Speech and language pathology is concerned with issues surrounding human speech and language communication disorders. Speech and language pathology is primarily concerned with disorders of verbal communication.
Who is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Speech-language pathologists typically have completed a graduate program in speech and language sciences that includes intensive supervised clinical practice with children and adults in the areas of speech, language, hearing assessment, and remediation. In addition, most employers require speech-language pathologists to be eligible for certification.
What is Speech-Language Therapy?
Speech and language services at the Comox Valley Child Development Association are provided to children (birth to school entry) with identified communication needs. These services include assessment, treatment and ongoing support to families and caregivers.
The therapist's objectives are:
- To reduce or eliminate the child's known communication disability;
- To reduce the effects of the child's chronic communication disability for the purpose of optimizing growth and development;
- To support and strengthen the skills of families, caregivers and other service providers to enhance the communicative functioning of the child.
What kind of Communication difficulties do children experience?
Some difficulties children may experience with communication include:
Speech Difficulties...
- Articulation delays/disorders
- Oral motor difficulties
- Speech difficulties due to structural disorders
- Stuttering
Language Difficulties...
- Language learning difficulties
- Language difficulties after traumatic head injury
- Language difficulties due to neurological disease
Voice Problems...
- Voice problems due to cleft palate
- Voice problems due to vocal abuse
How can I access these services?
A referral for speech and language services is accepted from any source (e.g. parent, physician, supported child care consultant, infant development consultant) as long as the child's parents have given consent. The parents are key players in the child's assessment and therapy program and every effort is made to accommodate the parent's schedule and specific needs. In accordance with the family centred approach, the speech-language pathologist works collaboratively with the family members so that they can make informed decisions throughout this process.
Submitted by Jennifer Lewis, Speech-Language Pathologist
250-338-4288 Ext. 229
For more information on Speech-Language Pathology, visit:
Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
British Columbia Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
