Almost every child looks forward to graduation.
Whether it's moving from kindergarten to first grade, middle school to high school, or crossing the stage to receive a diploma, graduation represents growth, perseverance, and the excitement of what's next. For many students, reaching these milestones comes naturally. For about 20% of the population, speech, language, and reading challenges can make the journey far more difficult.
For sisters Diana Plattner and Meredith Henson, helping those students succeed is deeply personal and something they’ve invested their entire beings in.
In 2016, they founded Lexicon Speech, Language & Reading, a family-owned clinic in Fayetteville dedicated to helping children and young adults overcome speech, language, literacy, and dyslexia-related challenges. Every day, they witness the determination of students who work tirelessly to develop skills many of their peers acquire with ease - and they celebrate every victory along the way.
Lexicon provides diagnostic evaluations, therapy, and specialized literacy intervention for students ages 5 through 21. Each year, the clinic serves hundreds of families, helping children build not only stronger reading and communication skills, but also greater confidence in themselves.
"If a student is struggling with literacy, language, or speech-sound development, we want families to know there is help available,” said Plattner. “The research and resources exist - you just have to know what you’re looking for and how to weed through the excess. Our goal is to meet each child where they are and give them the tools they need to succeed."
What sets Lexicon apart is its commitment to individualized care. Every student receives one-on-one instruction from highly trained Speech-Language Pathologists, Certified Academic Language Therapists, and graduate school-level tutors who use evidence-based practices grounded in neuroscience and the science of reading.
"We are incredibly intentional about who we bring onto our team," said Henson. "Families trust us with their children’s literacy and communication skills, and we take that responsibility seriously. Since day one, we have maintained high standards which are reflected in our training, methods, and operations. That consistency helps our students make meaningful progress."
That progress can be life-changing. Statistics surrounding poor literacy and communication skills in adulthood are bleak at best, which is why early identification and intervention are so critical.
Many students remain in therapy or intervention programs for months or even years, depending on their needs. Along the way, families often notice improvements that extend far beyond report cards and test scores.
"A measure of success for us is when something that once took a child two hours now takes twenty minutes," said Henson. "But even more meaningful is watching a child gain confidence, participate more in class, raise their hand, or try something new.”
The sisters say those moments are what drive their work.
"We've had parents tell us their child no longer dreads homework,” said Plattner. “Coaches have shared that students seem more confident on the field. Teachers notice increased participation in the classroom." When communication and literacy improve, it creates positive changes throughout a child's life."
Perhaps the most meaningful tradition at Lexicon happens when a student completes their program.
After a final reevaluation confirms that a child has achieved their goals, the clinic celebrates with a graduation ceremony of its own. Students are recognized for the countless hours of hard work, persistence and determination that brought them there.
"It's bittersweet but it’s hands-down one of our favorite days," said Henson. "These students have worked incredibly hard. Watching them leave with confidence and knowing they have the skills they need for the future is why we do what we do. We can confidently say to the parent on the last day - if you need us, you know where to find us. But we hope you never do. And make sure to send us an invitation to your child’s high school graduation."
For the team at Lexicon, every graduation - whether it’s from kindergarten, high school, or even therapy - is a reminder that the right support can change the trajectory of a child's life. Lexicon’s 10-year anniversary is this year, and, along with their student’s achievements and milestones, they are excited to be celebrating.
A measure of success for us is when something that once took a child two hours now takes twenty minutes.