Frequently asked Questions:
Why are we called Communication Place?
We chose the word communication instead of speech or speech therapy because as Speech Therapists, we work on so much more than just talking or speech sounds. We also work on all the different ways of communicating including but not limited to: sign language, using pictures, using devices such as an IPad, and writing. We wanted to be inclusive of children who use any of the above modalities.
What are your qualifications?
I have been a speech pathologist for 9 years working with children with a variety of communication needs and medical diagnoses. I have a Masters degree in Speech Pathology from The University of Sydney in Australia. I am certified through SAC and a member of Speech and Hearing BC. I’m in good standing with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC.
The major trainings I have completed:
Hanen
It Takes Two to Talk
More Than Words
Talkability
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT)
Early Start Denver Model
SOS Approach to Feeding
JHMJ Parent Coaching
Palin Parent Child Interaction Therapy for Early Childhood Stammering
Please refer to the About section for full details.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
If you feel your child requires speech therapy services, you are able to self-refer by filling out the intake form or contacting us. Some funding companies may need an external referral so please contact your funding source prior to the initial session
Does my child require speech therapy?
There is rough guide of time when children develop communication skills. Children can begin babbling between 6-9 months. Children’s words can emerge anywhere between 10-18 months. Children are deemed as “late talkers” if they have fewer than 50 words by the time they turn 2. At 2, you should be able to understand 50-75% of their words or sentences. As Speech Language Pathologists, we are able to provide parents with tools to facilitate the growth of vocabulary and language. If you are interested, feel free to fill in our intake form. If you have questions, please contact us.
Is therapy covered by benefits?
Some extended benefits cover a certain portion of the therapy fees. You should discuss this with your benefits provider prior to the session.
If your child has a diagnosis of Autism, we can bill Autism Funding.
Your family may also be eligible for other grants or programs: CKNW Kids fund, Variety Children’s Charity or At Home Program.
What can I expect in sessions?
For the first session or two, we will discuss the family’s main concerns, the Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) will ask some case history questions and the SLP will build rapport with the child. By building rapport, this increases a child’s motivation to engage with the Speech-Language Pathologist.
If a child requires a formal assessment, this will take place after the first two sessions. Assessments may vary in length of time depending on the attention of the child and may take multiple sessions.
Therapy will target the goals discussed with the family. No matter the communication need, whether it be AAC, speech clarity or pronunciation, language delay etc., the SLP will use a play-based approach. Research has shown that children are more motivated to learn through play and will feel like sessions are not “work”. Parents are encouraged to participate in sessions if able.
Sessions usually finish with a parent discussion where the SLP can answer questions, review goals targeted in session or emphasize strategies to focus on before the next session.
How long are the therapy sessions?
The length of each session, frequency and duration of therapy are catered to each family or child. Some factors that we take into consideration are: your child’s attention span, behaviors, diagnosis, family financial abilities and/or severity of the speech or language disorder. We can schedule anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour for a therapy session or an hour to two hours for an assessment session.
Do parents have to stay in a session?
We encourage parents to watch and participate in sessions if possible. We believe that empowering parents with strategies and training is important in ensuring progress. Parents spend the most time interacting with their children therefore, they can target the goals more often in daily routines. This ensures that the skills learnt in session will be practiced more naturally and transferred to everyday interactions.