Frequently asked questions

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) assesses and treats difficulties with speech sounds, language understanding and expression, stuttering, voice, social communication and swallowing. In Ontario SLPs hold a master's degree and must be registered with CASLPO.

Speech is how sounds are produced: articulation, fluency and voice. Language is the system of words and sentences used to understand and express ideas. A child can have difficulty with one, the other or both.

A common rule of thumb is that unfamiliar listeners understand about half of what a two-year-old says, three-quarters at age three and nearly everything by age four. Our intelligibility estimator compares your child with these benchmarks.

Most 18-month-olds say at least a handful of words and understand far more. If your child has no words, is not pointing or gesturing, or does not respond to their name, it is worth an assessment. In Ontario you can self-refer to the free Preschool Speech and Language Program.

Research supports speech-language pathology intervention for speech sound disorders, language delay and stuttering in young children, especially when parents are involved. Progress varies from child to child, and no clinician can promise a particular outcome.

Some children do, particularly mild speech sound errors on late-developing sounds like R and TH. Others do not, and it is hard to predict from the outside. An assessment gives a clear picture, and a speech-language pathologist may recommend monitoring rather than therapy.

Parents are a big part of any good plan, and daily short practice at home often matters more than the session itself. Our at-home activities guide and the practice tools are built for this. They do not replace an assessment, which tells you what to practise.

Private speech-language pathology is not covered by OHIP. Publicly funded services exist through the Preschool Speech and Language Program, school boards, Children's Treatment Centres and hospitals. Many extended health plans cover part of private fees.

Contact your local Preschool Speech and Language Program directly. It is free, families can self-refer, no diagnosis is needed, and the program serves children from birth until they start school. Our city pages name the agency and phone number for sixteen Ontario cities.

Rates vary by region and clinician. Typical ranges are roughly $110 to $180 per hour for therapy and $300 to $600 for an initial assessment. Our cost calculator helps estimate a block of sessions after insurance.

Search their name on the CASLPO Public Register. Anyone using the title in Ontario must be listed there. Our guide walks through it step by step.

Yes. Core clinical services funding through the Ontario Autism Program can be used for speech-language pathology delivered by a CASLPO registrant.

Services will begin once the clinician's registration with CASLPO is confirmed. The waitlist is the easiest way to hear first.

Yes. Virtual appointments across Ontario are planned first, with in-person options to follow.

No. It is a single email when services open, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

CASLPO's Advertising Standards prohibit registrants from using testimonials or reviews in advertising. We follow those standards now, before launch, and will continue to.