What is Speech Language Pathology?

Speech and language therapy improves speech/ sound production skills, oral motor function, language development and social communication skills. The role of the speech/language pathologist is to help the child become as successful as possible with communication.

Speech therapy addresses speech sound production and oral motor structure and function.

Language therapy addresses the understanding and use of auditory verbal language to communicate. Therapists use specific strategies and techniques, electronics such as computers and visual aids in empowering children and facilitating their speech, language development and communication skills.

When might your child need Speech Language Pathology?
You may need the services of a speech/language pathologist when:

o Understanding your child is difficult
o Speech or language development seems slow
o Speech patterns seem different from those of peers
o There is history of ear infections and colds
o Your child does not understand questions
o Your child uses gestures and pointing instead of words
o Your child’s voice is hoarse
o Your child stutters when speaking
o Your child has difficulty learning to read and spell

How can Speech Language Pathology help my child?
Speech-language pathologists provide assessment and direct therapy services to children aged 0 - 18 years who experience speech, language or communication difficulties. Children may experience challenges in one or more of the following areas: articulation of speech sounds, oral motor functioning, comprehension of language (e.g. following spoken directions),  expressive language (e.g. use of vocabulary and grammatical forms in sentences), voice production, social communication skills (e.g. turn taking, conversational skills, non-verbal communication skills), pre-reading and early literacy development. Both individual and small group therapy programs are available at blueballoon to help children improve their speech, language, and communication skills. Sessions are planned to target specific goals, but activities and therapy techniques always ensure the child is enjoying therapy. Parents are active participants in their child’s therapy program with home programming suggestions provided after each therapy visit to encourage practice at home between therapy visits.

No doctor referral is necessary. Please complete our Self-Referral Form - Click here.