Your child is never too young to see a speech-language expert

Early intervention speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in serving children from birth to kindergarten.

“I love to see children for their first assessment when they are under two years of age,” says Bonnie Johnson, an early intervention SLP in Salmon Arm. “If a child needs help, therapy is usually faster and more effective under 30 months of age. Early intervention is my jam!”

Bonnie enjoys collaborating with parents and caregivers to celebrate what is going well with their child’s communication and to troubleshoot things that are challenging.

In an initial visit, SLPs like Bonnie look at many areas:

• How your child lets us know what they are thinking and feeling, such as using gestures and words
• What your child understands
• How they interact with others
• The sounds they’re making, such as vocalizations and speech sounds

SLPs share information with parents and caregivers about early communication milestones. They also teach strategies that help children learn language, as well as answer any questions parents and caregivers have.

Jaslyn Dunger is an SLP in Vernon. “We want to hear all your thoughts, concerns and questions,” she notes. “Even if we get to tell you that all is well, that’s a great use of our time. The more informed families are, the more informed our community is. We appreciate when families share what they have learned with others.”

Early referrals (even before 30 months of age) help SLPs plan the most appropriate services for children. These services may include individual or group therapy, caregiver coaching  or periodic check-ins. The goal is to help children learn to communicate effectively to set them up for success now and in the future.

Kelowna SLP Monica Nelson elaborates. “We want to help your child effectively communicate with you and reduce frustration. We also know that this early talking is the foundation for later self-expression, cognitive development  and academic skills.”

Interior Health provides free early intervention speech-language pathology services at 17 clinics across the region. Anyone can refer, including parents and caregivers.

For more information on how to make a referral, and to download resources on communication milestones and strategies, visit our Speech-Language Pathology: Infant, Toddler & Pre-Schooler (0-5yrs) webpage.

May is Speech & Hearing Month in Canada! This month, Speech-Language & Audiology Canada shines a spotlight on communication health and the life-changing work of SLPs and audiologists.

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