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What Do We Do?
Speech-language pathologists work in the areas of:
- language (expression and understanding);
- social interaction;
- oral-motor skills;
- feeding;
- speech and;
- augmentative communication (e.g., picture boards, sign language,
technical aids).
Our speech-language pathologists provide preventative, diagnostic,
and treatment services for children and their families who have
been referred to the Alvin Buckwold Child Development Program. Our
speech-language pathologists are also available to share information
and resources with teachers, daycare staff, and other community
agencies.
Who Do We See?
Our services are available primarily to preschool children living
in Saskatoon. Speech and language services for preschool children
residing outside of Saskatoon and for school-age children are provided
by local health regions and school districts. A family together
with their local speech-language pathologist may request consultation
services from us.
When Should a Child Be Referred To Us?
Communication development begins at birth. The first 18 months
of a child's life is a critical time for the development of feeding,
oral movement, speech, language, and social interaction skills.
We encourage families to see our speech-language pathologists early
in their child's development or whenever concerns arise. Our speech-language
pathologists offer a variety of assessment options. Speech-language
pathology assessments are often conducted with other disciplines.
We may also arrange individual appointments and/or specialty clinic
assessments (e.g., Feeding, Augmentative Communication).
Treatment
Children and their families may benefit from a variety of treatment
approaches depending on their needs. Our speech-language pathologists
consult with families about appropriate treatment options, which
may include any of the following:
- Parent Course
Parents attend several sessions with a speech-language pathologist
to share information about communication and oral-motor development.
Parents learn strategies (e.g., turn-taking, imitation, following
a child's lead) to assist in their child's development at home.
- Parent-Child Interaction Group
A speech-language pathologist provides additional opportunities
for parents and their children to practice strategies that were
introduced in the Parent Course.
- Small Speech and Language Group
Children (up to four per group) attend sessions designed to meet
specific speech and language goals and to promote social interaction
with peers.
- Individual Sessions
Individual sessions may be arranged for a child when his or her
needs are best met in a one-to-one rather than a group setting.
These sessions typically focus on feeding, oral-motor skills and
augmentative/alternative communication.
- Preschool Programming
Speech and language services for children who are enrolled in
the Combined Therapies Program (CTP) and the Afternoon Therapies
Program (ATP), which is jointly administered by the Child Development
Program and Saskatoon Public School Division. Speech and language
services for CTP/ATP and the Autism Early Childhood Therapy Program.
A Few Parting Words
Parents are the most important communication partners for their
children. We encourage parental participation at every step of the
assessment and treatment process. We receive many referrals for
speech and language services. Unfortunately, this means that families
often wait before they are seen by one of our speech-language pathologists.
Families are welcome to contact us about other resources that may
be available to them.
For further information please contact the Alvin Buckwold Child
Development Program at (306) 655-1070.
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