Empowering Children Through Tailored Interventions
Customized approach for continued success
Sandi Larson MS CCC-SLP
Committed to Empowering Children
I am a certified Speech-Language Pathologist based in Nebraska and the founder of Larson Speech and Language Services, P.C. With over 20 years of experience, I specialize in helping children and adolescents improve their communication skills. I am passionate about providing comprehensive speech and language services, which include assessing and treating communication disorders and addressing language and literacy disorders, specifically dyslexia. Recognizing the connection between phonological and language disorders and dyslexia, I have pursued additional training in several evidence-based structured literacy programs. Additionally, I am skilled in assessing and treating oral motor disorders, as well as providing tongue thrust therapy. I value close collaboration with families, educating them about the Nebraska Department of Education Rule 51 Special Education laws, and advocating for appropriate services in schools. I consult with both special and regular education staff, offering intervention strategies, data analysis, and tailored intervention plans to meet each student's unique needs. My areas of interest include the assessment and treatment of articulation, phonological, oral motor, expressive and receptive language disorders, and dyslexia in children and adolescents. I am committed to making a positive impact on the lives of my students, helping them reach their full potential.
Areas of Specialization
Speech Sound Disorders
Is your child struggling to say certain sounds or words clearly? You're not alone! Many children have difficulty with speech sounds as they learn to talk. When these challenges persist beyond what's expected for their age, it may be a speech sound disorder—but the good news is that speech therapy can help! What Are Speech Sound Disorders? Speech sound disorders happen when a child has trouble saying sounds correctly, making it hard for others to understand them. There are two main types: Articulation Disorders – Trouble making specific sounds, like saying “wabbit” instead of “rabbit” or “thoap” instead of “soap.” Phonological Disorders – Difficulty with the rules of speech sounds, like leaving off final sounds ("ca" instead of "cat") or simplifying words in an unusual way. Why Does This Matter? When speech is unclear, it can be frustrating for both children and their listeners. It can also impact confidence, social interactions, and even early reading skills. How Can Speech Therapy Help? A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can assess your child’s speech and create a fun, engaging plan to help them master their sounds. With the right support, kids can gain confidence and communicate clearly! If you’re wondering whether your child’s speech is on track, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to build clear, confident communication!
Expressive and Receptive Language Disorders
Language Disorders: Understanding Your Child’s Communication Challenges. Does your child struggle to express themselves or understand what others are saying? If so, they may have a language disorder—but with the right support, they can thrive! What Is a Language Disorder? A language disorder affects how a child understands and uses words to communicate. It’s not just about speech sounds—it’s about expressing thoughts, understanding directions, and engaging in conversations. There are two main types: Receptive Language Disorder – Difficulty understanding language. A child may struggle to follow directions, answer questions, or understand stories. Expressive Language Disorder – Trouble using words and sentences to communicate. A child may have a limited vocabulary, mix up word order, or have difficulty telling stories. Some children experience both receptive and expressive language difficulties, making communication extra challenging. Why Does This Matter? Strong language skills are essential for learning, making friends, and feeling confident. When language is difficult, a child may struggle in school, have trouble expressing their thoughts, or avoid social interactions. How Can Speech Therapy Help? A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can assess your child’s language skills and create a personalized plan to help them succeed. Through engaging activities, structured practice, and fun, play-based learning, we can help your child build the skills they need to communicate with confidence! If you’re concerned about your child’s language development, let’s connect. Early support makes a big difference!
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disorder that makes reading, spelling, and writing more challenging. It’s not about intelligence—many bright and creative children have dyslexia! Instead, it’s a difference in how the brain processes language, especially the sounds in words (phonological processing). Signs of Dyslexia Dyslexia can look different from child to child, but some common signs include: Difficulty recognizing letters and matching them to sounds Trouble sounding out (decoding) words Slow, effortful reading Spelling struggles, even with familiar words Difficulty remembering sight words (like “the” or “was”) Avoiding reading or becoming frustrated with schoolwork Why Does Early Support Matter? Because reading is built on language skills, dyslexia can impact confidence and academic success. But with the right support and strategies, children with dyslexia can become strong, capable readers! How Can Speech Therapy Help? As a speech-language pathologist trained in Structured Literacy programs, I use research-based methods to help children develop essential reading skills, including: Phonemic Awareness (understanding and manipulating sounds in words) Decoding (sounding out words) Spelling Strategies Reading Fluency & Comprehension If you suspect your child has dyslexia, you’re not alone—and help is available! Early intervention makes a big difference. Let’s work together to give your child the tools they need to succeed!
Embark on the journey towards improved speech and language skills. Start the collaborative process today.
As a homeschool mom, when I realized my child needed outside help learning to read, I was devastated and scared. Then we met Sandi. She was an answer to prayer. Her kind, confident, thoughtful, and thorough explanation of a course of action put me at ease. I knew this woman was passionate about helping children unlock their potential. What I didn’t plan on was how much our family would come to love her. Over the past 3 years, she has become one of the most important women in my child’s life and a source of encouragement for me. She tailors lessons to meet my daughter’s specific needs and also challenges her to take the strategies that she learns here and apply them to other areas of her life. Not only has she worked with my child and given her the tools to learn how to read, but she has also taught me how to work with her natural strengths so I am able to continue to teach her at home. I will be forever grateful that Ms. Sandi is a part of our lives.
- SK
Our recommendation of Sandi Larson comes from over 6 years of working beside her with all 4 of our children. She is kind, caring, and incredibly intelligent. My children warmed up to her instantly, allowing for a quick bond and successful sessions. We were introduced to her through her contract work with the public schools, while our children attended a private school in the area. She started with our oldest when he was in the 4th grade. She initially saw him for speech/language but soon noticed that he was reading and writing delayed due to undiagnosed dyslexia. She immediately got to work on an action plan and accommodations to assist him in his developmental journey. She advocated for him every step of the way, training teachers that although not all students fit in the same box, with the right tools, all students can be successful. She built confidence in my son, helping him to realize that he is intelligent, capable, and deserves to be successful. She was a vital part of transitioning him to the public high school; the transition was smooth, and he didn't miss a beat. Now a Sophomore in high school, he has been on the Honor Roll every semester and is in the middle of taking his first AP class. If you had told me that 6 years ago my son would be talking about college plans, I probably wouldn't have believed you. In 6 years, he went from hating school and thinking he wasn't enough to being a confident student with goals and a path to success.
Mrs. Larson is forward-thinking and, first and foremost, a child advocate. While working with our son, we noticed some of the same struggles with our daughter. Sandi makes you feel like an equal partner in the journey to your child's success. We mentioned that we felt all three remaining children had the same struggles with decoding/dyslexia and our youngest two with speech. She was quick to explain all of our rights as parents and helped prepare a game plan going forward. We got all three remaining children on a plan specific to their needs. Our oldest and both youngest have graduated from the speech program, and all 4 children have learned decoding tools to help them with reading fluency and comprehension.
She was instrumental in advocating for our children while they attended private school, and that same passion for their success was shown as they transitioned to public school. The greatest character value we see in Sandi is her unselfish passion for children's success. She believes all students deserve the right to feel confident and worthy, which is highlighted through her unwavering advocacy for children as they face opposition. It is amazing what your child can accomplish when they believe in themselves.
-KD
Testimonial from Parent or Patient
- Parent/Patient Name