Halloween is right around the corner and we can’t wait! Halloween is a great time to incorporate language learning opportunities (just like every other holiday). There are objects, activities, and colours that we associate with each holiday, which give us a base to teach from. Here are some ideas to incorporate some halloween-themed learning at home: Make book-reading halloween related even if it’s just a regular book! Dress up like the characters in the book. Think simple co

“My child will only eat junk food” “My child refuses to eat vegetables” “My child gags at the sight of mushy food” “My child will not eat at school” “My child pushes away any food I offer them” If any of these statements remind you of your child, you may have a “picky eater” at your table. And you are certainly not alone: according to the Canadian Paediatric Society, 25-35% of parents in Canada report their toddler or preschooler as a "picky eater"(2012). When a child lacks a

Hi, my name is Elise. I am a fourth year University student, completing my Health Science degree in the Speech and Language Pathology, bilingual program, at Laurentian University. After graduating, I plan to continue volunteering while applying for a Master’s program in Speech and Language Pathology at Universities in Ontario. As I was searching for new volunteer experiences, I came across the Aurora Speech Clinic. It was an absolute pleasure volunteering for Stephanie and Ji

Speech-language pathologists are experts in the development of oral language and speech sound production skills. And since these skills are fundamental to literacy skill development, which is crucial for academic success, we also have a large role and responsibility in the identification and treatment of children with delays in early/emergent literacy skills. But what exactly are “emergent literacy skills” or “early literacy skills” and how can you work on them with your chil

Communicative Disorders Assistants (CDAs) are formally trained support personnel who assist with the delivery of speech-language pathology and/or audiology services. CDAs work under the supervision of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or audiologists. Education: In addition to an undergraduate degree or post-secondary diploma, CDAs hold a post-graduate certificate from a recognized Communicative Disorders Assistant college program. During their formal training, CDAs compl

Speech is a complex motor act that requires the co-ordination of the brain, lungs, vocal folds, and articulators (jaw, tongue, lips, etc). As such, it is common for young children to make speech sound errors while learning to talk and say new words. Generally speaking, speech sounds have an expected age range of acquisition; if errors persist past this age range, your child might be experiencing a speech production delay or disorder. Children with speech production delays/dis