Autism

When a child is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it can be overwhelming. All of us at the MacPherson Communication Clinic are here to support you, your child, and your family.  Whether your child is not yet speaking, is labelling objects, or needs some help with the potentially “tricky” world of social communication, we are here to help. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) focus on “real” communication in everyday life. We are trained to consider speech, language, play, reading, behaviour and social communication and how these factors work together in everyday life. Together with our team of Communicative Disorders Assistants (CDAs) we are here to help you navigate the process of making communication gains.

At the MacPherson Communication Clinic (MCC) our goal is to help your child learn to communicate in the best way they can. Our team of SLPs and CDAs have training in Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) which supports children who are not yet speaking to communicate their wants and needs, and those that are verbal to improve sentence structure and vocabulary. Our therapists have trained in various Hanen programs, including “It Takes Two to Talk” and “More Than Words”. In addition, we have experience using Alternative Augmentation Communication (AAC) devices for children who may need an alternative means to support their communication; both low tech and high tech. We are experienced in creating social programs for children with ASD, to help them better communicate and play with their siblings and peers. 

As a team, we work with individuals across the lifespan, from toddlers to adults, to help them reach their communication potential. We support the individual, families, friends, schools and other significant people in the “real world” to establish realistic and functional goals that will have a meaningful impact on day-to-day life.

Funding for your child to receive speech and language therapy may be available through the Ontario Autism Program https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-autism-program, and/or your extended health benefits company.

We look forward to meeting you!