Q: How do services typically begin?
A. The process begins with an initial consultation, where the client’s difficulties are identified through assessment, interview, and observation. Following this, a therapy schedule and goals are discussed with the client or family. Alternatively, more assessment may be needed to accurately identify the client’s needs. Speech and language therapy may be conducted weekly, biweekly, monthly, or simply on a consultative basis.
Q: Are services covered under my extended medical?
A. Clients may be covered for a portion or all therapy services via their extended health plans. Some clients may also access funding through Autism Funding or the At Home Program, if eligible. Please note that we do not bill insurance directly but do provide you with a detailed invoice/receipt for reimbursement. For comprehensive speech, language, or voice evaluations, which are accompanied by a formal report and recommendations, please email us directly for pricing as costs will vary depending on your needs.
Q: My child/teen has a lisp. How long will this take to fix?
A. Most lisps, or difficulty with the /r/ sound, can be remediated in 3 – 6 months of weekly therapy and home practice materials; however, there are always exceptions to this time frame. Some children require more/less time, depending on the severity. If there are suspected contributing factors, such as a restricted tongue or compromised airway, the SLP may refer you to a dentist or Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist (ENT) during the therapy process.
Q: I am a teen/adult who stutters, and I have hidden it from many people and am reluctant to seek out speech therapy. What can I expect from a session?
A. Think of the S-LP as a guide helping you to approach your stuttering with a different attitude, from fear to acceptance. You will become more aware of what happens to your body before, during, and after a moment of stuttering and we will work to help you communicate in an easier, more relaxed way. All sessions are completely confidential as we have strict regulations through our provincial college regarding client privacy.
Q: Can I change or improve my accent?
A. Yes, with persistence and practice, you will be able to change your pronunciation of English sounds. Please note that a foreign accent is NOT viewed as some type of disorder or impairment but, rather, it is merely a by-product of speaking more than one language. Individuals may want to reduce their accent for business or personal reasons and want to feel increased confidence and ease when communicating.
Q: Do you work with children with Autism? What is your approach?
A: Yes, we can provide intervention and assessment for adults, adolescents, and children who may also have a language-based learning disability or who require intervention for articulation, social, or voice challenges. We have additional training and expertise in Natural Language Acquisition (NLA), an approach that supports language development among ‘gestalt’ language processors. This framework respects and recognizes the value of echolalia and, rather than trying to extinguish it or replace it, acknowledges it as a natural part of language development.
We work from an approach of client centred care and empathic interaction. We do not subscribe to rigid behavioural models or cookie cutter programs which can often overlook the client’s unique strengths, challenges, and most importantly, what the Autistic person wants our help with. We do not treat Autistic individuals as ‘broken’ but, rather, as human persons needing support with navigating the complex social world while understanding their own gifts. We may use some less conventional yet evidence based methods including drama, art, and voice techniques to support confident communication. We may also use more traditional speech/language methods such as modelling, play therapy, role play, narrative techniques, and parent training.
