Changing Lives Through Speech And More :
How Two Sisters Are Increasing Access To Key Therapies For Children In El Paso
PARLO SPEECH LAB ’ S
In the United States , almost 1 in 12 children has a disorder related to voice , speech , language , or swallowing . When these types of disorders occur , getting early intervention and proper treatment is crucial . Unfortunately , for children in Far East El Paso , Texas , and neighboring towns , the lack of available care options can make it difficult to access critical therapies and interventions . Two sisters , Marcela and Paola Grajeda , are setting out to change that .
Both being licensed speech-language pathologists , Marcela and Paola opened up Parlo Speech Lab , a speech therapy clinic in eastern El Paso . “ In the area where our clinic is located , there aren ’ t many services of this kind offered ,” explained Marcela . “ There are children on long waitlists trying to get speech therapy or another type of therapy , and we ’ re hoping to make it easier for those kids and their families to access care .”
Since Paola and Marcela are certified speech language pathologists , they aren ’ t coming at this from a business perspective ; they ’ re coming at it from a clinical perspective . “ Our aim is to help these kids succeed within their own environments . Whether it ’ s at school , struggling to make friends , or having difficulties with communication , our job is to work through their challenges with them ,” said Paola .
EXTENSIVE SERVICE OFFERINGS
• When you think of speech therapy , teaching children how to say certain sounds or move their mouths might come to mind , but there is a lot more to the field . At Parlo Speech , children from birth to age 18 can access a wide range of services , such as :
FEEDING THERAPY
• Certified in the SOS approach to feeding , Parlo Speech focuses on picky eaters and problem feeders , a growing need in the area . “ We ’ re seeing this a lot within our local population . Kids need help getting acquainted with foods and growing more comfortable trying new things ,” said Marcela .
SWALLOWING THERAPY
• In some children , weak muscles in the tongue and throat can make it harder to swallow . Swallowing issues can lead to choking hazards and reduced food intake , complicating nutrition access in young children .
ALTERNATIVE AND AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION ( AAC ) THERAPY
• AAC therapy helps children who are nonverbal get comfortable using alternative communication methods such as sign language , finger spelling , and even electronic devices . “ For instance , some children with autism don ’ t communicate verbally ,” shared Paola . “ AAC therapy can help them get their thoughts across and their needs met more easily .”
HOW IT WORKS
Often , children are referred to speech therapies or other treatments through their primary care doctor , but that ’ s not always the case . “ Sometimes , parents see that something isn ’ t right , and they ’ ll reach out directly to get an assessment done ,”
explained Marcela . Regardless of whether a new patient is referred through their pediatrician or not , their experience at Parlo Speech Lab will look like this :
1 . A speech pathologist ( either Marcela or Paula ) will conduct a thorough evaluation of the child to determine if a disorder is present .
2 . Once a diagnosis is made , i . e ., it ’ s clear what the child is presenting with , paperwork is sent to the insurance company . Once the insurance company approves services , treatment will start .
3 . Often , treatment happens twice per week , but it will vary depending on insurance approvals and treatment plans .
For patients without insurance , Parlo Speech Lab ’ s services are still available . “ We work directly with children and their families , even if they don ’ t have insurance coverage ,” said Marcela . “ We really want every child in El Paso to be able to get the care they need and flourish as they grow .”
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