Experience Clear and Effective Communication

The Power of Communication

Choosing an SLP

Contacting an SLP

Working with an SLP

How to Choose an SLP

Speech and Language Pathologists (SLP), also known as Speech Therapists, are experts in communication. In Canada SLPs require a Master’s Degree and Certification from their provincial Regulatory Body to work in their field. SLPs work with people of all ages on communication and swallowing problems, and help to promote and maintain communicative health through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of communication disorders. Some SLPs employee Communication Health Assistants (CHA), in which case they are responsible for verifying their training and clinical competence. SLPs may delegate and oversee direct therapy to their Communication Assistant. You can read more about CHAs here https://speechandhearingbc.ca/working-with-chas-in-your-practice/

Consider asking for this information before choosing a Speech-Language Therapist:

Confirm they are a registered SLP.
Do they have experience working with the skills you need supported (speech sounds, language, social communication, voice, fluency, feeding / swallowing).
Do they have experience working with the specific medical diagnosis (autism, apraxia, hearing loss, cleft lip/palate, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury).
Who will be working directly with your child (SLP or CHA).
What do their sessions typically look like.
How will they support your child’s motivation and ensure they feel comfortable in sessions.
What approach most informs their therapy style.
How do they envision parental involvement in a child’s therapy.
How will they support you to help your child make progress.
Ask for an example of a goal they might work on.

When Should I Contact an SLP

Parents are the experts with regards to their own children. If you have any concerns about your child’s ability to communicate, trust your gut feeling and contact a Registered SLP to inquire further. Whether this is your first child and you’re unfamiliar with typical speech-language development, or this is your third child who presents differently, a Speech-Language Pathologist can put your mind at ease and/or direct you to your the best next steps.

Consider

If children and/or adults have difficulty understanding your child, but this is not the case with other children their age.
If your child appears frustrated when trying to communicate (hitting, biting, grabbing, temper tantrum)
If your child’s speech or language errors result in communication breakdowns.
If your child speaks in sentences, but is not making sense.
If your child has a limited shared interest in others.
If your child is not attempting to interact / communicate.
If your child feels self conscious about their speech.
If at 12 months your child is not responding to their name.
If at 12 months your child uses a person’s hand as a tool.

If at 14 months your child is not using any words.
If your child does not appear to be reaching the appropriate milestones https://cytrynspeech.com/one-question-asked-often/

How You Benefit from an SLP

A Speech Language Pathologist will explain if your child presents with delayed or disordered speech-language skills, help you understand your child’s communication profile of strengths and weaknesses, and work with you to enhance communication skills with the ultimate goals of improving communicative competence and confidence for academic and social success. Speech-Language Pathologists use evidence-based methods in their intervention, and will determine which therapy approach your child benefits from most.

SLPs also offer education and training to parents or other professionals working with your child. This type of indirect intervention may enhance accommodations for your child across different settings, establish consistent support for meaningful goals, or introduce tools and resources specifically related to your child’s needs. And because parents have busy lives, SLPs train parents to become effective language models / teachers with this in mind.

What I do...

Testimonials

Lisa is amazing at what she does. She is very professional and friendly and has built a strong connection with our son. Without Lisa, our son’s speech would not be where it is today

Lisa brings a warm and welcoming energy to her sessions. She tailors each lesson and gives assignments that we can easily incorporate in our day-to-day activities. Lisa is professional and patient, and very good at what she does. I highly recommend her!

Lisa’s patience and strategic approach to our son's complex speech and language challenges have helped him to become an effective communicator and advocate for himself. She is caring and innovative, and makes sure sessions are engaging. Lisa's unwavering commitment to our son's progress and well-being, is testimony to her dedication to her clients and their families.

Lisa is experienced, knowledgeable and supportive, and we are fortunate to work with her. My son looks forward to sessions because Lisa is creative and makes them fun. I value her neuro-affirming approach and am overjoyed my son has come such a long way!

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