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• Speech-Language Pathologists
are the professionals who identify, assess, and treat speech
and language problems.
• Speech-Language
Pathologists at the Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres
work with preschool children who experience speech and language
problems which may be related to:
* developmental delays
* learning impairment
* autism/pdd
* physical impairment
* cognitive impairment
* inadequate stimulation
• Service Ratios for
Preschool Children (ratio of speech-language pathologists
to preschool children)
British Columbia - 1:1500
New Brunswick - 1:1200
Nova Scotia - 1:3279
Ontario - 1:2000
• In Nova Scotia
20 Speech-Language Pathologists provide services to preschool
children as compared to 50 Speech-Language Pathologists
providing this service in New Brunswick.
• As a result of low
numbers of Speech-Language Pathologists in Nova Scotia:
* Some children with communication disorders are not identified
* Children identified with communication disorders can wait
12-18 months to receive services.
* Many children do not have adequate communication skills
upon entering school.
* Many children who could have improved their speech and
language skills with adequate support in the preschool years
are entering school at a significant disadvantage.
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