Your toddler is still finding their words. We can help with that.
Speech and language therapy for toddlers and young children — in your home, at daycare, or online.
Speech and language delay therapy supports toddlers and young children who are not yet using as many words as expected, are difficult to understand, or are struggling to put words together. A registered Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) assesses your child’s communication, identifies where they need support, and builds a personalised therapy plan. Sessions can take place at your child’s home, daycare, or school — or online across BC.
Not sure when to start? Read our guide →Common communication concerns in toddlers
These are the kinds of concerns that bring families to Arbutus Speech Therapy. You do not need to be certain something is wrong — a free consultation is a low-pressure way to find out where your child stands.
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First words appear. Points to get attention. Responds to name. Starts using 1–3 words.
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Understands simple instructions. Shakes head for “no.” Using 10–20 words.
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Starts combining two words (“more juice,” “daddy go”). Building toward 50+ words.
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Short sentences forming. Strangers understand most of what they say. 200+ words.
These are general reference points, not hard rules. What matters most is the direction of progress, not a single snapshot.
Our approach
How we work with your child
Play-based and child-led
Sessions are built around play, routine, and the things your child already loves. Therapy is woven into natural activities so your child is engaged, not just going through the motions.
Parents are part of every session
You are in the room, learning what your SLP is doing and why, so the strategies carry over into daily life. Most families find this the most valuable part of the process.
In your community, not a clinic
Sessions happen where your child is most at ease — at home, at daycare, at school. Children build new skills faster in familiar environments, and families tell us this makes a real difference.
Every child’s SLP is fully registered — no assistants, no shortcuts. You will work with the same therapist throughout, so the relationship builds alongside the progress.
What speech therapy works on
Every child’s therapy plan is tailored to their specific communication goals. Sessions may focus on any combination of the following.
Building vocabulary
Learning new words and making connections between them
Combining words into phrases
Moving from single words toward sentences
Understanding language
Following directions, answering questions, grasping meaning in context
Communicating needs and feelings
Finding words for experiences, not just objects
Speech clarity
Producing sounds and words that others can understand
Using language in real life
Talking during play, at daycare, at home, with family and friends
Speech delay, language delay, late talker
Families often hear different terms when their child is not yet communicating as expected. Each describes something slightly different, but they all point to the same question: should we get support? Earlier tends to be better.
What to expect from speech therapy
Here is how the process typically works — from first contact to ongoing sessions.
A free phone consultation
We start with a conversation. You share what you are noticing, and we explain what an SLP can assess and what that process looks like. No commitment required, and you will come away with more clarity no matter what.
An assessment tailored to your child
Your child’s SLP conducts a thorough assessment: observing how your child communicates, what they understand, and where they may need support. You receive a clear picture of their communication profile and a personalised therapy plan.
Community-based or online sessions
Sessions take place where your child is most comfortable: at home, at their daycare or school, or online if you are elsewhere in BC. Every session is delivered by a registered SLP — not an assistant.
How parent coaching works in therapy →One family’s experience
Liam was 22 months old when his parents first reached out to Arbutus Speech Therapy. He was a curious, engaged little boy who understood everything happening around him, but had fewer than 10 words. His family had been told to wait and see.
After an initial assessment, his SLP identified expressive language as the primary area to work on. Weekly sessions began in the family’s home, woven into Liam’s usual play routines. Within four months, he was consistently combining two words. His communication frustration noticeably reduced.
His parents said the most meaningful change was not the words themselves. It was watching him feel understood.
Composite example illustrating a typical experience. Details are not drawn from any single client case.
Frequently asked questions
Will my child just grow out of it?
Some children do catch up on their own, but it is difficult to know in advance which children will, and waiting can mean missing the window when early support has the most impact. A consultation with an SLP gives you a clearer picture of where your child is and whether therapy is likely to help. Many families find that early support, even brief, makes a significant difference.
What is the difference between a speech delay and a language delay?
Speech delay generally refers to difficulty producing sounds or words clearly. Language delay refers to difficulty with the words themselves: how many a child has, how they combine them, and how well they understand others. In practice, a child may have one, the other, or both. An assessment will clarify what is happening and what kind of support would help most.
How do I know if my child actually needs therapy, or if I am worrying too much?
If something feels off, it is worth a conversation. You do not need to diagnose your child or wait for a referral. A free consultation is a low-pressure way to get a professional perspective, and it often gives parents either reassurance or a clear next step. There is no downside to checking in.
Does my child need a referral from a doctor first?
No. You can book directly with Arbutus Speech Therapy without a referral. Some extended health benefit plans require a physician’s referral for reimbursement, so it is worth checking your plan before your first session.
What does a speech therapy session look like for a toddler?
Sessions with young children are built around play. Your child’s SLP creates activities that feel natural and engaging — using books, toys, and everyday routines — while working toward specific communication goals. Sessions are usually 45 to 60 minutes, and parents are actively involved so strategies can continue between sessions.
How long does speech therapy usually take?
It depends on your child’s specific needs, how frequently sessions happen, and how much carry-over happens at home. Some children make significant progress in a few months. Others benefit from longer-term support. Your child’s SLP will give you a clearer sense of the expected timeline after the initial assessment.
My child is growing up with more than one language. Could that be why they are not talking yet?
Bilingual and multilingual children sometimes reach certain milestones on a slightly different timeline, and that is completely normal. A genuine language delay will usually show up across all of a child’s languages, not just one. If you are concerned, an SLP experienced with multilingual children can assess your child with that context in mind. Read more about speech therapy for multilingual children →
Is speech therapy covered by extended health benefits in BC?
Many extended health benefit plans in BC cover SLP services, though the amount varies by plan. Our Funding Guide has a full overview of what is available and how to access it. If you are wondering about public health options, this article on accessing public speech therapy services in BC may also help.
What families are saying
“Our SLP’s home sessions are engaging, effective, and tailored to his needs. We’ve seen great progress in his communication, and he always looks forward to their time together.”
Parent of a preschool client, Vancouver
“Our SLP identified some root causes for our son’s speech issues and he has made substantial progress working with her. Our son looks forward to every session.”
Parent of a preschool client, Vancouver
“We are so thankful for our SLP’s help with our son. She is very patient and understanding. Our son always feels comfortable with her, and we truly appreciate the support and care she gives.”
Parent of a toddler client, Vancouver
Ready to take the next step?
A free phone consultation is a good place to start. Tell us what you’re noticing, and we’ll give you an honest sense of whether speech therapy would help — and what that would look like for your family.
Prefer to send a message first? Contact us here →
