HEY THERE, I'M ALLISON!

Allison Palaniuk, M.A., CCC-SLP
Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

Allison, founder of Local Speech Co. and a South Bay native, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist devoted to helping children become confident, effective communicators through empowering families and caregivers with knowledge and practical strategies as a KEY member of a child's therapy team. Allison develops and implements highly individualized and effective treatment plans to support children's communication needs, while incorporating parents and caregivers into therapy sessions occurring within natural and play-based environments and routines. 

Allison holds an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certification of clinical competence (CCC-SLP) and a speech-language pathology California state license. Allison received her bachelor's degree in developmental psychology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 2010, and went on to  complete her master's degree in speech-language pathology from California State University, Long Beach in 2016.

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In her years of experience, Allison has served countless children and families ranging in age from infants to school-age children within clinical, school and home-based settings. She has experience diagnosing and treating a wide variety of communication disorders, and has developed a specialized interest in the areas of early intervention (birth-3 years), autism spectrum disorder and speech sound disorders. She has received certifications in: "Hanen: It Takes Two to Talk" and Introduction to PROMPT technique. Allison has also received training in Natural Language Acquisition (NLA), a therapy approach for gestalt language processors and children communicating using delayed echolalia, Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for treatment of childhood apraxia of speech, Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning (LAMP) and introductory training in "Early Start Denver Model" (ESDM), a research-based developmental intervention for young autistic children. Allison has a strong background in sensory integration approaches and uses these strategies with many of the children she works with. Allison is a proud recipient of the ASHA ACE award for completing 70+ hours of continuing education between 2018-2020. 

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Allison's therapeutic philosophy centers around following a child's lead, nurturing their sensory needs, preferences and motivations and building communication confidence. A mama to a young child herself, Allison takes a natural and playful approach to therapy sessions and focuses on building strong and trusting relationships with children and families to further a child's communication development. She is genuinely fulfilled by her work and the wonderful children and families she works with every day.