Preschool Program (Ages 1-5)
Following an initial consultation, treatment typically involves a combination of counselling and monitoring, parent coaching, or supplementation with fluency skills. Sessions by phone or video conference are an option for Ontario residents who are unable to attend sessions in person.
Our preschool programs are based on an understanding of the individual needs of preschoolers who stutter and their families. There is no one-size fits all. Treatment is comprehensive and founded on research-based approaches and more than 20 years of clinical experience. We are currently commissioned by the Ontario government to train other Speech-Language Pathologists across Ontario in the area of preschool stuttering.
All families begin with an initial consultation. This is our opportunity to:
● evaluate your child’s particular needs and risk factors for persistent stuttering
● provide you with information and treatment recommendations
● recommend some helpful things you can begin to do right away to help your child at home
Prior to the initial consultation families are invited to complete an intake questionnaire and provide a video sample of your child stuttering at home. A parent handbook with helpful suggestions will be sent to families as well.
There are many different approaches to helping your child with their stuttering. Your SLP will advise you on the best option for your child.
Counseling and Monitoring
Develop a home program based on your child’s specific needs
Receive ongoing clinical support and monitoring of progress by phone, email, or in-clinic
Palin Parent-Child Interaction Approach
Learn and refine home treatment strategies during approximately 6 weekly sessions followed by approximately 6 weeks of clinical support by phone
Lidcombe Program for young children
A behavioural approach to stuttering treatment based on parent feedback
Typical treatment time is 12-20 weeks followed by structured maintenance support
Supplementation with Fluency Skills
You and your child learn skills for breathing, pausing, voicing, or mouth movements to support fluency. Parents learn to support skills in day to day speech
School Age Program (Ages 6-13)
We offer individual, telepractice or weekly group sessions for school-age children (6 years and up) who stutter. All clients are seen for an Initial Evaluation prior to enrolling in treatment. This meeting will determine the therapy approach best suited to each child’s needs.
Treatment typically involves teaching a set of fluency-enhancing and positive self-talk techniques to improve fluency and overall confidence in speaking. Transfer of fluency techniques to every day speaking situations and long-term maintenance of skills are components of each program. Treatment is tailored to children’s individual needs. We have found that the best treatment outcomes are achieved when there is consistent attendance, regular home practice, and parental involvement.
Telepractice is an option for all Ontario residents who are unable to attend the clinic in person.
During this 60-minute appointment, A Speech-Language Pathologist may complete some or all of the following:
- Review your child’s case history
- Evaluate stuttering severity and its effects on your child’s life
- Assess your child’s readiness to participate in a treatment program
- Individual treatment (45 minute weekly sessions, 16 weeks)
- Parents/caregivers participate in the sessions
- Individual treatment (45 minute – 1 hour sessions, typically 20-24 weeks)
- Weekly group treatment (1.5 hours/week, 20 weeks + 4 follow-up sessions)
- Summer Intensive group treatment (Monday-Friday, 9am – 12pm for 3 weeks + 10 one-hour follow-ups)
- Upcoming Virtual Group: July 2-19, 2024 (Registration is now open! Space is limited to 7 participants)
Click here to view our summer intensive program flyer
July 2-19, 2024 (virutal group)
Click here for a program information flyer
- 3-week school-age intensive therapy program
- Up to 7 participants
- Mondays through Fridays
- 9:00am – 12:00pm
- 10 one-hour virtual group follow up sessions on a monthly basis throughout the year