Language Delay & Disorder Therapy in Ottawa
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Common reasons families reach out
Not yet putting words together
Only uses a few words (e.g., 15)
Not making sentences for their age
Doesn't seem to understand what's said
Not yet speaking
Understanding the Concern
Understanding Language Delays & Disorders
Language is more than just speech sounds — it’s the ability to understand and use words and sentences to share meaning. Concerns can show up in two main areas:
Expressive language is what your child says — their vocabulary, sentence length, grammar, and ability to tell stories or share ideas.
Receptive language is what your child understands — following directions, answering questions, and grasping the meaning of what others say.
A child can have difficulty in one area, the other, or both. A “late talker” is a toddler with limited expressive language but typical understanding. A child with a more significant Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) may have ongoing challenges that affect school, friendships, and self-esteem if not supported.
Signs across ages
- By 18 months: fewer than 10 words
- By 2 years: not combining 2 words
- By 3 years: hard to understand, short sentences
- School age: trouble following directions
- Trouble telling stories or recalling events
- Difficulty answering "wh" questions
Movement & Milestone Checklists
Vitality Kids Family Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre
Know the Signs
When to Get a Language Assessment
By 12 months:