Frequently Asked Questions
We know you probably have questions before you reach out — and we're glad you're here. Below you'll find answers to the ones we hear most often. If you don't see what you're looking for, get in touch. We're always happy to help.
About Our Practice
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Grow Onwords Speech and Language Services is a pediatric speech-language therapy practice in Vancouver, BC. We offer in-person SLP services at This World's Ours Centre on Main Street in Mount Pleasant, and virtual services to families across British Columbia. Our team of registered speech-language pathologists provides neuro-affirming, child-led, play-based therapy for children and youth from 12 months to 18 years.
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Neurodiversity-affirming practice means we honour each child's unique way of being, communicating, and engaging with the world. We don't approach difference as something to be fixed — we approach it as something to be understood and supported. Our goal is always to help each child communicate in a way that works for them, in an environment where they feel safe, seen, and genuinely supported.
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Yes. Diana is currently on the RASP list in British Columbia. Providing neuro-affirming speech and language therapy is a core focus of our practice, and we are actively looking for SLPs on the RASP list who align with our values to join the team. Renée is also listed on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP) in BC as a supervised provider.
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All speech-language pathologists at Grow Onwords are licensed by the College of Health & Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC). SLPs are regulated healthcare professionals with graduate-level education and specific training in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, and communication across the lifespan — so you can feel confident that your child is in qualified, experienced hands.All speech-language pathologists at Grow Onwords are licensed by the College of Health & Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC). SLPs are regulated healthcare professionals with graduate-level education and specific training in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, and communication across the lifespan — so you can feel confident that your child is in qualified, experienced hands.
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Yes. Diana offers services in English and Vietnamese. Renée offers services in English and Cantonese, with working knowledge of French.
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Yes, on a case by case basis. Please email us at support@growonwords.com to discuss further.
Who We Support
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We support toddlers from 12 months through to youth aged 18 years — in-person in Vancouver and virtually across BC.
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We support children and youth across a wide range of speech and communication needs, including:
Speech and language milestones — for families who want to check in on their child's development
Late talking and early language delays
Speech sound delays and articulation difficulties
Reading and writing difficulties
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
Scripting, echolalia, and gestalt language processing (GLP)
Language development for autistic and neurodivergent children and youth
Ongoing therapy for children who need consistent weekly support
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Speech sounds develop gradually over the first several years of life, and not all sounds are expected at the same time. Based on research, here's a general guide to when most children have mastered each sound in English:
By age 2: p, b, d, m, n, h, w
By age 3: t, k, g, ng, f, y
By age 4: v, s, z, sh, ch, j, l
By age 5: r, zh (as in “garage” or the middle “s” in “measure”, th (as in "this")
By age 6: th (as in "think")
It's also worth knowing that most children are fully understandable to strangers by around 4 years of age -- even if they're still working on a few sounds.
Keep in mind that every child develops at their own pace, and these are general guidelines rather than hard cutoffs. If you're concerned about your child's speech sounds at any age, an initial consultation is a great place to start.
Based on research by Crowe & McLeod (2020) and McLeod & Crowe (2018).
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AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication. It refers to any tool, strategy, or device that supports or replaces spoken communication — including picture boards, speech-generating devices, and apps. We support children who are already using AAC, as well as those who may benefit from exploring it.
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Echolalia is a medical term that refers to the repetition of words, phrases, or sounds heard from others — sometimes immediately, sometimes delayed. Scripting is a form of delayed echolalia where a child repeats language previously heard from songs, shows, or other sources, often for communicative purposes. It is also understood as a verbal tool that many autistic individuals use to navigate spoken interactions. At Grow Onwords, these repetitions of language are recognized as meaningful forms of communication that should be supported to further develop -- not something to be stopped.
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Every child develops at their own pace, and it can be hard to know when to seek support. Some signs that it may be worth connecting with an SLP include: your toddler hasn't said their first word by 12-13 months of age, your toddler isn't learning words as fast as other children their age, your child is difficult to understand, your child is struggling with reading or writing at their grade level, or your family doctor or pediatrician has recommended an SLP assessment. If you're not sure, booking an initial visit to consult with an SLP is a great place to start -- it may be your only visit, and that's completely okay.
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Yes — we are able to complete formal speech and language assessments as part of a private Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessment. If you are working with a team conducting a private ASD assessment and require a speech and language component, please get in touch and we'll be happy to discuss how we can support your family.
Scheduling & Availability
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No referral needed. You can book your child's first visit directly online, or reach out by email if you'd like to connect with us first.
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In-person sessions are held at our dedicated therapy room at This World's Ours Centre, located at 191 E 10th Ave in Mount Pleasant, Vancouver. We also offer virtual sessions to families across British Columbia.
In some cases, we are able to visit preschools and schools in the community — for example, if it would be more practical or beneficial for your child to be seen in their everyday environment. Community visits are considered on a case by case basis, so please reach out if you'd like to discuss this option for your family.
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We offer two scheduling options designed to suit different families and different needs. Flex booking allows families to book online as needed — ideal for those with less predictable schedules, shift workers, or families who only need occasional visits. Reserved weekly spots are available for children who need consistent, ongoing therapy — the same day and time is held for your family each week.
We understand that finding an SLP in the Lower Mainland can be challenging, and we don't want families to feel like they have to wait to access support. If you're on our waitlist for a reserved weekly spot, flex booking is a great way to stay connected with an SLP in the meantime — so you have guidance on where your child is at and what you can do at home to support them while you wait.
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If you're not yet sure whether your child needs ongoing therapy, go ahead and book an initial visit online. If you already know your child is looking for consistent weekly therapy, we recommend reaching out by email first so we can let you know what regular weekly times are currently available.
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Yes. If you'd like the same day and time each week, just let us know. We'll make sure your spot is reserved each time new appointment slots are released. Please note that weekly spots can only be reserved if you plan to attend at least twice a month. Families who frequently cancel may have their spot released for online bookings.
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In-person sessions are available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with extended hours until 7:00 pm on select days.
Your First Visit & What to Expect
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Your first visit is a chance for us to meet your child, observe their communication, and understand your family's concerns. During the session, we'll assess your child's speech, language, and communication skills. By the end of the visit, we'll share what we found — whether your child is meeting age-appropriate milestones, whether further assessment is recommended, and what next steps might look like. It may be your only visit, and that's completely okay.
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This is exactly what we help families figure out during the initial visit. By the end of your first visit, we'll be able to share whether your child is meeting age-appropriate milestones, whether further assessment is needed, and whether speech-language therapy is recommended. You won't leave without a clear picture of where your child is at and what the options are.
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Yes — parents and caregivers are always welcome to join sessions. We believe families are a child's most important language partners, and being present means you can continue supporting your child's growth between sessions and at home.
That said, we also understand that life doesn't stop when therapy starts. If you need to step out to run an errand, grab a coffee, or simply take a moment for yourself while your child is in session — please do. We'll always check in with you at the end of the session to share what we worked on and how things went, so you never miss anything important.
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You might be surprised by how much information an experienced SLP can gather just from playing and interacting with your child. Observing how a child communicates naturally — how they engage, respond, initiate, and express themselves — tells us a great deal about where they are in their development.
Depending on your child's age and the concerns you've raised, formal questionnaires or standardized assessments may also be part of the picture. These help us understand how your child's skills compare to their peers and can be important for accessing funding or outside support. If a formal assessment is recommended, we'll walk you through what that involves and discuss next steps together.
Fees, Insurance & Funding
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Coverage depends on your extended health insurance plan. Services may be listed under "speech therapy," "speech-language pathology," or "speech-language pathologist" services. We don't offer direct billing, but we'll provide a receipt after each visit that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
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We accept INTERAC e-transfer and credit card. For families with insurance coverage, a receipt will be provided for reimbursement claiming.
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Yes — we are able to directly accept payment from the Autism Funding Unit (AFU) and the At Home Program (AHP). Please let us know before your first visit so we can get the paperwork sorted ahead of time.
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We're happy to work with families accessing the Variety Children's Charity Grant or the CKNW Kids' Fund — and we want to make sure you have a clear picture of the process before you apply.
To apply for the Variety grant, families need a letter outlining clear therapy goals, which we can provide following an initial consultation. Please note that the initial visit is paid out of pocket, and there may be an additional fee for the goals letter itself.
Because grant approval isn't guaranteed and can take time, we're unable to reserve a weekly spot until funding has been confirmed. In the meantime, flex booking is a great way to begin accessing support while your application is being reviewed — so your child isn't waiting to get started.
If you have questions about whether this funding pathway is right for your family, please don't hesitate to reach out before booking.
Virtual Services
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Yes. We offer virtual SLP sessions to families across British Columbia. Virtual services are a great option for families who prefer not to make the commute, or who are located outside of Vancouver.
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Virtual sessions include initial 50-minute visit to assess your child's speech and language development, one-on-one therapy for school-aged children, and team consultations and training for families working with an existing therapy team.
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Virtual appointments are booked through our contact form rather than directly online, as virtual services may not be a good fit for all families. Reach out and reach out and we'll be in touch to discuss if virtual services are a good fit for your child.