Children's Services (up to 18 years old)

Speech Sounds Disorders (SSD)

Speech sound disorders in children encompass a range of difficulties related to the production of speech sounds.

Articulation disorders specifically involve challenges in forming individual sounds impacting clarity in pronunciation.

Phonological processes refer to patterns of errors in organizing and using speech sounds within a language, impacting overall intelligibility.

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder where the messages from the brain to the jaw, lips and tongue interrupt coordination of the precise movements needed for speech. Unlike articulation disorders, CAS involves difficulty planning and executing the complex sequences of movements required for accurate speech production.

Early identification and intervention play a crucial role in addressing SSDs, and promoting effective speech, language, and literacy development in children. Treatment approaches often include speech therapy, tailored to the specific needs and challenges presented by each child.

Language Delay (Late Language Emergence, Late Talker)

Language delay in children refers to a delay in the development of language skills compared to their peers. Late language emergence and late talker are terms used to describe specific aspects of this delay.

Late language emergence typically refers to a situation where a child exhibits delayed language milestones in the early years of development, often noticeable by the age of two. On the other hand, a late talker specifically refers to a child who has a limited vocabulary or difficulty forming sentences despite reaching the expected age for language development.

Children with LLE may have expressive language delays only, or they may have mixed expressive and receptive delays. Children with expressive delays show delayed vocabulary acquisition and often show delayed development of sentence structure and articulation. Children with mixed expressive and receptive language delays show delays in oral language production and in language comprehension.

Early intervention through speech and language therapy has shown effectiveness in addressing language delays. Therapy may include activities to improve vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills. Parental involvement is crucial, as practicing language-building exercises at home reinforces the progress achieved during therapy sessions.

It’s important for parents and caregivers to be aware of developmental milestones and seek professional guidance if they suspect language delays in their child. Timely intervention can significantly enhance a child’s language skills and overall communication abilities.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Autism Services in Hamilton, Niagara Region & Across Ontario

At Mountain Speech Language Services, we believe every child, teen, and adult deserves to be understood, supported, and celebrated for who they are. Our Autism Services are rooted in a neurodiversity-affirming approach that focuses on strengths rather than “fixing.” We meet each individual where they are, offering care that is inclusive, family-centered, and filled with compassion.

We proudly serve families in Hamilton, Niagara, rural communities, and virtually across Ontario through our secure, easy-to-use teletherapy platform. Whether in our office, your home, your community, or online, we bring the support you need, wherever you are.

Our Approach: Celebrating Every Child & Adult

Being neurodiversity-affirming means that we recognize and celebrate the unique ways each person communicates, learns, and connects. We do not seek to change who someone is or force them into a mold—they are already whole. Instead, we:

Honour all forms of communication — speech, signs, gestures, visuals, AAC, or non-verbal communication
Provide sensory supports so individuals feel safe, calm, and ready to engage
Build on strengths, interests, and values
Support self-advocacy, confidence, and everyday communication skills for meaningful participation in life

At our Hamilton office, we also offer a special sensory room, Christopher’s Way, created in memory of our founder’s brother. This calm, welcoming space allows individuals to feel regulated, supported, and safe as they participate in therapy.

Services in Many Languages

No family should miss out on care because of language barriers. Through our translation service partners, we provide therapy in French, Indigenous languages, and more ensuring that families can access therapy in the language that feels most natural to them.

Where We Work With You

In our Hamilton or Niagara offices
In your home, within familiar surroundings
Virtually across Ontario through state-of-the-art teletherapy
In rural and remote communities, bringing services directly to families

Support Across the Lifespan

For Children & Teens

Speech and language therapy
Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) & Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) framework
Parent and caregiver coaching
Sensory supports and group programs for communication, sensory play, and learning
Therapy that supports Ontario curriculum goals and homeschooling families

For Adults – Passport Funding Supports

For neurodiverse adults, we also provide individualized programs funded through Passport Funding. Our Rehab Support Workers (RSWs) and Literacy Instructors help build:

