Speech and Language Therapy

What is the Difference Between Speech Therapy and Speech and Language Pathologist?

Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) is the title of the professional who does speech therapy.

What is the Difference Between Speech and Language?

Speech refers to the sounds we make when we talk. This includes clarity of words (articulation) and flow of words spoken (speech fluency or stuttering). Language refers to the words and gestures that are both used and understood (verbally and written) to communicate with others.

What Does a Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) do?

Speech and Language Pathologists (SLPs) help children and youth with communication.

Support with communication could include:

Encouraging a child/youth to learn and use words and gestures to communicate (expressive)
Understanding messages from others (receptive)
Teaching skills to say words and speech sounds clearly (articulation)
Learning strategies to support stuttering
Learning social skills (greetings, turn taking, social awareness)
Teaching a child/youth how to use technology to communicate (alternative or augmentative communication)
VOICE therapy - having a hard time producing sound/noise that comes out - separate from articulation - vocal chord function

SLPs also support young children with feeding and swallowing.

Gender affirming voice and communication services for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth

How Does an SLP Help a Child/Youth and their Family?

SLPs work with families to decide on goals
SLPs spend time with a child/youth using play or fun activities to learn how they communicate
SLPs may provide ideas and strategies to support communication goals
An SLP may do a swallowing assessment and give ideas to help a child swallow food
They may provide families with resources or connect families with other services.

How to Make a Referral

Anyone can refer a child or youth to the Terrace Child Development Centre (TCDC) with permission from the parent or guardian. To refer, you can either call the TCDC at 250-635-9388. You can also fill out a referral form.

If you are unsure whether your child/youth requires speech and language therapy, feel free to refer and indicate what your concerns or goals are. Our staff will support and direct you to the appropriate services.

Please contact us for more information regarding our programs.

For any school related speech therapy needs, please contact your school team/administration.