Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) refer to a group of neurologically based conditions that can affect socialization, communication, and behaviour in different ways.

 

At Speech Partners, we provide specialized consultation, assessment, and Autism Speech Therapy in Toronto for children with ASD. We work in partnership with families to set specific therapy goals to help each child reach their unique potential.

 

These goals may include improving:

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• expressive language skills (use of language)

• receptive language skills (understanding of language)

• articulation (speech) skills

• social communication and pragmatic skills (e.g., using language appropriately in social situations, taking turns in conversation, staying on topic, using and interpreting body language, gestures, tone of voice, and facial expressions)

• play skills (e.g., pretend play, imaginative and social play)

• shared and joint attention 

• academic and literacy skills

• challenging behaviours and non-compliance

• use of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems (methods that supplement or replace spoken language)

 

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Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders may exhibit any of the following behaviours or difficulties: 

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• limited or absent language

• delayed or disordered speech

• limited vocabulary

• difficulty understanding and responding to others’ feelings and expressing their own emotions

• challenges with perspective-taking (understanding others’ points of view)

• difficulty interpreting facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice

• poor or lack of pretend or social play

• social difficulties with peers

• poor or lack of turn-taking skills in conversation or play

• poor or lack of initiation in speech or in play

• limited or inconsistent eye contact

• echolalia (repetition of another person's words, phrases, and part of words) 

• over- or under-sensitivity to sensory input such as light, sound, touch, or textures

• repetitive hand or body movements (e.g., hand-flapping, body rocking)

• repetitive play behaviours (e.g., lining up or spinning toys or other objects rather than playing with them functionally)

• aggressive behaviours

• screaming, crying or whining for no apparent reason

• self-injurious behaviours such as head banging and self-biting

 

Additional academic challenges (including math) may include:

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• difficulty understanding verbal or written instructions in academic tasks

• challenges with math vocabulary and concepts (e.g., sum, difference, product, quotient)

• trouble explaining problem-solving steps clearly, orally or in writing

• difficulty translating ideas into symbols, equations, or other representations

• trouble answering subject-specific questions (e.g., math, science, or social studies)

• avoiding academic tasks due to language or communication difficulties rather than conceptual understanding

• struggling with academic vocabulary across subjects

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If you or your child experiences any of the difficulties listed above, we encourage you to contact us to discuss how we can help. Contact our Toronto Autism Speech Therapy clinic today to schedule a free consultation. You can reach us at 647-848-2988 or email us at info@speechpartners.ca to schedule a free consultation.

 

We understand the challenges families face when navigating Autism Spectrum Disorders. At Speech Partners, we provide a caring and supportive environment where your child's unique needs are always our priority. 

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We design customized therapy plans that reflect your child’s culture, background, and personal interests. By incorporating these elements into each session, we make therapy more engaging, meaningful, and connected to your child’s everyday experiences.

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When you reach out to us, you’re taking the first step toward helping your child grow, communicate, and thrive—and we’ll be here to guide and support you every step of the way.

 

Services are available in our clinics, online, in your home, at school, or in your child’s care facility across the following locations. 

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Speech Partners also offers support in navigating funding options, including assistance through the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and other private and government-funded programs. 

 

For more information visit our FUNDING page.