Financial literacy (budgeting, banking, money management)
Transportation skills (navigating public transit, route planning)
Employment & education supports (resumes, job applications, interview prep, school applications)
Daily living skills & self-advocacy to foster independence and confidence

Our Training & Expertise

Families can feel confident knowing our team is trained in:

Neurodiversity-affirming care
Trauma-informed practice
Non-violent crisis intervention
Sensory integration approaches
Alternative & Augmentative Communication (AAC), both low- and high-tech
Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) & Natural Language Acquisition (NLA)
Supporting complex medical needs with compassion and expertise

Working Together

We believe in wrap-around care and collaborate closely with our community colleagues:

Occupational therapists
Behaviour specialists
Counsellors and mental health providers
Family support and respite services

Together, we ensure families receive the comprehensive support they need.

Funding Options & Accessibility

We never want cost to be a barrier to care. Services may be covered through:

Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

Passport Funding (adults 18+)

Ontario Autism Program (OAP)

Jordan’s Principle

Extended health benefits

If your family is waiting for funding or facing financial challenges, please contact our Owner & Clinical Director, Melissa Mascio. We will do our very best to make services accessible.

Referrals Welcome

We warmly encourage referrals from professionals, schools, physicians, and community partners. Together, we can ensure families receive timely and meaningful support.

At Mountain Speech Language Services, every person deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated—exactly as they are.

Language-Based Learning Disability (LBLD)

A language-based learning disability (LBLD) is a neurological condition that affects a person’s ability to understand, use, and process language. In children or adolescents, LBLD can significantly impact various aspects of their academic performance.

In terms of schooling, individuals with LBLD may struggle with tasks that involve language, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They might face challenges in understanding and following verbal instructions, leading to difficulties in classroom participation and comprehension.

Academically, LBLD can impede progress in subjects that heavily rely on language skills, like reading and writing. Reading difficulties often manifest as slow and inaccurate decoding, making it challenging for students to grasp the meaning of written text. Writing may be affected by issues with spelling, grammar, and organizing thoughts coherently.

In the classroom, students with LBLD may experience frustration and anxiety, impacting their self-esteem. Teachers play a crucial role in identifying and supporting these students through targeted interventions and accommodations. Specialized instruction, such as multisensory approaches to reading and writing, can be beneficial.

Overall, understanding and addressing language-based learning disabilities early on is essential for providing tailored support and ensuring that affected children and adolescents can navigate the academic challenges they face.

Literacy

Literacy assessment and therapy play a crucial role in identifying and addressing language-based reading and writing difficulties.

By assessing literacy skills, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can identify specific challenges individuals may face, such as difficulties in decoding, comprehension, or fluency. Phonemic awareness, involving the understanding of sound-symbol relationships, serves as a fundamental building block for literacy. Working on these skills early can significantly impact a child’s overall academic success.

The collaborative approach between a teacher and an SLP enhances the effectiveness of literacy intervention. Teachers provide classroom context and curriculum knowledge, while SLPs contribute expertise in language development and communication disorders. This collaboration allows for a holistic understanding of a student’s challenges and ensures targeted interventions that align with both academic and communication goals. This is why Mountain Speech Language Services created the “Let’s Read” summer camp

Addressing literacy challenges early not only supports academic achievement but also promotes communication skills, social interactions, and overall confidence. The combination of specialized assessment, targeted therapy, and collaborative efforts between educators and SLPs creates a comprehensive approach to literacy development, fostering a strong foundation for a lifetime of successful learning.

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) services encompass a range of strategies and tools designed to support individuals with communication needs. These services aim to enhance communication through low-tech or high-tech communication aids.

AAC methods include low-tech options may include communication boards with picture symbols, allowing individuals to convey messages by pointing or gesturing

While high-tech solutions involve electronic devices, such as speech-generating devices or communication apps on tablets, enabling users to produce synthesized speech.

Speech-language pathologists assess clients to determine the most suitable AAC approach based on their needs and abilities. Therapy services can be provided by an SLP or CDA. AAC services empower individuals to communicate effectively, fostering independence and social interaction for those with diverse communication abilities.

