Which of the following are signs your child might need a hearing test?

1. Often saying “what?” or “huh?”
2. Consistently watching television with the volume turned up high
3. Frequently tugging or pulling on ears
4. Difficulty in school
5. Delayed speech skills (pronunciation)
6. Delayed language skills (understanding and expression)

 
 
Answer: All of these!
 
A child may experience hearing loss for a variety of reasons. Temporary hearing loss can result from ear infections, or fluid in the ears. Tugging or pulling on ears may be a sign a young child is experiencing discomfort from an ear infection. An older child may watch television with the volume up high or frequently ask for repetition. Over time, multiple ear infections can negatively impact speech and language development (and later, academic performance). Audiologists have the skills and equipment to assess hearing, even in young children. The first few years of a child’s life are a critical learning period. Early intervention is key.
 
If you have concerns about your child’s speech and language skills, call for a free phone consultation.

True or false?

1. Virtual services are live and interactive
2. Virtual services allow families who cannot otherwise attend in-person sessions to receive services
3. Virtual services allow health professionals to work with individuals in their natural environment
4. The College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) has provided guidelines for telepractice since 2004
5. Pets can be included in virtual sessions

Answer: #1-4 are true (well #5 may also be true…)

Telepractice is using technology to provide services remotely. The use of videoconferencing technology allows families to access services at home, which is especially important for those living in remote areas that may not otherwise be able to access these services. Participating in virtual sessions saves families time traveling to and from appointments and provides the opportunity to work on their goals in their natural environment (useful for generalizing skills to everyday life). It is also an opportunity to involve other family members, such as grandparents and siblings (and pets?) in the learning process. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many health professionals have implemented the use of telepractice as a safer alternative to face-to-face appointments. Research on the efficacy of virtual speech and language services is growing. Speech-language pathologists use clinical judgement based on experience, in accordance with CASLPO’s guidelines, to determine when the use of virtual services is appropriate. If you have questions about the use of virtual services for your child, call for a free phone consultation.
 

True or False?

1. S-LPs are regulated health professionals
2. S-LPs must successfully complete a master’s degree in speech-language pathology (or equivalent)
3. S-LPs must successfully complete a mentorship with a more experienced S-LP when they first begin to practice
4. S-LPs must engage in professional development activities
5. S-LPs must maintain patient/client confidentiality

 
Answer: All of these are true!

Speech-language pathologists practicing in Ontario must be registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) which sets out practice standards and guidelines, and implements the Quality Assurance Program. S-LPs are required to participate in a mentorship program for 6 months (minimum) after they have completed their master’s degree. They must continue to earn a minimum of 15 Continuous Learning Activity Credits (CLACs) every year to enhance their knowledge and skills. S-LPs are also required to follow privacy laws in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).

For more information, visit: www.caslpo.com, www.ipc.on.ca

Not all toddlers who are late to start using words will simply grow out of it. Which of the following are risk factors that suggest a child may have ongoing difficulty with language?

1. Being a “quiet” baby
2. Having a history of ear infections
3. Using mostly nouns (people, places, things), and not many verbs (action words)
   
4. Having a family history of communication delay, learning or academic difficulties
   
5. Having difficulty understanding language
6. Not using many gestures to communicate
7. Being born on a Thursday

Answer: 1-6 are risk factors
Early intervention leads to better outcomes. If you have concerns about your child’s speech and language development, call for a free phone consultation.

Source: “How to Tell if Your Child is a Late Talker – And What to Do about It” by Lauren Lowry

 (Scroll down for answers)

1. Calling a dog a "woof woof"
2. Saying "wook" instead of "look"
3. Mixing up the order of words in a sentence (e.g., "I can have it, please?" instead of "Can I have it, please?")
4. Difficulty pronouncing the "r" sound
5. Saying "her riding" instead of "she is riding"
6. Leaving out syllables in words (e.g., "mato" instead of "tomato")

Language includes understanding words and concepts and expressing ideas using sounds, gestures, signs or words. Speech includes how words are pronounced. It is possible to have difficulty in one or both of these areas.

Answers: 1, 3, 5 = language; 2, 4, 6 = speech
Surprised?

Speech-language pathologists identify, assess and treat speech and language difficulties. If you have concerns about your child's speech and language development, call for a free phone consultation.