Pediatric care · Murray Hill, NYC
Speech Delay Support for Children in NYC
Your toddler understands everything you say but uses only a handful of words. Or your preschooler is talking, but strangers can't follow along. You may already have a speech therapist, or you may still be waiting for an evaluation.
Dr. Alex Kaminsky, D.C., is a Certified Craniosacral Therapist and a licensed chiropractor since 2000. At his office in Murray Hill, he combines gentle craniosacral therapy (CST) with soft chiropractic care for children with speech delays.
This care does not replace speech therapy. It is meant to work alongside it.
Start With an Evaluation
A speech delay should always be checked by a speech-language professional. In New York City, families have free options:
- Birth to age 3: The city's Early Intervention program offers a free evaluation. Call 311 and ask for Early Intervention, or use the city's online referral portal.
- Age 2 years and 11 months and older: Call 311 and ask for the Committee on Preschool Special Education.
- School-age children: You can ask your child's school for an evaluation in writing.
Even after a child qualifies, services can take time to start. Gentle hands-on care does not replace them while you wait. But some families look for supportive care alongside the process.
Your pediatrician can help too. Please also have your child's hearing checked, since hearing problems can affect speech.
Dr. Kaminsky's Approach to Speech Delay
The upper neck and head
Dr. Kaminsky pays close attention to the top two bones of the neck and the base of the skull. This area sits right next to the brainstem, which helps run many automatic body functions. In his view, speech delays are often tied to a nervous system that is out of balance. He believes tension or poor movement in this area can add stress to the nervous system. CST works gently with the nervous system to help it settle.
Gentle, combined care
He uses light-touch CST on the head, neck, jaw, and sacrum, along with gentle chiropractic care. The pressure is very light, about the weight of a nickel. There is no cracking or twisting. Each session is adjusted to your child's age and comfort.
What the research says
Research in this area is limited to a small number of case reports, each describing a single child. Case reports can't show that a treatment works for others. Every child is different, and results are not guaranteed.
When Families Ask About This Care
Parents sometimes ask about gentle hands-on care when their child:
- Uses fewer words than other children their age
- Has trouble making certain sounds or putting words together
- Understands more than they can say
- Had a difficult birth, a long labor, or a delivery with forceps or vacuum
- Also had tight neck muscles, a head tilt, or feeding problems as a baby
These are common reasons parents ask, not signs that CST is right for every child. Dr. Kaminsky will talk with you about whether his approach fits your child.
What to Expect at Your Child's Visit
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1History and goalsDr. Kaminsky asks about birth, early feeding, milestones, ear infections, and any speech or developmental testing. Bring reports from your speech therapist or Early Intervention team if you have them. Here's more on what happens at a first visit.
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2A gentle examHe checks how the head, jaw, and neck move, using light touch only. If needed, he may also gently check inside the mouth.
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3Hands-on care and a planNext comes light-touch CST and, if helpful, gentle chiropractic care. Afterward, he'll explain what he found and suggest how often to come in. Visits can fit around speech therapy and school schedules.
Related Care for Children
Children with speech concerns sometimes have other needs too. Dr. Kaminsky also offers:
- Pediatric craniosacral therapy
- Pediatric chiropractic care
- Torticollis treatment for tight neck muscles and head tilt
- Tongue-tie support
- Ear infection support
- Learning and attention support
Why Families Choose Dr. Kaminsky
- Gentle with little ones: He treats babies and toddlers using light touch only, with no cracking.
- Two kinds of training: He is a chiropractor and a Certified Craniosacral Therapist (CST-T, Upledger).
- Easy after daycare: Appointments run until 9 pm Monday through Thursday at 36 East 36th Street in Murray Hill.
Learn more about Dr. Kaminsky's training and background.
Cost and Payment
The office does not take insurance. You'll get an itemized superbill for possible out-of-network refunds. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. See current rates on our cost page.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can craniosacral therapy fix a speech delay?
No one can promise that. CST aims to ease tension in the head and neck and support a calmer nervous system. Some families notice changes, but results vary. Speech therapy remains the main treatment for speech delays.
Should we keep going to speech therapy?
Yes. CST is meant to work alongside speech therapy, not replace it.
How young can my child be?
Dr. Kaminsky treats infants, toddlers, and older children. Care is adjusted for each age.
Will you crack my toddler's neck?
No. Many parents worry about this, and it's a fair concern. Dr. Kaminsky uses only light, gentle techniques with children, with no cracking or twisting.
Can we come after school or daycare?
Yes. Appointments run until 9 pm Monday through Thursday and until 6 pm on Friday. All visits are by appointment.
Schedule a visit
Call to Schedule
If you're worried about your child's speech, call or text 212-328-1180 to talk with Dr. Kaminsky. Visits are by appointment at 36 East 36th Street in Murray Hill.