Voice

We assess and treat voice disorders in children that affect how their voice sounds — including hoarseness, breathiness, pitch changes, or vocal strain. A healthy voice is essential for communication, social interaction, and participation in school and play. When voice issues arise, we’re here to help restore comfort, confidence, and vocal quality.

What Is a Pediatric Voice Disorder?

A voice disorder occurs when there’s a problem with the pitch, volume, quality, or effort of a child’s voice that draws attention or limits their ability to communicate. Children may sound raspy, strained, unusually high or low in pitch, or may frequently lose their voice.

What Causes Voice Disorders in Children?

Voice disorders can have many causes, including:

Vocal misuse or overuse (e.g., frequent yelling, throat clearing, talking loudly for long periods)
Vocal nodules or polyps (small, benign growths on the vocal cords from strain or misuse)
Chronic hoarseness due to allergies, reflux (GERD), or environmental irritants
Neurological conditions or structural differences in the vocal folds
Psychogenic voice disorders linked to stress or anxiety

Assessment Services Include:

Detailed case history and voice use profile
Acoustic and perceptual analysis of the child’s voice
Collaboration with ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialists when needed
Identification of contributing habits, behaviors, and medical factors
Development of a personalized therapy plan

Therapy Services Include:

Education and awareness of healthy voice habits
Vocal hygiene training: staying hydrated, avoiding yelling, reducing throat clearing
Therapeutic voice exercises to reduce strain and improve vocal quality
Breath support training for clearer, stronger speech
Fun, play-based strategies that are engaging and easy to practice at home
Parent and caregiver coaching to support daily voice care

Helpful Strategies for Supporting a Healthy Voice:

Encourage your child to drink plenty of water
Avoid shouting, whispering, or speaking over background noise
Use visual cues or gentle reminders to rest their voice when tired
Model calm, quiet talking during routines
Avoid smoky, dusty, or dry environments

We work with children and families to build healthy vocal habits that last a lifetime. If your child’s voice has changed, sounds hoarse or strained often, or causes discomfort, we’re here to help.

Fluency

Fluency refers to the smooth, effortless flow of speech. When a child stutters, they may repeat sounds or words, stretch out sounds, or have blocks where no sound comes out. These disruptions can vary in severity and may fluctuate over time.

Our Services Include:

Comprehensive Fluency Assessment

Detailed case history and parent interview
Observation and video/audio analysis of speech in different speaking situations
Identification of stuttering behaviors and secondary characteristics (e.g., tension, avoidance)
Impact assessment (how stuttering affects communication, participation, and emotions)
Differential diagnosis to rule out other speech-language concerns
Individualized recommendations and therapy plan

Individualized Therapy for Children Who Stutter

Evidence-based therapy approaches tailored to the child’s age, needs, and goals
Play-based and engaging sessions for preschoolers
Structured strategies and self-advocacy tools for school-aged children
Focus on reducing the impact of stuttering rather than just eliminating it
Techniques to improve speech fluency, reduce tension, and manage moments of stuttering
Parent coaching and education to support fluency at home and school

Neurodiversity-Affirming and Strengths-Based Approach

We understand that every child’s communication journey is unique. Our therapists work collaboratively with families, using a compassionate, child-centered approach that validates each child’s experience. We aim to build confidence and reduce stigma around stuttering, always assuming competence and empowering children to express themselves fully.

Who We Help:

Preschoolers showing early signs of stuttering
School-aged children experiencing persistent fluency difficulties
Teens experiencing persistent fluency difficulties
Children with co-occurring diagnoses (e.g., autism, ADHD)
Families seeking strategies and support in navigating fluency challenges

Pediatric Feeding & Swallowing

We support children with feeding and swallowing difficulties through comprehensive assessment and individualized therapy. Mealtimes should be safe, nourishing, and positive — and we’re here to help make that possible for every child and their family.

Pediatric Feeding & Swallowing

What Are Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders?

Feeding and swallowing disorders occur when a child has difficulty eating, drinking, chewing, or safely swallowing food or liquids. This can impact nutrition, growth, development, and quality of life.

