Speech Therapy Services

Assessment

The first step for speech and language therapy is a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion about the background history, formal assessment using standardized tests, and informal observations. Usually a one hour session is required, however, for older children or more complex cases, more time may be required. The results of the assessment will be shared at the end of the session. Recommendations for therapy will be made following the assessment. Referrals to other service providers may also be recommended. Parents and caregivers are active members of the assessment process.

Therapy

Speech and language therapy may be recommended following an assessment, with the goals of optimizing communication skills and improving quality of life. These objectives are best achieved through therapies that are integrated into meaningful life contexts. Thus, involvement of caregivers in the therapy process is essential. Goals for therapy are selected based on the assessment findings, in consultation with clients and/or caregivers. Therapy sessions are usually 30 minutes in length, however, longer sessions may be required. Treatment sessions may be offered in a group, if appropriate and available.

Consultation

Sometimes assessment results and therapy progress should be shared with other professionals. At other times Marnie may require input from other providers involved in your child's care so that the most appropriate type of therapy is offered. Consultation may also involve Marnie visiting you in your home or at your child’s school. All of these services are available at Motor Mouth.

Publicly-Funded School-Age Services for Private School and Home-Schooled Students

Students attending private schools or who are home-schooled may be eligible for publicly-funded speech-language pathology services in Ontario through School-Health Support Services. To ensure all eligible students can access these services, parents and private schools need to know what speech-language pathology services are funded, and how to initiate a referral.

SBRS funds speech-language pathology services for:

• Speech sound disorders (i.e. pronunciation)
• Motor speech disorders (e.g. childhood apraxia of speech)
• Fluency (stuttering)
• Voice disorders (e.g. hoarse/raspy voice)
• Resonance disorders (e.g. cleft lip/palate)
• Feeding and swallowing disorders

Speech-language pathology services that are not covered: *

• Developmental language disorder (expressive and receptive language)
• Literacy (reading and writing, dyslexia)
• Social communication (autism spectrum and related disorders)

* NOTE: Even if a student has one of these excluded disorders, they may still be eligible for publicly-funded speech-language pathology services if they also have speech, fluency, or voice needs.

Referral Process

To begin the process, home-schooling parents and private schools can initiate a referral for speech-language pathology services through School Health Support Services. Once the referral is approved, you will need to find a qualified speech-language pathologist to provide the assessment and intervention services.

Marnie can help!

Marnie Loeb has been providing speech-language pathology services to students attending Guelph-area private schools for over 10 years. She is dedicated to making a positive impact on your students’ communication skills and overall development. Clients describe Marnie as flexible, dynamic, and engaging with students, caregivers, and educators alike.

Marnie knows how to set students up for success right from the start by designing interactive learning activities that cater to different learning styles and interests. This approach not only keeps kids motivated but also helps them practice their skills outside therapy sessions.

Marnie's mission is to ensure her students can access the school curriculum and thrive in the classroom. By working on their speaking skills, students also become more confident beyond the school environment.

Find out more about Marnie’s availability and therapy approach with school-age students by reaching out today!

Lectures / Presentations

Marnie is available to speak to your group on a variety of speech, language, literacy and other early childhood topics. Please reach out if you would like her to give a workshop or speak at your next event!