Help your child put the pieces of communication together! My name is Natalie John and I am a Speech Language Pathologist.  WHO AM I?
My name is Natalie John and I am a SLP. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Windsor in Human Kinetics. I then went to Wayne State University for one year to complete additional courses needed to become a SLP. Next, I attended the University of Western Ontario where I received a Master degree in Clinical Sciences; Speech Language Pathology. I have worked at Children First where I assessed and completed intervention with children and their families to improve language, literacy, and speech. Since April 2012 I have worked for the Thames Valley District School Board where I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience.

WHAT DO I DO?
• I assess language, speech and/or literacy through formal and informal methods
• Give feedback verbally and in writing to parents
• In discussion with families create goals/next-steps for improvements we want to see
• In discussion with families the method of intervention may be decided upon
• Monitor and track progress
• Provide home strategies and programming for families

WHY WOULD YOUR CHILD NEED AN SLP?
• The ability to communicate effectively with others is the very foundation of a child’s social, emotional and educational development; and, research has shown that the first three years is the most critical period for growth. (SAC)
• If your child does not meet the previously mentioned norms it may be time to assess where their skills are at and help them put all the pieces of communication together.

WHEN WOULD YOUR CHILD NEED SPEECH/LANGUAGE SERVICES?
Early identification and intervention of speech, language and literacy disorders is absolutely key: the earlier a communication disorder is identified, the better the chances for improvement or even recovery. Because learning is a cumulative process, difficulties early-on can have a cascading effect on the rest of a child’s life. A slow start out of the gate will mean playing catch-up for years to come. (SAC)