We receive many calls from concerned parents about their pre-K or kindergarten child who has trouble reciting the alphabet, learning letter names, or matching sounds to letters. They may also share that there is a family history of reading struggles or dyslexia. If a child demonstrates delays in their early literacy development and has a family history of learning issues, future reading problems will likely arise. Now is the time to address this possible language-based challenge and consider language and literacy testing through the Laughlin Children’s Center speech department. Our Early Language & Literacy Evaluations (ELLE) allow us to identify those children ages 5-7 at risk for reading difficulties or dyslexia. Early identification and treatment bring favorable outcomes, and we offer several evidence-based therapy options.

SCREENINGS

Our speech-language-hearing screenings wrapped up a great year thanks to the collaborative efforts of parents, educators, and our team! We continue to visit area preschools, partnering with teachers to identify children ages 3-5 with communication delays. We screen over 1,000 children each year, working toward our early detection and remediation goal. Speech-language deficits are the most common of childhood disabilities and affect about 1 in 12 preschool children. Through this community outreach program, we all work together to help children build the skills they need to reach their highest potential.

This fall, Laughlin Children’s Center is partnering with the Allegheny County Medical Society Foundation and the Hillman Foundation to provide 250 screenings at $5.00. To set up a screening for your child, email us at [email protected]