Language Express

A child sitting on the floor high-fiving their parent

Preschool Speech and Language Program

Welcome to Language Express Preschool Speech and Language Program. Language Express provides speech and language services to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers and their families in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Counties.

Sign up your child

If you have concerns about your child’s speech and language skills, you can make a referral to Language Express. Your child will be seen by a speech-language pathologist who will assess your child’s strengths and needs, and work with you to build your child’s communication skills.

There are a few ways to refer your child for services:

For families

For community professionals (including physicians)

Due to privacy concerns, we cannot accept referrals by email.

If you are unsure if a referral is needed, visit our milestones page to check the communication expectations for your child’s age. Physicians and other professionals can make a referral here.

Help your child right now

EarlyON

Libraries

Lanark County Public Libraries
Leeds and Grenville Public Libraries

If my child is sensitive to sound…

Brushing teeth
  • Play music or sing while brushing. When the song is done, so is brushing.
  • Try headphones, a manual toothbrush, and visual cues to reduce sound stimulation.
Visiting the dentist
  • Bring headphones to play music or block out sounds.
  • Bring your own bib to avoid using the crinkly, noisy bib at the dentist.
  • Request a quiet room, or ask staff to turn off ambient music.
  • Request that staff use visual cues, such as gestures or pictures, to reduce verbal direction.

If my child is sensitive to movement…

Brushing teeth
  • Brush a quadrant, have a movement break (for example, wiggle, dance), then go back for another quadrant.
Visiting the dentist
  • Allow breaks as needed and use a visual timer to show when the next break is coming.
  • Offer a fidget toy.

If my child is sensitive to taste and smell…

Brushing teeth
  • Look for toothpastes with strong flavours.
  • Consider alternative toothpastes (for example, tasteless, foam-free).
Visiting the dentist
  • Dental staff: Use products with strong flavours.
  • Offer unflavoured toothpaste and fluoride.

If my child is sensitive to sight…

Brushing teeth
  • Brush in the mirror, with a hand mirror, or in the bathroom.
  • Consider a sensory bottle or spinning toys to watch while brushing.
Visiting the dentist
  • Offer a visual distraction through the use of AV projection.
  • Bring sunglasses for your child.
  • Dim the lighting, use fluorescent light covers, offer sunglasses, and reduce visual clutter.

Additional dental care support for neurodiverse children

1-888-503-8885 or 613-283-2742

« Working with parents, caregivers, and the community to help children develop the best possible communication skills for lifelong learning. »

psl footer train