Frequently Asked Questions

There are many reasons why a child might benefit from working with a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), even if their speech is considered "fine." SLPs can help with a wide range of issues related to communication and language development, including:

Articulation (the way sounds are made)

Fluency (stuttering, for example)

Voice (pitch, volume, or quality of the voice)

Receptive language (understanding spoken or written language)

Expressive language (using spoken or written language to communicate)

Social communication (using language appropriately in social situations)

Additionally, SLPs can also help with feeding and swallowing problems, cognitive communication disorders, and language-based learning difficulties.

It is important to identify any issues early on and work with a professional who can help your child reach their full potential. An SLP can work on developing strategies to help improve their communication skills, and give you and your child the tools to improve their language and social communication skills.

The frequency and duration of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) sessions can vary depending on individual and family needs, and the recommendations of the SLP. In general, therapy sessions are typically held once or twice a week, with each session lasting 30 to 60 minutes.

For individuals with more severe communication disorders, the SLP may recommend more frequent or longer sessions. For individuals with milder disorders, fewer or shorter sessions may be sufficient.

The frequency and duration of therapy sessions can be adjusted as needed based on progress and goals. The SLP will work with the individual and his or her family members to decide on a schedule that works best for everyone involved. 

As a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in your child's speech and language therapy. There are several ways you can be involved in the therapy and communicate with the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP):

Work with the SLP to set therapy goals that are relevant and meaningful to your child and your family.

Keep in touch with the SLP regarding your child's progress and any concerns you may have. 

Ask how you can carry over therapy in your home.

It's important to have open and regular communication with the SLP, so that you can understand the therapy process, and how you can best support your child at home. The SLP will also provide feedback and updates on your child's progress, and make any adjustments to the therapy plan as needed.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can help adults following an acquired brain injury in several ways. 

They can assess and treat communication and language disorders, including difficulty with speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. 

They can also evaluate and treat cognitive communication disorders, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving difficulties. 

Additionally, SLPs can work with patients to improve their swallowing abilities, which can be affected by a brain injury. 

They may also provide counseling and support for patients and their families to help them adjust to the changes caused by the brain injury.

On your first appointment with our Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), you will be required to fill out an intake form. This can take some time, so it is recommended to arrive at your appointment 10 to 15 minutes early.

Once you have completed the intake form, your RMT will bring you into a treatment room where they will ask about any recent injuries or health conditions.

This is done by our RMT conducting an assessment of your conditions. following completion of your intake form.

Questions will include if you have had a massage prior to the visit, what you currently want to treat, if you have recently eaten, and other factors that may affect your treatment.

During this time, our RMT will work with you to create a treatment plan based on what you have shared with them. Your treatment plan should include specific areas of the body where they will be working and how the draping will be done to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.

Post assessment of conditions and establishing a therapy treatment plan, our RMT will recommend the level of undress for the massage. However, it is a common misconception that you need to be fully undressed during a massage.

A therapist will be able to treat you fully clothed if that is how you feel most comfortable. The level of undress during treatment is always up to you.

While uncommon, massage does effect vascular circulation which for some could elicit a headache. Also, excessive pressure on the sinus cavity from being face down in the face rest could bring on a headache. Anytime you feel excessive congestion, which is quite common, turn your head to the side to help you breathe. Communicate with your therapist if your face rest is uncomfortable because it’s angled too low or too high.

Communication is key during your treatment. Your therapist will check in throughout the session, but you are ultimately in charge. If you are too cold, too hot, want to be covered, are not comfortable with a part of your body being touched, don't like the music, or have any other discomfort, tell your therapist. Our RMT understands and will read your body mechanics. They will adjust their techniques as need be and lessen/deepen pressure if treatment calls for it.

FIX: Chatty or quite therapist 

Social Workers can provide counselling services, help with navigating the health care system, and they help individuals access support resources and information. 

The counsellor will work with the client to come up with some goals that they want to work towards. Sessions are a mix of conversation between the client and counsellor, education, and activities. Each therapy session will look a little different depending on what the client is hoping to work on. 

The counsellor will offer a free consultation before committing to therapy. In the consultation we will review what you want to work on in therapy and the counsellor will provide you with the necessary information you need to get started.

Most of what we discuss is confidential. However, there are limits to confidentiality based on legal obligations and obligations set by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers where a Social Worker is bound by law to report information that has been provided to them. As this is a legal obligation, the Social Worker can report this information with or without consent. Your Social Worker will typically review the specifics of confidentiality prior to any discussion being held with a client to ensure that you have an understanding of what is and what is not covered under the confidentiality agreement. Outside of these circumstances, all information is confidential. 

Although Spark has provided solely therapy services to adults in the past, we are excited to announce that our clinic can now provide that same adequate and exceptional theraputic services to children and adolescents through our Pediatric Social Worker.

A CDA is a communicative disorders assistant. They work children and adults who require support with speech or language. CDA’s provide treatment related to speech and language delays, literacy, stuttering and fluency, autism spectrum disorders, social skills, brain injury, stroke and cognitive communication. 

The SLP is the supervisor and oversees the client. The treatment provided is covered under their professional licence. An SLP will complete assessment, set treatment goals and follow up on process. The CDA carriers out the treatment goals. 

CDA’s can provide one-on-one therapy, group therapy, therapy within schools or community settings, and training to family members, or school teams. 

This is decided between the SLP and the family, based on the child’s goals and needs. Typically a child is seen on a weekly basis 

An RBS is someone who will work with your team of professionals, for example speech or occupational therapy, to help each individual reach personal goals in gaining back independence after a physical injury or brain injury. 

Clients will benefit from having an RBS as they will have one on one support when working towards the goals set with the clinical team. They will also have someone with them when a client is trying to do day to day activities that they might not be able to handle alone.

Sparks RBS' are different because we have a multi-disciplinary team of professionals who work with us. Our support staff is available anytime when an RBS runs into an issue or has questions. 

The services provided by our RBS' can sometimes be covered through insurance if it's a Motor Vehicle Accident claim, or through Jordan's Principal if it's a child needing support with everyday activities.

RBS' can help better your life as they will work with you and meet you where you are at, and yet still push you to do your best in day to day life. Teaching lifeskills and modeling accepted behavior in social environments. We work with your team to help reach goals set forth.