Language Express frequently asked questions

Services are provided free of charge and are available to children from birth until school entry.

We see children in clinic locations in Brockville, Gananoque, Kemptville, Perth, Smiths Falls, Carleton Place, and Lanark. Consultations may also take place at daycares or schools, and sometimes, when appropriate, at the child’s home. We plan to continue to offer some services via telepractice because it has been very successful for many programs and families.

Language Express uses the health-care version of Zoom video conferencing software, which is fully compliant with the Personal Health Information Privacy Act (PHIPA).

Speech and language assessment and therapy via telepractice can be successful for children of all ages. A parent or caregiver must be present and participating in all visits.

For younger children, visits focus heavily on parent education. When the children are present, we use a parent-coaching approach. The child and parent play while the speech-language pathologist or communicative disorders assistant observes and provides suggestions. The child is not expected to sit still or focus on the screen for long periods.

Older children are able to engage with a speech therapist through playing games and reading story books online, similar to what they would do in-person.

Yes. You need strong internet connection. If your internet connection is slow, connecting your device directly to your internet router with a cable may improve performance.

You will also need a computer, laptop, or tablet. A phone can be used, but the screen is very small and holding it can be distracting. It is best to set up in a room with a door that closes, and for you and your child to be sitting together with your device placed on a flat surface. Young children are often easily distracted, and it is easier to keep your child’s attention if you are in a closed room with fewer distractions.

No. We accept referrals from birth to September 1 of the child’s junior kindergarten year. We can help very young children, including babies.

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 help determine 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.

You talk and listen to your child more than anyone else. If you think your child may have a speech or language problem, please complete the Language Express Communication Check-up or call Language Express at 1-888-503-8885.

No. Approximately 10 to 12 percent 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 child may have a problem, call or complete the communication check-up right away. Don’t wait and see.

Some children begin talking later than others. Sometimes younger children find that they can make themselves understood by using gestures 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 concern, we don’t want time to be wasted before the child receives support.

No. Learning more than one language offers many benefits. A child usually says his or her first words between eight and 15 months, no matter how many languages are spoken in the house.

Exposing a child to more than one language will not cause a speech or language delay, or make an existing delay worse.

No. Anyone can make a referral including parents, doctors, caregivers, and people from other agencies. However, if someone other than the parent is making the referral, they will need parental consent.

Yes. Any child can have a speech or language problem.

Speech-language pathologists (SLP) are regulated health professionals who hold master’s degrees in communication disorders.

Speech-language pathologists are experts in the prevention, identification, assessment, and treatment of communication disorders, including language, speech, voice, and fluency disorders.

In Ontario, all speech-language pathologists must be registered members of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO).

Yes. Wait times vary depending on the time of year. Children are placed on the waiting list as soon as the referral is made, so don’t wait. We will provide you with some ideas and strategies to support your child while you wait.

Yes! Call our office at 1-888-503-8885 or 613-283-2742.