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1.
Parent Education
The more
you understand your child's difficulties, the more you will be able
to assist your child in therapy. You may also discover additional services
that they may need. Resources can be obtained from one of the following:
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2.
Early Stimulation
Often
children who are slower in their acquisition of language require more
structured language stimulation. This can be accomplished by:
- Reducing
the time they watch T.V. and increase the time they spend interacting
with others.
- Talk
to your child. Play more, read more.
- Enrol
your child in to a nursery school or child care. Children learn a
tremendous amount from their peers. They will also learn vocabulary
and language attached to standard classroom routines.
- Enrol
your child in to structure play times, swim lessons, gym programs.
These activities will expand your child's comprehension of language.
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3.
Early Intervention Services
If you
are concerned about your child's overall development including speech
and language, you may wish to consider a referral to Early Intervention
Services at 1-888-703-KIDS.
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4.
Mediators
If your child has a developmental disability, they may qualify for Special Services in the Home funding. Many families use this funding to hire a mediator who can design a treatment program for your child, incorporating the suggestions of a speech language pathologist.
A registry of mediators for York Region can be accessed through respiteservices.com or by calling 1-866-257-9776, ext. 247. The program is called CHAP (Community Helpers for Active Participation). Families have an opportunity to interview and hire a mediator with a variety of experiences.
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5.
Students, Volunteers
A less
costly form of mediation is to use students and volunteers. You may
try contacting the local University's and Colleges and inquire with
their Psychology Department, Early Childhood Education Departments and
Department of Speech Language Pathology.
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6.
Speech Language Pathologist -- Private Practice
Some families
will consider contracting the services of a private speech language
pathologist while they wait for publicly funded service. This is the
most costly alternative, however, many insurance companies reimburse
families for a portion of their fees. The insurance entitlement is renewed
at the beginning of each calendar year.
A registry of private speech language pathologists can be accessed through
the Ontario Association
of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists (OSLA) at 416-920-0361.
Click this
link to find Advice For Contracting
Private SLP Services.
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