May is Speech and Hearing Month in Canada

May 4, 2023

Early identification of speech, language, and hearing concerns is more important than ever right now, as we see increasing evidence that the pandemic has put many young children at higher risk for problems with communication development.

At the Language Express Preschool Speech and Language Program we encourage you to take the time this May to check that the babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in your life are on track for communication success. Complete the online Language Express Communication Checkup on our website at www.language-express.ca. The Communication Checkup screens for speech, language, and global development every 6 months from birth to 4 years of age. Parents can make a referral to Language Express online after completing the Checkup, or can call our office to make a referral or ask questions at 1-888-503-8885.

Language Express provides speech and language assessment and therapy services for young children in Lanark, Leeds, and Grenville counties. Services are free and are available from birth until Junior Kindergarten. The new deadline for referrals is September 1 of year the child is eligible to start Junior Kindergarten. This means that children born in 2019 must be referred by September 1, 2023.

Families with concerns about hearing should talk to their family doctor or contact the Southeast Infant Hearing Program at 1-855 544-3400, extension 3175 for more information about hearing testing.

Earlier referrals lead to better outcomes. Children’s brains are developing incredibly rapidly in the infant, toddler and preschool years and studies have shown that early intervention has more impact on a child’s future well-being and success in school than the same amount of intervention provided when the child is older. 

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