TEXAS CHILDREN'S HEALTH CENTERS
Landon,
Diagnosed at almost 2,
speech delay

Convenience, professionalism speak volumes about health center

Kelli knew she shouldn't compare her son's language development with other toddlers', and she fought the urge to fall into that dangerous trap. But when Landon turned 2 and still wasn't talking, she realized it was time to act.

"Landon was so happy and full of energy," Kelli said. "He hit every milestone except speech."

But Kelli and her husband were unsure about their next step.

"My pediatrician said it was a little early to worry," she said. "I talked to friends, friends who are speech therapists and even my mom's friends. Half said he would grow out of it; half said it was better to go ahead and have it checked."

Finally, when Landon was almost 2 and spoke only a couple of words, Kelli could wait no longer. But she also realized that with an active toddler, another baby on the way and a fledgling business, time and convenience were of the essence.

Her first stop was Texas Children's Speech, Language and Learning Clinic.

"We were very happy with the speech therapists there, and they really gave us hope," she said. "They told us exactly what we needed to hear."

But there were scheduling difficulties, and Kelli was anxious to get the process started. And the Medical Center location was not very convenient for the Hales, who live in Pearland.

"Time was ticking, so when they suggested Texas Children's Health Center in Clear Lake we decided to give it a try," Kelli said.

Speech therapist Lesli Kirsch worked with Landon every week for a year and helped increase his vocabulary from a couple of words to hundreds.

"Play therapy was very effective for Landon," she said. "Also, I helped educate his parents and gave them some tricks to use at home to follow through with what we had worked on."

Kirsch, who has been a speech therapist for more than five years, finds great rewards in working with children.

"It's so gratifying to see them be able to suddenly express themselves," she said. "Suddenly, they're able to tell their parents what they want and need. It's great to be able to see that result."

Kelli says the center's convenience and facility are hard to beat.

"We have been pleased from start to finish," she said. I whiz in and whiz out of his appointments; I've never waited. Parking is free and close to the building. It's a beautiful clean facility, and everything is topnotch."

Now that Landon's problems are resolved, Kelli credited Texas Children's expertise for helping ease her mind.

"When you give your child over to a specialist who is tops in her field, you feel real peace of mind," she said.