Speech-Language Pathology
What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Speech-language pathologists screen, assess, identify, and treat speech, language, voice, fluency (stuttering), swallowing and feeding problems for all age groups in addition to advocating for the prevention of these disorders. Speech-language pathologists are regulated health professionals with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario.
How do I know if a child or youth needs Speech-Language Pathology services?
- Difficult to understand or having to repeat themselves
- Says less words than you would expect for their age
- Not combining words at 2 years of age
- Difficulty telling a story in order
- Challenges with reading
- Hard time making friends
- Seems to play by themselves or hard to engage
- Behaviour challenges (often children that have trouble communicating using words resort to less-desirable behaviours to communicate)
- Difficulty understanding long instructions
- Picky eater – eats less than 10 different foods
- Stuttering
- Rough sounding voice or other voice changes
How do I refer a child or youth for Speech-Language Pathology services?
To learn more, or refer a child or youth for SLP, please complete the online referral form or contact the special education team at your child’s school.