Supporting Your Child's Unique Communication
We provide strength-based, child-led speech therapy for autistic children. Whether your child uses words, scripts, or AAC, we honor their voice.
A Different Way to Support Communication
Neuro-Affirming
We don't try to "fix" your child. We help them communicate more effectively while being their authentic selves.
Gestalt Language Processing
Does your child repeat scripts from TV? They might be a GLP. We use specific strategies to turn scripts into self-generated language. Learn more about GLP.
Child-Led Play
We join your child in their world. If they love trains, we use trains to build connection and communication.
More Than Just Speech Therapy
Autism Support
You are here. Neuro-affirming care.
Getting Started
Initial Chat
We listen to your goals and your child's interests.
Connection First
We build trust through play before placing demands.
Communication Growth
We expand their communication in ways that feel natural.
Communication Styles We Support
Every autistic child communicates differently. We meet your child where they are — whether that means building spoken language, honouring scripting as a language-learning stage, or introducing AAC.
Gestalt Language Processing (GLP)
Many autistic children are gestalt language processors — they learn language in chunks (often from favourite shows, songs, or phrases) before breaking it down into flexible, self-generated sentences. We use the Natural Language Acquisition framework to recognize the GLP stage your child is in and support them through it without suppressing scripting. More on GLP →
AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication)
For children who communicate best through tools rather than speech, we support low-tech options (picture boards, core word cards) and high-tech AAC apps like Proloquo2Go and TouchChat. Research shows AAC does not prevent spoken language — it scaffolds it. We model AAC alongside your child and coach the whole family.
Echolalia & Scripting
Repeating dialogue from shows or earlier conversations (echolalia) is a natural part of autistic language development. Rather than interrupting or correcting, we decode what the script means to your child and build bridges from familiar phrases to flexible, novel language.
Sensory & Regulation Needs
Communication is harder when a child is dysregulated. In-home sessions let us work in the sensory environment your child already knows. We follow their lead on pace, breaks, and positioning, and coach parents to recognize when a child is ready to communicate versus when they need regulation support first.
Individual progress varies based on each child's unique profile. A consultation does not constitute a clinical assessment.
What an In-Home Session Actually Looks Like
Sessions are 45–60 minutes, in your home in Durham Region, built around your child's interests and energy that day.
Arrival & settling in (5–10 min)
We greet your child on their terms. No forced eye contact, no pressured greetings. If they want to show us a toy or continue what they were doing, we join them there first.
Play-based work (25–40 min)
We build communication opportunities inside an activity your child chose — trains, dolls, books, a sensory bin, outdoor play, iPad favourites. Parents observe and are invited to try strategies in real time.
Parent coaching (5–10 min)
Before leaving, we walk through what worked, why it worked, and one or two specific strategies to try that week. Parent coaching is where most language growth actually happens — the 167 hours per week you're with your child matter far more than our hour.
Between sessions
You'll receive a brief written summary of goals and strategies. Text or email questions any time — we don't charge for between-session check-ins.
How Speech Therapy Fits Into Autism Support in Durham Region
Families in Durham often work with a team of professionals. Here is how speech-language therapy typically fits alongside the other supports available to autistic children in the region.
Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
If your child is registered with the OAP, speech-language therapy is an eligible expense under Core Clinical Services funding. Invoices from a CASLPO-registered SLP can be submitted for reimbursement. You do not have to wait for OAP funding to begin private speech therapy — private pay and extended health insurance are accepted in parallel.
School Boards (DDSB & DCDSB)
Public and Catholic school boards in Durham provide limited school-based speech services, usually focused on classroom communication and pre-literacy. Private in-home therapy complements this with individualised, family-centred work outside school hours — and can coordinate with school SLPs when helpful.
ABA & Behaviour Therapy
Some families choose ABA or behaviour therapy. Speech-language therapy has a different scope — we focus on functional communication, language development, and AAC, using developmental and relationship-based approaches. If you work with an ABA team, we can share communication goals and coordinate where appropriate.
OT, PT & Developmental Paediatrics
Occupational therapy (sensory and self-regulation), physiotherapy (gross motor), and developmental paediatricians (diagnosis, medical management) are common partners. Speech-language work often intersects with OT — for example, a child whose sensory needs are well-supported communicates more fluently. We welcome sharing notes with your team when you consent.
A consultation does not constitute a clinical assessment. Individual results vary based on each child's unique needs.
Common Questions from Durham Region Parents
Do you use ABA?
No. We are speech-language pathologists. We use developmental, relationship-based approaches that respect your child's sensory and emotional needs. If you are coordinating with an ABA team, we're happy to communicate with them about your child's communication goals.
What if my child is non-speaking or minimally speaking?
Communication is more than speech. We support gestures, signs, body language, and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices. For non-speaking children, early AAC access is one of the most important steps — and introducing AAC does not delay or prevent spoken language.
Can you help with social skills?
Yes, with a neurodiversity-affirming approach. We focus on self-advocacy, recognizing emotions, repair strategies when miscommunication happens, and mutual understanding — not "masking," forced eye contact, or suppressing stims.
My child has an autism diagnosis. Do I also need an OAP funding plan?
You do not need OAP funding to work with us — we accept private pay and most extended health insurance plans. If your family does have OAP Core Clinical Services funding, speech-language therapy is an eligible expense. Contact us and we can walk you through what's covered.
How long before we see progress?
This varies widely based on each child's unique profile, the goals we're working toward, and how consistently strategies are used between sessions. Some children show observable shifts in communication within a few weeks; others build more gradually. We review goals every 12 weeks with families to track what's working.
Do you work with siblings or the whole family?
Yes. We welcome siblings into sessions when appropriate and provide parent coaching for all caregivers. Family-centred practice is core to what we do — a communication strategy that only works with the therapist isn't a useful strategy.
What areas of Durham Region do you travel to?
We provide in-home sessions across Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Courtice, Brooklin, and surrounding Durham communities. Drive time is built into scheduling so your session isn't rushed. See our Durham Region service area page for specific coverage.
Do I need a diagnosis to start?
No. You do not need a formal autism diagnosis or a physician referral to begin speech-language services in Ontario. If you have communication concerns — whatever the cause — we can do an initial assessment and work with you from there.
Individual results vary based on each child's unique needs. Services are provided by Sneha Fonseka, MSc. S-LP(C), CASLPO registration #7608.
Why Trust Functional Communication
Related Articles
Vocal Stimming in Children: What It Is and When to Seek Support
Learn what vocal stimming sounds like, why children do it, and when it may be a concern.
Read articleEcholalia in Children: What It Means
Why children repeat words and phrases, and how speech therapy can support language development.
Read articleAutism Support in Your Community
We visit families in: