Speech-Language Therapy Program
We offer help to children under the age of six who have difficulties learning to communicate. You’ve come to the right place if your child:
- Is over the age of 18 months and hasn’t begun to use words yet; or
- Is over the age of 3 years and isn’t talking in sentences; or
- Has difficulty following instructions, answering questions, or participating in conversation; or
- Is difficult to understand; or
- Seems to be stuttering; or
- Has difficulty relating to other people; or
- Has a delay or disorder that can affect speech and language development (such as Down syndrome, seizures, cerebral palsy, autism, hearing impairment, or other developmental delays.)
The “Speech” program has staff who are fully qualified Speech/Language Pathologists (SLP for short.) SLPs in BC must have a Master’s Degree in Speech/ Language Pathology. We are also certified to practice by our National Association (the Canadian Association of Speech/Language Pathologists and Audiologists – CASLPA) and registered with our Provincial Association (BCASLPA.)
When we become involved with you and your child, we will usually want to spend some time getting to know your child’s strengths and needs. After this, services can include: giving you suggestions and materials to help your child develop better communication skills; working directly with your child, alone or in a small group with other children; or visiting your child’s preschool or daycare. Children who seem to be progressing, but are considered “at risk” for communication difficulties, are often seen for check-ups every few months. We also offer some parent training programs.
Depending on your child’s needs, your schedule, and other programs involved, we can work with your child here at NONA, at your home or childcare setting. We can also work together with other professionals at NONA. We aim to work together with families as much as possible, and we strongly encourage you to be involved in your child’s program. The more involved you can be, the better your child’s progress will be. It is also important to realize that learning communication skills is a process that takes time, so your child may need to be involved with our services for several months or longer.
The SLP program is in great demand, so we have a waiting list for regular therapy that is over a year long. However, we try to do an initial consultation within a month of receiving a referral, and check-up appointments every few months after that.