Speech Therapy for Children
Serving Durham Region Families

Helping Your Child Communicate with Confidence

Private in-home speech therapy for toddlers and preschoolers (Ages 1-7). We bring expert, play-based support directly to your home in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, and Brooklin.

Free 15-minute phone consultation

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Registered CASLPO
In-Home Service
Evidence-Based

Why Choose Functional Communication?

We make therapy fun, effective, and convenient for your family.

"You know your child best. Together, we can help them reach their goals!"

We Come To You

No travel time or waiting rooms. We provide therapy in your home, school, or daycare where your child is most comfortable.

Play-Based Learning

We use toys, games, and activities your child loves to teach new skills. When it's fun, it sticks!

Parent Coaching

We empower you with strategies to support your child's communication during everyday routines.

Our Focus

Developmental Support

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Early Intervention (1-3)

Supporting communication development from the start. For late talkers, limited vocabulary, and early language delays.

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Preschool Speech (3-5)

Articulation, clarity, and confidence for preschool children. Addressing sound errors and unintelligible speech.

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Neurodiverse Support

Play-based therapy supporting autistic children with social interaction, joint attention, and functional communication.

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School Readiness (5-7)

Preparing children for school success with early literacy skills, narrative language, and classroom communication.

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How It Works

1

Contact Us

Reach out to schedule an initial assessment for your child.

2

Assessment

We meet to understand your child's strengths and needs.

3

Start Therapy

Begin personalized sessions in your home or community.

For Parents

Communication Milestones

Every child develops at their own pace. Tap to learn what's typical at each age.

12-18

First Words & Babbling

10-20 words, sound imitation

By 18 months, most toddlers use 10-20 words and begin combining sounds. Babbling becomes more speech-like with varied intonation.

  • Imitates sounds and simple words
  • Follows simple directions
  • ?Uses pointing and gestures
18-24

Word Explosion

50+ words, two-word phrases

Vocabulary grows rapidly to 50+ words. Many toddlers start combining two words ("more milk," "mommy up") to express needs.

  • Names familiar objects and people
  • Uses two-word phrases
  • ?Speech is 25-50% intelligible
24-36

Complex Language

200+ words, 3-word sentences

Speech becomes clearer with 200-300+ words. Children use 3-word sentences, ask questions, and engage in simple conversations.

  • Uses 3-4 word sentences
  • Asks "What?" and "Where?" questions
  • ?Strangers understand 50-75% of speech

When to Consider Speech Therapy

If your child isn't meeting communication milestones for their age, an assessment can help identify whether support could help. Early intervention is most effective when started before age 3.

Common Questions

Do I need a doctor's referral?

No, a referral is not required for private speech therapy. You can call us directly to book an assessment.

Is this covered by insurance?

Yes, our services are provided by registered Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and are covered by most extended health benefit plans.

Where do sessions take place?

We come to you! Sessions are held in your home, daycare, or private school in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, and Brooklin.

How long is the waitlist?

We currently have immediate availability for daytime appointments. Evening spots may have a short wait.

Trusted by Durham Families

CASLPO Registered
Child-Centered
In-Home Comfort

Ready to help your child thrive?

Contact us today to book an assessment or learn more about our in-home speech therapy services.

Get Started Now

Serving All of Durham Region

Functional Communication provides mobile speech therapy services across Durham Region.