FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS   about speech therapy

1. Do I need a referral?
No, clients can self-refer. Please start now! There is no need to wait for a referral. 

If unsure where to start, you can schedule an initial consultation (1-hour) with us to determine if your child would benefit from further assessment and treatment.

2. How much do your services cost?
Our services include direct and indirect time with our clients. Indirect time includes all the behind the scenes work such as charting, paperwork, and preparation. Travel cost depends on the client's location. Travel cost will be discussed and confirmed before starting services. ​

3. When should my child see a speech-language pathologist?
A "wait and see" approach is not recommended (Singleton, 2018). Late talkers are children "with early language delay despite typical cognition, sensory and motor systems, and the absence of genetic or neurologic disease." ​ At 18 months children should have at least 10-15 words and at 24 months, children should have at least 50 words and are beginning to combine words into two-word utterances. Research suggests that 1 in 5 children who are late talkers continue to have "clear, observable problems with language acquisition." Other late talkers may appear to catch up, but continue to have difficulties in language and reading tasks into adolescent. 

Early intervention is vital. Speech therapy services can help parents implement strategies to facilitate their child's language growth and reduce stress for parents. 

If you are concerned regarding your child's language development, check-out this form.
If you are concerned regarding your child's speech development, check-out this form. 
If you are concerned about autism or your child's social communication development, check out these two articles:

• Autism Navigator - Early Red Flags

• Hanen - Early Signs of Autism

4. Does my child need an assessment before starting therapy?
As every child's needs are different, an assessment can help determine your child's strengths and weaknesses and determine appropriate therapy goals. An assessment will take into account your child's unique situation and areas that you would like to address in therapy. If your child has completed an assessment recently (e.g., within the last six months), bring your written report in with you on your first session. All children starting services will likely have to undergo at least some informal assessment so that the SLP can determine what are your child's current abilities and what cues they would benefit from in therapy.

5. How long and how many sessions does my child need?
As every child's needs and concerns are different, frequency and duration of therapy sessions will vary. You are welcome to discuss this question with your therapist during your initial session. 

6. Do you have a waitlist?
We do not carry a waitlist, but you are welcome to fill out our contact form. Turnover occurs at sporadic times so we are unable to determine when clients are able to start therapy. 

7. What payments do you accept?
Currently, only e-transfers are accepted for private pay. You will receive an invoice and receipt of payment so that you can make an insurance claim through your extended health insurance. 

8. How can I pay for speech therapy services?
There are some charities and government agencies that provides funding for speech therapy services:

• Variety

• CKNW

• At Home Program

• Autism Funding Unit

• Post-Adoption Assistance Program

• Jordan's Principle

Cassie is on the RASP (registry for autism service providers) list in BC and can accept payment directly from your autism funding. 

9. What do home-visits look like?
We come to your home for speech therapy. This type of service if perfect for children who have difficulties transitioning between places, communicate better in familiar settings, or where travelling to the clinic is challenging for the family. 

Home-visits are quite similar to clinic visits except we bring the toys to you and we work on communication goals within a very meaningful context! Sometimes, the most challenging part of speech therapy is supporting children using language in contexts outside of the clinic visit. By working on communication goals at home, we can apply what your child is learning to their everyday routine right away!

We also provide speech therapy in the community - preschools, daycares, outdoor playgrounds, tutoring centers. You name it and we'll be there!

10. I would like to schedule an appointment. What should I do? 
Get in touch with us! Fill out our contact form with your concerns and availability and we can schedule your first appointment!