can affect brain development during critical windows of growth.

One of the program’s goals is to reduce mislabeling and over-pathologizing bilingual children, ensuring that speech differences aren’t mistaken for speech disorders. This distinction is essential — not just for language skills, but for cognitive growth, self-esteem, and long-term academic success.

The UNM initiative is more than workforce development — it’s an investment in equitable neurodevelopmental care. By “speaking their language,” these future therapists are opening doors to better outcomes, stronger identities, and a more inclusive healthcare system.