As a firm believer in early intervention, it is never too early to seek advice if you feel there are signs of a speech or language delay. Although speech and language skills develop at different rates in each child, if you have concerns about your child’s communication skills, or if others are having trouble understanding them, it is best to schedule a consultation. Speech and language skills are essential to academic success and learning. Difficulties with the development of speech sounds can result in difficulties later with reading, spelling and overall learning skills. Early intervention—preschool speech therapy— is key to helping children develop strong communication skills.

I offer the option of working with individuals at their home or school on Vancouver’s North Shore. It is best to ask your school if they will accommodate such an arrangement. Travel fees apply.

Yes, when required. Attendance at team meetings allows a mutual exchange of information between your private speech-language pathologist (SLP) and other professionals working with your child. Your child benefits when all practitioners are aware of each other’s goals, strategies and recommendations to support academic and social success. A classroom observation allows your private SLP to observe first hand how your child responds to the classroom routine, environment, peers and instructions, and also check in with the teacher about specific concerns. The observations are shared with the classroom teacher in the form of suggestions to boost your child’s success in the classroom. Meetings and classroom observations are usually scheduled outside of regular therapy appointments and are billed at an hourly rate. Travel fees apply.

Parents are encouraged to stay for an assessment. If a parent is unable to attend then another family member or caregiver should attend. This will help put your child at ease and more easily allow us to exchange information. It is not necessary for parents to attend each therapy session in full. However, it is important to at least be present for the last 10-15 minutes of the session to review the week’s goals and homework. When staying for a session, parents are encouraged to turn off their phones and attend to the events of the session.

Length of therapy varies depending on factors such as: the specific speech or language problem, the nature and age of your child, pace of learning, and both quantity and quality of practice. Families typically notice some improvement after approximately eight sessions.

Quantity and quality of practice is needed to replace old speaking habits with new ones. Newly learned skills become more natural, comfortable and automatic when practiced. Practice is strongly recommended to consolidate and carry over new skills to daily routines. During our sessions I will review the skills and techniques to practice at home.

Yes. I am happy to liaise with any other professionals working with your child. Your child’s school may have policies regarding private therapists. It is best to let your school SLP know that you plan to work with a private SLP as well. We can discuss how to collaborate and address specific goals for the maximum benefit to your child.

There are standards for developmental milestones. If it appears as though your child is behind what is expected for their age, it’s a good idea to book a consultation with a speech language pathologist. For reference you may look at the Speech Language and Hearing Milestones.