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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do babies understand what we say to
them?
Babies do not understand the meaning of all the words we say
at first. Babies learn about sounds and words when we talk
to them. Talk to your baby often while you are bathing,
feeding or changing him or her. Your baby is learning about
sounds and how they become words. These are the building
blocks to learning language. Your baby will learn about
language from hearing you talk.
2. Can a parent tell when his or her
child is having a problem in developing speech and language
skills?
You talk and listen to your child more than anyone else. If
you think that your child has any kind of speech or language
problem please call Language Express at 1-888-503-8885.
3. Should I wait until my child starts
school to seek help with speech and language problems?
No! 10-12% of preschool children have speech and language
difficulties. These children will do much better if they get
help with their speech and language when they are very
young. If you think your preschooler may have a problem,
call right away. Don't wait and see!
4. Is it common for younger children in
families not to talk?
Some children are late to start talking. Sometimes younger
children find that they can make themselves understood by
using movements and noises instead of using their words.
Sometimes older children may speak for the younger ones.
Parents should make sure that younger children are
encouraged to talk just as much as the older ones. It is
never a good idea to wait and see if a child will start
talking. If there is a problem we don't want time to be
wasted before helping the child.
5. Will my child grow out of the
problem?
Some children do grow out of speech or language problems but
it is best not to wait and see. The sooner a problem is
discovered the sooner we can help.
6. If we speak more than one language at
home, will it cause our child to have a speech or language
problem?
No. A child usually says his or her first words around the
same age, no matter how many languages are spoken in the
house.
Exposing a child to more than one language will not cause a
longstanding speech and/or language delay. Exposing a child
to more than one language may mean that he or she will say
his or her first words slightly later than a child who is
exposed to only one language, however it should still be
within normal limits (8 to 15 months).
7. Should I worry if my child stutters?
Children often repeat words or phrases when they learn to
talk, and many of them will outgrow this. Some won't. A
Speech Language Pathologist can tell you if your child's
stuttering is cause for concern. It is very important to get
help for a child who is stuttering as early as possible.
8. Do I need a doctor's referral to have
my child seen by PSL Services?
Anyone can make a referral including parents, teachers,
doctors, caregivers, and people from other agencies.
However, if someone other than the parent is referring your
child they will need parental consent.
9. Can a smart child have a speech
problem?
Yes! Any child can have a speech or language problem.
10. What qualifications does a Speech
Language Pathologist need to have?
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) are regulated health
professionals who hold Masters degrees in Communication
Disorders.
SLPs are experts in the prevention, identification,
assessment, and treatment of communication disorders,
including language, speech, voice and fluency disorders.
In Ontario, all SLPs must be registered members of the
College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of
Ontario (CASLPO).
11. What is the cost?
Services are provided Free of charge and are available to
children from birth until the beginning of their Senior
Kindergarten year.
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