A speech language pathologist can assess your child’s needs and decide the type of program that is best suited for your child.
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a person specially trained to help people with speech and language problems. An SLP who has experience working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can help assess and treat communication difficulties related to ASD. The SLP can recommend specific ways to help your child develop communication skills. The use of alternative communication strategies can help both verbal and non-verbal children understand and use language.
Most regions in Ontario have publicly funded preschool speech and language services.
Contact the Early Intervention Service in your area by visiting www.oaicd.ca.
In the Greater Toronto Area, see Toronto Preschool Speech and Language Services listed below.
Toronto Preschool Speech and Language Services
The Toronto Preschool Speech and Language Services offer speech and language services to children from birth until the end of senior kindergarten. The services are free. An SLP will assess your child’s needs and decide the type of program that is best suited for your child.
You can visit www.toronto.ca/community-people/children-parenting/pregnancy-and-parenting/parenting/speech-language-vision-hearing/speech-and-language for more information.
Ontario Association of Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists
Some families will consider hiring a private SLP while they wait for publicly funded service. This can be very expensive but many insurance companies will pay for part of these costs. It is important to talk to your insurance company to determine if they will pay any part of this cost. A registry of private SLPs can be found at the Ontario Association of Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists. They will help you find a private SLP who has experience with ASD.
For more information, visit www.osla.on.ca.
Speech and language services for school-age children
Your school board may have a fairly long waiting list for speech and language services. When your child is in school, usually the help is given to your child’s teacher rather than directly to your child. Talk to your child’s teacher or school principal about speech and language services.