Light of the World Speech Therapy
Serving families with compassion, purpose, and grace.
We provide personalized speech and language therapy designed to meet each child where they are. Through play-based, evidence-based care, we partner with families to support meaningful communication at home, at school, and in everyday life.
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What Services Do We Provide?
Evaluations & Specialized Services
Comprehensive Speech and Language Evaluation
We provide thorough speech and language evaluations to understand your child's communication strengths and needs. Our assessments include a combination of clinical observations, play-based interactions, informal measures, and standardized testing when appropriate. This allows us to see how your child communicates in real-life contexts, not just structured tasks. Results are used to develop clear recommendations and an individualized plan to support your child's communication growth.
AAC Evaluation
We provide comprehensive AAC evaluations to determine the most appropriate communication system for your child based on their unique strengths and needs. This process includes clinical observations, play-based interactions, informal assessment, and trials with a variety of AAC systems and devices. We consider factors such as language abilities, motor skills, access methods, and daily communication environments to ensure the best possible fit.
Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)
We provide comprehensive, independent evaluations for school-age children to support educational planning and IEP development. Assessments include a combination of standardized testing, observations, and functional measures to understand your child's communication needs within the school setting. We offer clear, detailed reports with recommendations to support services, accommodations, and goals that help your child succeed academically and socially.
Treatment Areas
Sensory-Based Therapy
Sensory-Based Therapy: We provide therapy that is thoughtfully designed to support children with sensory sensitivities, creating a safe and comfortable environment where they can learn and engage. Sessions are adapted to each child's sensory needs by adjusting noise levels, lighting, movement, and materials to help them feel regulated and supported. By incorporating sensory-friendly strategies and activities, we help reduce overwhelm, increase participation, and promote meaningful communication. Our goal is to help your child feel secure, engaged, and ready to learn.
Play-Based Therapy
We use play as a natural and engaging way to support your child's communication development. Through toys, games, and everyday interactions, we follow your child's interests to build connection, encourage language, and create meaningful opportunities for communication. This approach helps children learn in a way that feels fun, comfortable, and relevant to their daily lives.
Language Therapy
We support your child's understanding and use of language to help them communicate more effectively. Therapy targets skills such as following directions, answering questions, building vocabulary, and forming sentences. Activities are tailored to your child's level and interests to make learning engaging and meaningful. Our goal is to strengthen overall language skills so your child can communicate confidently in everyday situations.
The Heart Behind Light of the World
At Light of the World Speech Therapy, we are a compassionate, purpose-driven practice rooted in the belief that every voice matters. We are advocates, encouragers, and partners to the families we serve. Our work is guided by grace, patience, and a deep respect for each individual's unique journey. We believe communication is more than words — it is connection, confidence, and the ability to fully participate in the world around you. With warmth and intention, we walk alongside children, adolescents, and adults as they grow in skill, independence, and self-expression. We provide personalized therapy in the home, at school, or in the community, offering services at locations that are convenient for each family. Compassion, purpose, and grace guide everything we do, shaping how we serve and support every individual and family.
Meet the Therapist
Arlene Barreto, M.S., CCC-SLP
Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
Specialties
- • Pediatric Speech Therapy
- • Autism Spectrum Disorder
- • Gestalt Language Processing
- • AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication)
Hello, I'm Arlene Barreto, owner and lead speech-language pathologist at Light of the World Speech Therapy.
This practice was created from a deeply personal place. The name Light of the World comes from my faith and is rooted in John 8:12: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." This verse reflects the hope and purpose that guide my work each day.
During seasons of darkness in my own life, my faith sustained me—but so did the children and adults I had the privilege of serving. Individuals with communication and developmental differences brought unexpected joy and light into my life. Their resilience, honesty, and growth continually reminded me why this calling matters so much.
I was raised in Covina, California, and earned both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Thiel College in 2024. Since then, I've worked with individuals with complex communication needs, including AAC users, Gestalt Language Processors, and those with articulation and phonological differences, stuttering, and social-pragmatic challenges.
I believe communication is a gift—it allows us to connect, to be known, and to share who we are. It is truly a privilege to walk alongside families, supporting each individual in building meaningful, confident communication every step of the way.
Therapy by Age Group
Early Intervention (0-3 years)
Early intervention is critical for supporting development during these foundational years. I work with families to support language and speech development in natural routines and activities.
- • Communication development support
- • Early language skills
- • Parent coaching and family-centered support
- • Developmental milestones monitoring
- • Play-based therapy
Preschool (3-5 years)
Preschool-age children benefit from engaging, play-based therapy that builds communication confidence. I support skill development in fun, meaningful ways.
- • Speech sound development and articulation
- • Language comprehension and expression
- • Vocabulary building and conversation skills
- • Social interaction and play skills
- • Play-based and sensory-friendly therapy
School-Aged (5-18 years)
School-age children need therapy that supports academic success, social confidence, and peer relationships. I provide targeted support across all communication areas.
- • Articulation and phonological development
- • Language development and literacy support
- • Social communication and pragmatics
- • Motor speech and fluency support
- • AAC support and implementation
Ready to Start Your Communication Journey?
We'd love to help you or your child reach their full potential.
Request an Initial Evaluation