AT SCHOOL
“I know the answer. I just need a way to say it.”
Language skills can affect answering questions, following instructions, explaining ideas and classroom participation.
SPEECH THERAPY CENTRES OF CANADA
Every voice deserves
to be understood.
Supporting Ontario families since 2008. Helping children, adults and families build stronger speech, language and communication skills.
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IF THIS FEELS FAMILIAR
You don't need to know the diagnosis to start asking questions.
Parents often notice the moment before they know the clinical term: their child is hard to understand, struggles to explain something, becomes frustrated while communicating or finds it difficult to join a conversation.
“
They know what they want to say. Why is it so hard for them to say it?
You do not need the clinical words before reaching out. Start with the moments you are noticing at home, at school or with friends — we can help you understand what may be getting in the way.
Hard to understand
Fewer words than expected
Communication frustration
Difficulty joining conversations
Talk to our team →
COMMUNICATION HAPPENS EVERYWHERE
Progress matters in the moments children actually live.
The goal is not simply to perform well during a therapy session. Communication should become easier where children need it most.
WITH FRIENDS
Joining the game starts with communication.
AT HOME
Some of the most important conversations happen here.
AUTISM & COMMUNICATION
Support that starts with how your child communicates today.
Our speech-language pathologists support children on the autism spectrum with functional communication, language development, social communication and everyday participation.
THE GOAL
Help your child communicate their wants,
needs, ideas and personality in ways
that work for them.
01
Expressing wants or ideas is difficult.
Your child may know what they want but need support communicating it.
02
Back-and-forth interaction feels hard.
Starting or participating in conversations may take additional support.
03
Understanding language can be challenging.
Directions, questions or everyday language may sometimes be difficult to process.
04
Communication frustration affects daily life.
Challenges may appear at home, school, during play or socially.
YOUR FIRST STEP
Your first appointment should give you clarity.
You don't need to arrive knowing exactly what your child needs. That is part of what the assessment helps determine.
Tell us what you've noticed.
What feels difficult? When does it happen?
We assess communication.
We look at relevant strengths and areas of difficulty.
We explain what we're seeing.
You should understand what it means and why it matters.
You leave with a next step.
If therapy is recommended, you'll understand the focus.
HOW WE HELP
Support for speech, language and communication.
You don't need to know the clinical category before reaching out. Start with what you're noticing.
01
Speech
02
Language
03
Autism & Social Communication
04
Fluency & Learning
SUPPORT ACROSS THE LIFESPAN
One team. Different communication needs.
From a child's first words to adult rehabilitation and professional communication, our services are organized around the person — not a one-size-fits-all program.
EARLY YEARS → TEENS
08 areas
Children & Teens
01Late Talkers & Language Delays↗
02Articulation & Speech Sound Disorders↗
03Autism Spectrum Communication↗
04Stuttering & Fluency Disorders↗
05Apraxia of Speech↗
06Social Communication Skills↗
07Reading & Literacy Support↗
08Feeding & Swallowing Difficulties↗
ADULTS → SENIORS
08 areas
Adults & Seniors
01Stroke Recovery & Aphasia↗
02Accent Modification↗
03Voice Disorders & Vocal Health↗
04Professional Communication Skills↗
05Stuttering in Adults↗
06Cognitive-Communication Disorders↗
07Traumatic Brain Injury↗
08Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia)↗
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ONTARIO AUTISM PROGRAM
OAP speech therapy for Ontario families.
The Ontario Autism Program supports families of children and youth on the autism spectrum. Families can access services from providers that meet their child's needs.
Under age 18
Children and youth must be under 18.
Living in Ontario
The child must currently live in Ontario.
Autism diagnosis
A written diagnosis from
a qualified professional is required.
OAP SUPPORT
Autism-focused speech and language
support for Ontario families.
SPEECH & LANGUAGE MILESTONES
What might communication look like at your child's age?
Children develop at different rates. Milestones are general developmental guides rather than a diagnosis.
Communication is beginning.
- Uses a few words
- Responds to their name
- Waves hi or bye
- Follows familiar directions
Words and gestures work together.
- Vocabulary is growing
- Communicates to request or comment
- Points to familiar objects
- Follows simple directions
Words become short thoughts.
- Uses short word combinations
- Vocabulary grows rapidly
- Understands more everyday language
- Communicates wants and needs
Conversation starts growing.
- Uses longer combinations
- Asks and answers questions
- Follows connected directions
- Talks about experiences
Ideas become easier to share.
- Uses increasingly complex sentences
- Tells simple stories
- Participates in conversations
- Uses language socially
Communication supports learning.
- Explains ideas clearly
- Follows classroom directions
- Retells events and stories
- Participates in discussion
SUPPORT ACROSS THE LIFESPAN
Speech therapy isn't only for children.
Adults may also benefit from support with communication, fluency, voice, cognitive communication, swallowing and other speech-language needs.
START WITH WHAT YOU'RE NOTICING
You know your child. We can help with the communication piece.
You don't need to know the diagnosis or clinical terminology before reaching out. Tell us what you're seeing and we'll help you understand what the next step could be.