I’m Erin Forward

Speech Therapist. Feeding Specialist. Certified Lactation Counselor. Expert DIR/Floortime Provider.

I’m a speech therapist and feeding specialist based in Charleston, South Carolina. I help caregivers and clinicians truly see the child, not just the symptoms.

If you’re here, you’re probably feeling like something’s not clicking. Maybe mealtimes feel tense. Maybe communication feels stalled. Maybe you’ve tried a lot… and still have more questions than answers.

My approach is rooted in relationships, safety and meeting your child exactly where they are. I combine years of experience with an approach that looks at the whole child, including everything from sensory needs to communication to feeding skills and emotional regulation.

A Relationship-First Approach

When children feel safe and understood, learning and growth follow.

My approach is rooted in honoring your child’s unique profile through neurodiversity-affirming, child-led and play-based therapy. I draw from advanced training in sensory integration, communication, feeding, emotional regulation, trauma-informed care, and DIR/Floortime.

I'm here to help you discover what truly works for your child and your family.

Learn More About My Approach to Speech & Feeding Therapy

What I Offer

  • Speech therapy and feeding therapy that looks at the whole child

  • Caregiver coaching that gives you clarity and confidence

  • A safe space where you feel supported and receive expert-guidance that is backed by years of experience and research

Ready for more support on your child’s feeding or communication journey?

Where You’ve Seen Me

  • Co-Host of The First Bite Podcast (2.2M+ downloads)

  • Autism Little Learners Podcast

  • The Child-Led Autism Podcast

Trusted By Organizations Nationwide

    • ASHA Conferences

      • Trauma-Informed Feeding Therapy: Healing with Families at the Table

      • Building Communication and Body Autonomy for Medically Complex Children (with DIR/Floortime and TIC)

      • PFD in the Natural Environment: Advocating and Collaborating for Families

    • ICDL Floortime International Conference

      • Building Communication and Body Autonomy for Medically Complex Children

      • Trauma-Informed Feeding Therapy

    • Other Conferences & Webinars

      • SCSHA (South Carolina Speech and Hearing Association)

      • SC OT Conference

      • LSHA (Louisiana Speech and Hearing Association)

      • Invited to PSHA and Indiana Speech and Hearing Association

      • SpeechTherapyPD Webinars

        • Different Bites for Different Brains: ND Affirming Feeding Therapy

        • ND Affirming Goal Writing

        • Attachment and Infant Feeding: An SLP's Role in Mental Health

        • GLP and Feeding

        • Play-Based Language Treatment for the Medically Complex Child

    • First Bite Podcast – Co-host with 2.2+ million downloads

    • Featured on:

      • Affect Autism Podcast

      • The Autism Little Learners Podcast

      • Let Them Lead: The Child-Led Autism Podcast

      • This Speech Life Podcast

      • Brainstorms: Functional Neurorehab for SLPs

    • Quoted in Bloomberg Business Week

    • Georgia State University – Feeding

    • James Madison University – DIR/Floortime and Trauma-Informed Therapy