Who We Help
Our team of experienced speech-language professionals use current, evidence-based methods for assessing and treating difficulties in the following areas:
Language delay
Typically, babies start to produce words as they approach their first birthday. Before these first words, they communicate through babbling, gesture and eye gaze. They show others that they are beginning to understand the language around them. For some children, these early communication skills develop later. These children may be at risk for speech and language delay and/or difficulty learning to read and write. A speech-language assessment can help to rule out factors that may be impeding the child's communication development. Effective treatment can prevent future difficulties. We will work with you to develop goals aimed at taking your child through the next steps on the path of communication.
If you are concerned that your child may have a delay in their understanding and/or use of language, please call us. We are happy to answer your questions and discuss your concerns. The following checklist, may also help you to decide if it's time to seek some guidance
Articulation Difficulties (i.e., unclear speech)
People of all ages can experience difficulty producing speech that is clear and easily understood by others. Speech articulation difficulties can have many different causes. A speech-language assessment will determine the speech error patterns of the individual and information about typical speech development will be provided. Through careful examination we will determine factors that may be causing or contributing to the problem. We will develop a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at maximizing speech clarity.
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Social Communication Difficulties
Our speech-language pathologists have a very high level of experience, expertise and knowledge about ASD. We strive to provide the most current and evidence-based treatment practices available. We work together with other professionals and parents to provide a customized treatment plan for each individual child. Our SLPs have extensive post-graduate training in numerous treatment philosophies. We believe strongly in supporting families in selecting goals and treatment approaches that best align with their values and goals for their child.
Stuttering/Disfluency
Many children experience periods of disfluency as their language is developing. They may repeat phrases, words or sounds, prolong the sounds within words, or seem to struggle in forming sounds and words. For some children, this persists and develops into stuttering. A comprehensive assessment can help determine the presence of risk factors for persistent stuttering. Early intervention can be highly successful for young children.
For older children, adolescents, and adults who stutter, we provide treatment programs that focus on each client’s own personal goals, whether that is to speak more fluently, to manage stuttering, to speak with more confidence or to work towards acceptance of stuttering.
Voice and/or Resonance Disorders
People may experience difficulty with their voice or resonance for many different reasons. A speech-language assessment will help identify the cause and/or contributing factors. Treatment will help to improve vocal quality and/or speech resonance.
Language-Based Learning and Reading Difficulties
Whenever a child is struggling with learning to read and write, a speech-language assessment is an essential component of a comprehensive evaluation. We will look closely at their phonological awareness skills, sound-symbol association, reading comprehension and written language. Our customized treatment plans will work to enhance all skills needed to improve reading and writing abilities.
Communication Difficulties Associated with Neurogenic Diseases and Disorders(e.g. Stroke, Acquired Brain Injury, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, MS, etc.)
Sometimes people acquire a language disorder as a result of an illness or sudden event. Speech-language assessment and treatment programs are individualized, based on the presenting problems and concerns.
Accent Reduction Therapy
While the presence of an accent is not a disorder or a delay, some people feel their accents interfere with their daily interactions at work or in social situations. Accent reduction or modification treatment helps build awareness of specific speech sounds and patterns in standard Canadian English.
Swallowing Problems and Feeding Concerns
People of all ages can encounter difficulty with feeding and swallowing. Speech-language pathologists examine all aspects of swallowing to determine the specific issues involved, and provide programs to address these issues.
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