Children may show signs such as:

Coughing, gagging, choking, or wet/gurgly voice during or after meals
Refusal to eat certain textures or foods
Difficulty chewing or moving food in the mouth
Frequent mealtime stress or long feeding times
Food or liquid leaking from the mouth or nose
Poor weight gain or growth concerns
History of reflux, respiratory issues, or tube feeding

Common Causes Include:

Prematurity or low birth weight
Neurological conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, brain injury)
Structural differences (e.g., cleft palate, tongue tie)
Autism or sensory processing differences
Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., reflux, constipation)
Behavioral or learned feeding challenges

Our Services Include:

Comprehensive Assessment

Detailed parent interview and feeding history
Observation of mealtime routines in clinic or via video
Oral-motor assessment and evaluation of chewing/swallowing function
Collaboration with your child’s medical team (e.g., pediatrician, dietitian, OT, ENT, GI)
Development of a tailored feeding or swallowing plan

Individualized Treatment Plans

Strategies to promote safe swallowing and prevent aspiration
Oral-motor and sensory-motor therapy to support chewing, swallowing, and tolerance of new textures
Parent coaching to support positive mealtime routines at home
Support for transitioning from tube feeding to oral intake (if applicable)
Collaboration with schools or daycare providers for feeding plans

Our Approach:

We take a child- and family-centered approach that is trauma-informed, respectful, and collaborative.

Our therapists are trained to recognize the emotional, sensory, and medical aspects of feeding challenges, and we work with families to build skills in a compassionate, supportive environment.

If your child struggles at mealtimes or you’re concerned about their eating or swallowing, we are here to help.

Oromyofunctional Disorders (OMDs)

Supporting Healthy Muscle Function for Speech, Feeding & Breathing

At Mountain Speech Language Services, we provide comprehensive assessment and treatment for orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) — conditions that impact the function and coordination of the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat. These issues are closely connected to how your child speaks, eats, breathes, and even sleeps.

We offer whole-child care by looking at every facet of your child’s communication and feeding development. Our team works collaboratively with orthodontists, occupational therapists (OTs), and dietitians to support your child’s unique needs and ensure lasting progress.

What Are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?

OMDs involve atypical movement patterns or resting postures of the tongue, lips, and jaw. These muscle-based differences can interfere with:

Speech sound development (e.g., lisping, trouble with /s/, /z/, /sh/, /r/)
Feeding and swallowing (e.g., tongue thrust, difficulty chewing, picky eating)
Nasal breathing and facial development
Dental alignment (impacting orthodontic outcomes)
Oral rest posture and sleep quality

Common Signs of OMDs Include:

Open-mouth breathing or drooling
Tongue thrust during speech or swallowing
Difficulty with certain speech sounds
Chronic thumb-sucking, prolonged pacifier use
Messy or inefficient chewing and swallowing
Restless sleep, snoring, or mouth breathing at night
Delayed or distorted speech despite therapy

Our Integrated Services Include:

Comprehensive Assessment

Full evaluation of oral rest posture, tongue movement, jaw stability, nasal vs. mouth breathing
Speech sound assessment to determine if OMD is impacting articulation
Feeding and swallowing screening
Thorough case history and parent consultation
Referrals for tethered oral tissue (e.g., tongue tie) when needed
Collaboration with medical and dental professionals for a multidisciplinary plan

Individualized Treatment Plans

Targeted orofacial exercises to improve strength, tone, and coordination
Therapy to promote proper tongue and lip posture at rest, during speech, and while eating
Treatment for speech sound errors related to myofunctional patterns
Feeding therapy for safe, effective chewing and swallowing
Parent coaching and home programming for ongoing support

Collaborative, Holistic Care

We regularly work with:

Orthodontists – to support healthy jaw and dental development, especially before, during, or after braces
Occupational Therapists (OTs) – to address sensory-motor regulation and oral sensory needs
Registered Dietitians – to ensure nutritional adequacy when feeding issues are present

This team-based approach allows us to address not just the symptoms, but the root causes — ensuring long-term success across all areas of your child’s development.

We build strong foundations for speech, feeding, and breathing — because every child deserves to thrive.