Finding Help

When it comes to finding help for children’s speech, language or reading difficulties, we’re fortunate in Canada. We have a robust and wide range of services available that are funded publicly. We also have private services that address children’s needs quickly and conveniently for families.

Recently, a follower of The Mom & Caregiver asked about how to get help for their school-aged child. Generally, a parent can access private services directly any time. Sometimes, if a person is using their benefits to pay for services, their insurance provider may require a doctor’s referral. Otherwise, a referral isn’t needed for private services. 

To access services in the public sector for school-aged kids, the first step is to talk to your child’s teacher about your concerns. They can refer directly to the school’s Speech-Language Pathology services. How long you wait for services in school and what kind of service your child receives depends on your child’s age and varies by school board. The type of service you receive also varies by school board: in some boards, your child will receive an assessment and direct service. In others, your child will get an assessment and “consultation” in accordance with the board’s policies.

Your Friendly Neighbourhood Speech Pathologist can move things along as you please. A call is often all that is needed to book an assessment within a couple of weeks and therapy can start as soon as the assessment is completed. In most cases where a parent is concerned about their child’s development, the concerns are legitimate, and services should start as soon as possible. So, if you’re concerned, just give us a call and we can help right away!

 

Mohamed (Mo) Oshalla, MHSc.,
Speech-Language Pathologist & Executive Director,
Ontario Speech & Language Services