Language & Literacy.
A language delay is when a child is not able to use words or understand communication in the way expected for their age. We support children with expressive language, receptive language, and literacy skills so they can communicate with clarity and confidence.
Expressive language
Expressive language is the ability to communicate using words, sentences, gestures, vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. Difficulties can affect how clearly a child shares ideas, tells stories, asks questions, and participates socially or academically.
Receptive language
Receptive language is a child's ability to understand words, directions, vocabulary, and the meaning of what they hear or read. Children can often understand language before they are able to communicate with words.
Receptive language delay
Difficulty understanding language can make it harder for a child to follow directions, respond to questions, learn new vocabulary, and keep up with classroom routines. Over time, this can contribute to learning or behaviour concerns because the child may be missing important information.
Common signs
- Slow language development.
- Little interest when people are speaking at home or school.
- Trouble following directions, especially when directions are given out loud.
- Often misunderstanding what was asked or said.
- Limited vocabulary or difficulty learning new words.
- Hearing or seeing words but having trouble understanding their meaning.
For example, if you ask, "Where is the dog going?" a child may respond with "The dog is barking" or "The dog is brown" because they understood part of the sentence but missed the question being asked.
Expressive language delay
Expressive language problems can make it difficult for a child to express themselves in an organized, coherent, and meaningful way. Support can help with vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, storytelling, and written expression.
Developmental signs
- Not babbling by 12 months.
- Not talking by 18 months.
- Not speaking in short sentences by age 3.
- Difficulty following directions.
- Difficulty putting words together in a sentence.
- Leaving words out of a sentence.
Everyday signs
- Using fewer words than peers.
- Using words that do not fit the context.
- Difficulty conveying information clearly.
- Challenges with oral or written expression.
Literacy skills
Learning how to read and write is crucial to academic success. We help children build knowledge of sounds and letters, improve decoding and reading comprehension, and strengthen writing and spelling so they can become more fluent and confident students.
How care is planned
During assessment and consultation, we look at your child's language development, strengths, and areas of concern. From there, we work with you and your child to create a treatment plan that reflects their needs, goals, language background, and cultural context.
Support is available from preschool through high school for reading comprehension, decoding, writing, spelling, vocabulary, sentence formulation, and other language-based learning skills.
Family-centered approach
Family involvement is central to a child's language development. We build strong relationships with children and caregivers, then work alongside the family to support communication goals at home, at school, and in the community.
We understand
Language delays can be frustrating and worrying for both children and parents. Our clinicians use evidence-based, culturally responsive therapy to support expressive language, receptive language, grammar, syntax, literacy, and social communication in a safe and inclusive space.
Help your child communicate with clarity and confidence.
Pediatric in-person services are available in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and Oakville. Virtual pediatric care is available across Ontario.