When my child comes for an assessment:
The assessment of your child’s speech and language will be completed by a Speech-Language Pathologist, who is registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario. The assessment appointment will last about one hour. In most cases, you will be in the room with your child during the entire assessment.
All tykeTALK Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) are specially trained to work with very young children. During the assessment, the SLP will ensure that your child is feeling comfortable. The SLP will have a variety of toys and familiar objects available. This will help your child to feel comfortable. The SLP will want specific information from you, based on a completed Focus© Parent Questionnaire that will be sent to you when an appointment has been confirmed. You will be asked to bring the completed form to the assessment. The Focus© questionnaire takes a snapshot of your child’s skills as they are now. Specific information regarding how to complete it will be sent to you with the questionnaire. You are encouraged to add any information that you feel would be helpful for the SLP to know.
Before you come, write down any questions or other information about your child’s development and bring it with you. It will help the SLP to get to know your child. If your child has a hard time warming up to new people bring some of their favorite toys.
Depending upon the age of your child, and the stage of your child’s language development, the SLP will use specific tests to determine your child’s communication strengths, and areas where there may be challenges. The tests are fun, and use toys and pictures to keep your child’s attention. This will help your child to do their best. All of the tykeTALK speech and language pathologists are experienced in working with young children. We want the assessment to be a positive experience for your child.
If you have other children, it will be easier for you to be involved in the assessment, if you make arrangements for care for your other children. If this is not possible, the SLP will do their best to accommodate you.
At the end of the assessment, the SLP will discuss the findings with you. Recommendations for therapy will be made, when necessary. Other options for programming for your child will be shared with you at this time. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions. If therapy is recommended, it will begin as soon as possible. However, due to the great demand for our services there may be a wait depending on the type of therapy that is decided upon. You will always be given some suggestions of things you can do at home to help your child’s speech and language skills develop following the assessment.
To schedule an assessment for your child contact our Intake Team at 519-663-0273 or Toll Free: 1877-818-TALK, or contact us to arrange a call back.
Assessment services are also available in French.
