What is speech-language therapy?
Speech-language therapy is a service provided by a regulated professional to assess, treat, and support speech skills, language development, communication skills, eating/feeding challenges, voice, and swallowing disorders.
Under the supervision of a registered Ontario Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) — as regulated by the College of Audiologists & Speech‑Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) — we can help your child to increase their:
- Expressive and receptive language (understanding, using words and sentences)
- Pragmatic/social communication (interaction, conversational skills, non-verbal cues)
- Speech production (articulation, clarity)
- Fluency (e.g., stuttering)
- Voice quality (pitch, loudness, resonance)
- Augmentative & alternative communication (AAC) for children who require support beyond speech
- Feeding/swallowing when relevant
- Supporting participation in school, home and community.
Will my child benefit from speech-language therapy?
Our services are designed for children and youth (ages 2 through 18) who may experience neurodevelopmental challenges such as:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
- Intellectual or global developmental delays
- Learning disabilities with associated language difficulties
- Cerebral palsy or other motor/sensory-related communication impairments
- Hearing impairment in conjunction with language challenges.
Why choose our speech therapy?
We deliver services that incorporate current research and best-practice guidelines to support language and communication outcomes.
We believe that meaningful progress happens when families, schools, and therapists work together. Parents and family members are a vital part of the journey, and parent coaching is available for those who want to take a more hands-on, collaborative approach to their child’s therapy journey.
Sessions are engaging and developmentally appropriate. Activities may include play-based language learning, social skills groups, AAC implementation, and collaboration with educators or other professionals.
We regularly track progress against the goals and regine the plan as needed. Families and educators receive updates and training/support to reinforce gains in daily life.
What does speech therapy look like?
Under the supervision of our SLP, services will include:
- An assessment of strengths and challenges for speech and communication,
- Discussion of family priorities and goals,
- Development of an individualized goal plan,
- Direct therapy delivered by a speech therapy assesstant trained in working with children/youth, and
- Ongoing direct (virtual) supervision by the SLP.
Does my child need a doctor’s referral or assessment?
No, a doctor’s referral is not required.
Previous assessments (if current) will be helpful and may decrease the need for additional testing.
How often should sessions occur?
Frequency depends on the assessment and goals. Some children benefit from weekly sessions, others from more frequent or shorter-term specialized supports. A personalized recommendation will be provided after assessment.
Does insurance or public funding cover services?
Some extended health benefit plans cover registered SLP services. Additionally, if your child is participating in publicly funded programs (e.g., for ASD) or government-sponsored supports, our clinic can provide invoices and documentation to assist. Please check your individual plan requirements.
What are the costs of speech therapy?
The cost of speech-language services is similar to other regulated health professional services. The hourly rate is based on the education and training of the person delivering the service.
There are often other associated fees to cover travel time, travel Km, report writing, assessments, meetings, before/after therapy/lunch time care, etc.
Can I, or another family member, be present during the session?
Absolutely, we love when parents and other caregivers participate in sessions. Parents are always welcome to observe and be incorporated into their child’s programming.
What about school involvement?
We strongly encourage collaboration with the school team. We can provide strategies for educators, attend school meetings if needed, and support the transfer of skills into the classroom environment.
Next steps
If you’re ready to start or wish to explore whether our service is a fit for your child, please contact us.
We are happy to schedule a free initial consultation where we can answer your questions, discuss your child’s unique communication needs, and share how our program and facilities can support your family.