SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is a health professional who helps people of all ages develop to their full potential in the areas of communication, feeding and swallowing.

SLPs at the CVCDA work with infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers and along side their parents or caregivers using a family-centered approach. SLPs ask parents about the priorities they have for their child and support parents in encouraging their child’s communication development in everyday activities and routines.

SLPs interact with children in purposeful, play-based activities to support a child’s communication development. In addition, SLPs collaborate with other members of a child’s team.

Communication may include:

• Understanding language
• Using language to connect with others in conversation and play
• Using clear speech sounds
• Speaking smoothly (versus stuttering)
• Socially connecting with peers and adults (social communication)

When Do You Need A Speech-Language Pathologist?

Children are often referred to SLP when they:

• Have speech errors that make it difficult for you or others to understand
• Are not talking or using fewer words than expected
• Show difficulties using words to tell others what they are thinking
• Show difficulties understanding language and/or following directions
• Get stuck on sounds and words (i.e., stuttering)
• Speak with an unusual voice (scratchy, raspy or nasal sounding)
• Show difficulties eating a variety of foods or drinking liquids

Who Can Refer?

If you have concerns or questions about your child’s speech and/or language, you can refer your child yourself. Public Health Nurses, Family Physicians, Pediatricians, Daycare Providers and other service providers at the Child Development Association can also refer for you.

What Happens After The Referral?

1. The CVCDA Family Advocate will meet with you to gather relevant information and consent for services.  The Family Advocate will share information and resources with you.
2. The SLP or therapy assistant will contact you to schedule an Initial Consultation (IC) appointment.

What Happens At The Initial Consultation Appointment?

During the IC appointment:

1. You will have an opportunity to talk about your priorities.
2. The SLP will provide you with information on your child’s development and offer suggestions and resources on how you can help your child.
3. The SLP will discuss plans for further services.  Sometimes this includes direct intervention and assessment, parent coaching, consultation or monitoring.  Referral to other service provider may be recommended.  Please note, there may be a wait for services to begin.

How Can I Help My Child At Home?

• Have your child’s hearing evaluated if there is a concern
• Celebrate your child’s communication attempts
• Practice using new words
• Expand on what your child says by adding more information
• Talk about the activities you do and places you go
• Model correct speech (it is not necessary to ask your child to repeat exactly what you say)
• Emphasize sounds that your child may find difficult to say, such as “sssssocks”
• Speak slowly and clearly, repeat for your child if necessary
• Give your child lots of time to respond
• Read books and talk about books with your child every day
• Provide opportunities for your child to talk and play with others

Meet The Team