Why do we have an “in house” speech therapist?
In the classroom, many teachers don’t have the time or training to give neurodiverse students the individual attention and instruction they need to thrive. School Board SLPs are spread thin and are only able to address a limited scope of issues.
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are trained to identify language-based learning disabilities and implement techniques to help students continue to learn with their peers. This is important because language problems that go untreated in the early years of school are likely to continue into high school and adulthood. If language disabilities can be addressed early on, then students will be able to carry on learned techniques throughout life.
Our SLP can collaborate and work closely with our tutors, when necessary, to implement strategies. For example, the SLP can give the tutor specific guidance on what to implement based on assessments, such as activities and strategies that will help students understand complex sentences and vocabulary, comprehend written and oral information, and compile thoughts for speaking and writing. These skills are essential for students to feel confident in their work, perform their best in school, and be on a career pathway that they want, not one that is decided for them because of a disability.
What to expect:
Speech therapy usually begins with an assessment by our SLP who will identify any type of communication disorder and the best way to treat it. Speech therapy exercises and activities vary depending on your child’s disorder, age, and needs. During speech therapy for children, the SLP may:
- interact through talking and playing, using books, pictures or other objects as part of the intervention to help stimulate language development
- model correct sounds and syllables for a child during age-appropriate play, to teach the child how to make certain sounds
- provide strategies and homework for the child and caregiver/tutor on how to do speech therapy at home
Speech therapy for adults also begins with an assessment to determine needs and the best treatment, often following injury or medical condition diagnosis. Speech therapy exercises for adults can help with speech, language, and cognitive communication.
Exercises may involve:
- problem solving, memory, and organization, and other activities geared towards improving cognitive communication
- conversational tactics to improve social communication
- breathing exercises for resonance
- exercises to strengthen oral muscles
Speech-language pathologists are experts in communication.
Our registered SLP works with clients who have challenges with:
Speech sounds—how we say sounds and put sounds together into words (articulation or phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, or dysarthria, motor challenges and delays)
Language—how well we understand what we hear or read and how we use words to tell others what we are thinking (aphasia). This includes delays and challenges in expression and comprehension in oral and non-verbal contexts.
Literacy—Trouble reading, spelling, and writing. This includes pre-literacy, phonological awareness and decoding.
Social communication—how well we follow rules, like taking turns, how to talk to different people, or how close to stand to someone when talking (pragmatics).
Fluency —how well speech flows, i.e. stuttering.
Cognitive-communication—memory, attention, problem solving, organization, reasoning, and other executive functions.
Communication and swallowing disorders can be related to other issues, for example: hearing impairments; traumatic brain injury; dementia; developmental, intellectual or genetic disorders and neurological impairments.