Speech & Language Services

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there a cost for speech and language services for children (0-5 years)?

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  There is no charge.

• What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?

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  It is important for children to have good communication skills. These skills help them learn and make friends. If preschoolers have problems speaking or learning to communicate, a SpeechLanguage Pathologist (SLP) can help.

  The SLP is interested in your child’s speaking, listening, and thinking skills. The SLP can give your child a speech/language assessment. The assessment helps the SLP determine your child’s strengths and weaknesses. You can refer your child for an assessment at the Community Health Centre/Office in your neighbourhood.

  The SLP will carefully study your child’s speech and language skills during the assessment. The SLP will use toys, books, and pictures to find out how your child does the following:

  • Makes and pronounces sounds,
  • understands words, sentences, questions, and directions,
  • hears and listens,
  • uses words to talk about ideas and feelings,
  • uses grammar and sentences,
  • moves his/her tongue and lips,
  • uses his/her voice

  The SLP is also interested in the structure of your child’s mouth and if your child stutters. Afterwards, you and the SLP will discuss the assessment and decide if your child needs to work with an SLP. If your child needs therapy, the SLP will inform you where it will take place, what time, how often, and how you can help. There is no charge for speech and language services for preschoolers. Call the SLP at your Community Health Centre/Office if you have any questions.

• When should I bring my child to a Speech-Language Pathologist?

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  See a Speech-Language Pathologist if:

  Understanding and using language

  • Your 2-year-old is not talking.
  • Your 3-year-old does not use 3-word sentences most of the time.
  • Your 4-year-old only uses sentences that are four words long.
  • Your child does not seem to understand what you or others say and cannot follow directions.

  Hearing

  • Often has ear infections and learned to speak later than most other children.
  • Only responds to people if your child can see them. 

  Voice

  • Has an unusual voice (scratchy, raspy or nasal sounding).

  Communicating with others

  • Cannot or seems not to want to start conversations with parents, caregivers or friends. 
  • Is embarrassed and/or frustrated when talking.

  Fluency/stuttering

  • Hesitates or struggles when talking.
  • Repeats words or sounds.
  • Stretches out words.
  • Stops and restarts when talking.

  Making sounds

  • Your 3 or 4-year-old is difficult to understand.