Southside Speech Therapy offers more than speech therapy, it provides an opportunity for parents to experience hope for their children who are navigating speech and language challenges. Founded in 2023 by Lauren Sorrell, an ASHA-Certified Speech Language Pathologist with over a decade of experience, Southside Speech Therapy caters primarily to K-12 students while also offering services to adults. Located at 500 W. Lanier Avenue, Suite 913A, Southside Speech Therapy provides personalized care that focuses on empowering both children and their families to thrive.
Lauren’s journey into speech pathology is deeply personal. Growing up in Fayette County, she was inspired by her mother, a lifelong educator. While initially drawn to teaching, she sought a specialized path that would allow her to make a tangible difference. “I wanted to do something impactful and help people in a specific way,” Lauren shares. Her passion led her to earn a master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders, setting the foundation for her mission to unlock potential through speech and language development.
For Lauren, the most rewarding aspect of her work is the transformation she witnesses in her clients. “Speech and language development is about more than words,” she explains. “It’s about connection, expression, and the ability to engage with the world.” Helping parents understand their child’s needs and equipping them with tools to foster communication, creates a ripple effect of confidence and growth.
Addressing Speech Challenges
Lauren identifies five main areas where parents should look for signs of speech and language difficulties:
- Expressive: Delayed speech - the child is not speaking at their expected age or limited vocabulary compared to peers.
- Receptive: Limited capacity for comprehending common words, phrases, or instructions.
- Phonological: Challenges in pronouncing sounds clearly, leaving off parts of words, impacting intelligibility.
- Fluency: Stuttering – lack of fluency sometimes linked to trauma, stress, or developmental stages.
- Pragmatic (social): Struggles with social interactions such as reading cues or engaging in conversations, seems uninterested in speaking or socializing.
Lauren emphasizes the importance of engaging parents as partners. “Progress often depends on equipping parents with the right tools,” she notes. By demystifying the therapy process and fostering collaboration, Lauren ensures families feel empowered and informed every step of the way.
A Community-Centered Approach
Lauren’s commitment to Fayetteville is evident in her practice. “This is my community,” she says. “I care about the kids here, and I want families to have access to high-quality resources without needing to travel to Atlanta.” Southside Speech Therapy offers in-person, in-school, and virtual services making therapy accessible and convenient.
To support parents, Southside Speech Therapy hosts "Mindfulness Monday," a resource aimed at helping them navigate their child’s unique journey with positivity and understanding. She also encourages families to view speech therapy not as a qualifier but as an opportunity for improvement. "Sometimes it's just about understanding milestones for where a child should be. It's informative all throughout."
Post-COVID Challenges and Adaptations
The pandemic brought unique challenges to speech development, with masks limiting visual cues and social interactions curbing development. “We’ve seen a rise in pragmatic challenges and delays in diagnosis,” Lauren explains. Her practice has adapted to meet these needs, offering a compassionate and informed approach to help children regain their confidence and communication abilities. "I am the person who is specialized in facilitating communication. I am going to tell parents exactly what I did, why I did it, and where the child should be. It's not supposed to be a mystery."
Looking Ahead
As Southside Speech Therapy expands, Lauren remains dedicated to her mission of empowering communication. “Giving someone a voice—whether it’s a child finding words or a parent understanding their child’s needs—is the greatest reward." Lauren's expertise and knowledge make her an outstanding resource for speech. Families interested in learning more can visit southsidespeechtherapy.com or follow them on Instagram @southsidespeechtherapy. For Lauren, each client represents a step toward a more connected and confident community—one voice at a time.
"I care about the kids here, and I want families to have access to high-quality resources without needing to travel to Atlanta."