Little Voices

For any child, speech, language and learning issues can be a serious blow to a tender ego. The certified speech-language therapists at Language Learning Associates work with parents to find therapy solutions that help kids overcome their challenges and change their lives—for good.

By: Paula Singleton
Date: 06/27/2008
Struggling with speech, reading or learning can be devastating for a child.

If your child’s teacher has expressed concern about his or her speech or language skills, or if you notice an occasional stutter, it’s wise to intervene quickly.

Language Learning Associates (LLA) specializes in the evaluation and treatment of children and adults with speech, language and reading issues. A team of speech-language pathologists (speech therapists) has been helping adults and children overcome speech and language disorders since 1987. The staff has a combined total of more than 100 years of experience.

“Our speech therapists work with your child and the entire family to take therapy beyond our four walls and into the home,” explains Troy McClowry, President of Language Learning Associates and a practicing speech therapist. “We teach families how to make lasting changes by transferring the skills their child learns here into everyday life.”

You may want to contact LLA if you suspect that your child is having a speech or language problem. A typical first visit to LLA begins with a meeting between the parents, the child, and a certified speech-language pathologist to discuss what types of issues the child is having. A speech-language evaluation then helps determine the nature of the child’s difficulties, which usually consist of a speech disorder (a problem with the actual production of sounds) or language disorder (difficulty understanding or putting words together to communicate ideas).

After administering standardized tests, the therapist makes an evaluation of the child and then develops an individualized plan for a specific period of time. Testing and therapy may be covered by insurance and LLA’s full office support staff helps families submit their bills to insurance companies.

“What LLA doesn’t offer is a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy,” explains Troy. “Each case is unique, so every client’s program is individualized to meet the family’s needs. Our clients range from children with autism to families simply wanting to help their kids get ahead with their reading skills. We understand that kids learn in different manners and so we work with them in ways they understand. We make learning interactive and fun.”

LLA has a history of providing services to public and private schools in the Akron area by conducting regular speech, language, and hearing screenings.

“Identifying problems closer to onset results in a shorter duration of therapy and greater overall success for the child,” explains Troy. “The need for therapies has increased with early intervention. In order to help more children, we have opened two new offices in the last year—one in Hudson and the other in Medina. We currently see about 300 families each week and our two new facilities will provide better access to services for even more schools and families. We’re excited about working with the Hudson and Medina communities.”

Some children who take speech therapy at school can’t continue over the summer holiday if the school’s therapists are not employed year-round. LLA can continue a child’s therapy over the summer break so that he or she doesn’t fall behind. LLA also offers summer programming in a social group setting that focuses on turn-taking, greeting, maintaining conversation, and general socialization. Classes are now in progress, but are open to new students.

Speech-language experts agree that parental involvement is crucial to the success of a child’s progress in speech or language therapy. One therapist is assigned to each client so that the therapist “owns” the case and the child is comfortable meeting with the same person at each visit. The families and therapists interact after each session to discuss the child’s progress or areas that need more work. “It holds both the parents and the therapists to a higher standard when we regularly see each other face-to-face,” says Troy. “It gives us the chance to discuss how the child’s session went and our expectations for the next visit.”

“After each session, we suggest subtle ways for parents to use what’s learned in therapy in the child’s everyday life,” continues Troy. “So instead of giving the child extra homework, we teach parents how to incorporate therapy into homework. If the child has a 10-page reading assignment, we suggest reading one of the pages aloud under the supervision of the parent so that he or she can practice what’s been learned.”

The therapists at Language Learning Associates are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This certification means that each specialist has at least a master’s degree in the field, has passed a national examination, and has successfully completed a supervised clinical fellowship.

To schedule a speech-language evaluation, or to learn more about the staff and services offered at Language Learning Associates, call 330-867-2240 for an appointment, or visit www.LLATherapy.org. There are three locations to choose from: 150 N. Miller Road, Bldg. 150A, in Akron, 33 Milford Road, in Hudson, and 3637 Medina Rd, #220, in Medina. Call 330-867-2240 to schedule an appointment at any of the three locations. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Evening therapy sessions are available after 5 p.m. most weekdays.


Your child may be experiencing a speech or language problem if he or she cannot be understood by family or caregivers and...

• By age three cannot correctly produce vowel sounds and other word sounds including p, b, m, and w, and becomes frustrated when asked to repeat the word.

• By age four cannot produce words beginning with t, d, k, g, or f, and becomes sensitive when asked to repeat the word.

• By age five cannot be understood in all situations by most listeners or correctly produce most speech sounds, and becomes frustrated when asked to repeat words.



Children might require speech-language therapy at Language Learning Associates for a variety of reasons, including:
Hearing impairments
Cognitive (intellectual thinking) or other
developmental delays
Weak oral muscles
Birth defects such as cleft lip or cleft palate
Autism
Motor planning problems
Respiratory problems (breathing disorders)
Swallowing disorders
Traumatic brain injury

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