Little Sunshine Pediatric Therapy LLC

11/13/2025

Please remember that kindness goes beyond words. It’s about how we see, support, and celebrate others.

Every child’s mind works in its own beautiful way. All play is valid. Every way of communicating is valid. Some communicate with words, some with gestures, sounds, or AAC and all deserve to be met with patience, respect, and love.

When we choose to be kind to everyone regardless of beautiful differences, we create a world where every child feels valued for exactly who they are. 💛

11/03/2025

A communication device shouldn’t live on a shelf or only come out during therapy time. It should be in the everyday places where real communication happens:

🛒 The grocery store
🐓 The farm
🛝 The playground
🚗 The car seat
🍽️ The dinner table
🏡 Grandma’s house
🛁 Even next to the bathtub (just… not in it 🤪)

When kids have access everywhere, they learn that their voice matters everywhere — not just when an adult is prompting.

So, pack the snacks, the car, and the device.
Because communication doesn’t pause, and access shouldn’t either.

09/25/2025

We had so much fun last year—we’re doing it again! 🎉 We’re excited to announce our upcoming fundraiser cycling event to support the Tampa Apraxia Walk, benefitting Apraxia Kids, hosted at !! 🚴‍♀️💛

What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)?
CAS is a motor speech disorder where children have difficulty planning, coordinating, and sequencing the precise movements of the lips, teeth, and tongue needed for clear speech. These children know exactly what they want to say, but producing the words can be very challenging.

💛 100% of proceeds go directly to Apraxia Kids 💛

How to Join:
1️⃣ DM to register
2️⃣ Spread the word
3️⃣ Can’t join? You can still support by donating!

Event Details:
📅 Sunday, October 19th at 11:45 AM
📍 Rush Cycle – St. Pete

✨ This is a fun ride—not a competition! If it’s your first spin class, no worries! You’re welcome here.

Thank you for your support. Let’s ride together and make a difference! 💛

07/25/2025

What kind of therapist am I?
I’m Ashley Scarpa—Speech-Language Pathologist, founder of Little Sunshine Pediatric Therapy, and a therapist who believes in following the child, protecting play, and building real connection.

The truth is…
🌼 I follow connection, not compliance
💛 I believe every child deserves to be seen and heard
🎨 I make a safe space for play, joy, and regulation
🌱 And I never stop growing alongside the kids I serve

Being both a mom and therapist shapes everything I do. And every child I work with teaches me something new.

Neuroaffirming. Child-led. Passionate about making space for communication in all its beautiful forms.

For those of you who have been following me for a while—thank you.
And if you’re new here, welcome 💛 I’m so glad you’re here.

Special thank you to for taking this beautiful photo. She’s an amazing friend, SLP, and photographer! Happy to know her💛

07/17/2025

Last night, I listened to autistic advocate Jordyn Zimmerman say,
“Challenge yourself to question yourself.” And it stuck with me.

As a therapist, that line reminded me how important it is to pause, reflect, and ask: Am I truly listening?
Am I centering the voices that matter most?

Autistic voices are not optional in this work—they are essential. The more I listen, the more I learn.
The more I question myself, the better I can show up.

Thank you for a great interview and amazing guest speakers to learn from this week. Let’s keep learning from the lived experiences of autistic people. Let’s stay open. Let’s keep growing. If you agree, comment 💛💛

07/08/2025

Feel like you’re supposed to be calm all the time? Same. But here’s what really helps our kids.

Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do for our children is to just be there.
Not with a fix.
Just with our presence.

Co-regulation is how our kids learn to feel safe in their bodies and emotions—especially our neurodivergent children, who often feel things deeply and differently.

Save this post as a gentle reminder: you are your child’s safe space. And that matters more than you know.

🙌 Follow us for more support from a mom and therapist who gets it.

07/08/2025

06/06/2025

I had the honor of being interviewed by to share a little about me and the story behind Little Sunshine Pediatric Therapy—how it started, what drives me, and why I’m so passionate about supporting children and families with a neurodiversity-affirming approach.

This practice is my heart. It’s rooted in play, connection, and letting kids be exactly who they are. I’m so grateful to be doing this work and to share a little more about the “why” behind it all.

💛 Thank you for spotlighting small businesses and meaningful stories in our community.

https://voyagetampa.com/interview/exploring-life-business-with-ashley-scarpa-of-little-sunshine-pediatric-therapy

05/19/2025

Today is National Speech-Language Pathologist Day!

I’m so proud to be an SLP. I am so grateful you support children as they grow, to stand beside families as they learn and advocate, and to celebrate every single moment with them no matter how big or small.

Owning Little Sunshine Pediatric Therapy has made this journey even more meaningful. I get to lead with heart. I created a practice that is centered around my values and created a space where everyone is included and respected for who they are.

To my fellow SLPs: Thank you for the work you do, the love you pour in, and the lives you change. 💛

05/09/2025

Continuing my “why” series today…
And talking to you about why I’ve learned to unlearn old ways of practicing.

I don’t measure success in therapy by how quickly a child complies. Because compliance can come at a cost—especially for autistic children.

When we teach kids to “be good” by ignoring their discomfort and suppressing their needs, we risk teaching them that what they say or how they feel doesn’t matter.

But it does.

Instead of prioritizing compliance, I focus on:
✔️Building trust
✔️Following a child’s lead
✔️Supporting autonomy
✔️Honoring every form of communication

Because true progress starts with connection—not control.