What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) (Speech Therapist), is a regulated health professional in Canada. In Ontario, we are professionally bound by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) ensuring we are qualified to practice, continue to maintain quality of practice by professional development, and abide by professional and ethical standards set out by the college and the government. SLPs can carry out any and all clinical tasks associated with providing speech and language services (assessment, goal setting, therapy, consultation, etc.)
Our scope of practice allows us to work with people of all ages, including toddlers learning to communicate, kids learning to read, adults following stroke or brain injury, or elders with dementia. The areas an SLP can help with include speech, language, communication, literacy, voice, fluency (stuttering), and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). Learn more about the areas in which Language Matters can help you by reading more below.
What is a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA)?
A Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA), is an unregulated healthcare support person. In Ontario, we have taken specific post-graduate training from recognized colleges who certify us as formally trained to support Speech-Language Pathologists by carrying out clinical tasks (within their scope) under the supervision of an SLP. We can also be called Communication Health Assistants or Speech-Language Pathology Assistants. CDAs lead therapy sessions, take notes, consult with the SLP and can help with other clinical tasks. CDAs cannot lead assessments, create goals, or change therapy plans independently.
Our scope of practice allows us to work with people of all ages, including toddlers learning to communicate, kids learning to read, adults following stroke or brain injury, or elders with dementia. The areas a CDA can help with include speech, language, communication, literacy, voice, fluency (stuttering), and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). Learn more about the areas in which Language Matters can help you by reading more below.
What can we help you with?
Language
WHAT we say & understand.
words, sentences, grammar, meaning
Social Communication
When we SHOULD
(or shouldn't) say it. And WHY we say it
Executive functions
What ELSE we use to say it.
Memory, attention, flexible thinking, organization, planning, etc.
Speech
HOW we say it.
pitch, loudness, fluency, voice, resonance, motor speech
Literacy
READING, writing & understanding it. sound awareness, narrative skills, dyslexia and more
Diverse Populations
We ALL can say it in our own way.
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and more.