Seana M. Speirs, M.A., Reg. CASLPO
Speech-Language Pathologist
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About Me
Career speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience in the pediatric setting
Seana M. Speirs, M.A., Reg. CASLPO
Speech-Language Pathologist
- Home
- |
- About
About Me
Career speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience in the pediatric setting
Hello! I’m Seana
I am a career speech-language pathologist with over 25 years of experience in the pediatric setting. I have extensive training in helping parents support children of all abilities, including late talkers, children with motor speech difficulties and children with early signs of autism.
I am also passionate about guiding parents in the best ways to help you support your child’s communication skills in everyday activities and routines right in your home. I truly believe that YOU are the expert on your child.
You are your child’s best teacher – and together we can help communication skills blossom!
I am passionate about supporting children and helping parents by providing parent coaching.
“You are your child’s best teacher - let’s work together!”
Hello, I’m Seana!
I am a career speech-language pathologist with over 25 years of experience in the pediatric setting. I have extensive training in helping parents support children of all abilities, including late talkers, children with motor speech difficulties and children with early signs of autism.
I am also passionate about guiding parents in the best ways to help you support your child’s communication skills in everyday activities and routines right in your home. I truly believe that YOU are the expert on your child.
You are your child’s best teacher – and together we can help communication skills blossom!
I am passionate about supporting children and helping parents by providing parent coaching.
“You are your child’s best teacher - let’s work together!”
"I truly believe that YOU are the expert on your child. You are your child’s best teacher – and together we can help communication skills blossom!"
"As a first-time parent, I was worried about my daughter's speech development. Seana's assessment and ongoing support gave me peace of mind and my daughter is now thriving!" "
Amanda K.
My certifications
include:
- M.A. Speech and Hearing Sciences
- Registration with the Ontario Speech-Language Association
- Registration with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario
- Hanen Certification in It Takes Two to Talk ®
- Hanen Certification in Target Word
- Hanen Certification in More than Words ®
- Hanen Certification in Learning Language and Loving It
- Hanen Licensed in You Make the Difference ®
- Autism Navigator (Florida State University) for Early Intervention Providers
- Early Start Denver Model (UC Davis) certification
- Let’s Start Talking (Alberta) trained provider for suspected childhood apraxia of speech
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) trained
Does she have enough words?
Is she slow to talk?
These concerns are real
My certifications
include:
- M.A. Speech and Hearing Sciences
- Registration with the Ontario Speech-Language Association
- Registration with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario
- Hanen Certification in It Takes Two to Talk ®
- Hanen Certification in Target Word
- Hanen Certification in More than Words ®
- Hanen Certification in Learning Language and Loving It
- Hanen Licensed in You Make the Difference ®
- Autism Navigator (Florida State University) for Early Intervention Providers
- Early Start Denver Model (UC Davis) certification
- Let’s Start Talking (Alberta) trained provider for suspected childhood apraxia of speech
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) trained
Does she have enough words?
Is she slow to talk?
These concerns are real
Pediatric Speech and Language Services
I offer play-based speech and language assessments and treatment sessions for children with communication difficulties of all kinds.
Assessment Visit
If this is your first visit with a speech-language pathologist, welcome! The goal of an assessment is to gain a clear understanding of your child's communication skills and to identify both strengths and areas for improvement. This session will include:
- Parent report and background information
- Observations of your child through play-based interactions with you and with me
- Verbal feedback as we go
Treatment Visits
Based on the results of a recent assessment, we’ll develop an individualized treatment plan and determine how many sessions feel manageable for you, your child, and your family as a whole. Treatments are always fun and tailored to your child's age, stage and interests. Parents, you’re always welcome as you’re integral parts of any visit!
Let’s connect!
Frequently Asked Questions
Common concerns and questions from
parents like you
When should my toddler start talking?
Most toddlers say their first words around 12 months, and by 18 months usually have about 10–20 words. By 2 years, many children use 50 + words and start combining them (“more juice”). But every child develops at their own pace.
How many words should my 2-year-old say?
Should I be worried if my child isn’t talking yet?
What are the signs of a speech and language difficulty?
Some signs include:
- Not babbling by 12 months
- Not using words by 18 months
- Not combining words by 2 years
- Hard to understand by age 3
- Limited gestures such as waving, pointing, giving
How can I help my toddler talk more at home?
We know that life is busy , but taking the time to connect with your during simple daily routines is one of the best times to help! These are some ideas
- Talking about what you’re doing (“washing hands,” “cutting apple”).
- Waiting and giving your child a chance to respond.
- Sharing books together and taking turns pointing at pictures.
- Singing songs and nursery rhymes.
- Expanding on what your child says (Child: “car.” Parent: “car goes beep beep!”).
When should I see a speech-language pathologist?
What happens in speech/ language therapy for toddlers and preschoolers?
Therapy looks a lot like play! We use toys, books, songs, and routines to make learning fun and natural. Parents are part of the process too, so you will feel confident helping your child at home.
What happens in speech/ language therapy for older children ?
Sometimes children have difficulty mastering the latest-developing sounds such as “s”, “sh”, “th” and “r”. We use age-appropriate games and strategies to help children grow their skills in the area of articulation , language and narrative /story-telling skills.