What Does it Mean if my Child is Referred to the Speech-Language Pathologist?
School-aged children can be referred to a school-based Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) any time during the school year if parents or teachers have concerns regarding a child's communication skills. A referral does not mean that a child has a speech or language delay. It simply means that the child may benefit from a speech-language assessment to further outline their communication profile and identify helpful supports (if warranted). Parents will be informed of the reason for a referral to a school-based Speech-Language Pathologist and will be asked for their consent prior to any speech-language assessments being conducted with their child.
After a referral has been made, the Speech-Language Pathologist will make arrangements with the school to assess the child’s communication skills. Strategies to support the child's communication skills may be recommended based on the results of the child's speech-language assessment. These may include classroom strategies, home programs that parents can use to work on specific areas at home with their child, individualized school programs (delivered by school staff or the SLP), and/or referrals to outside agencies.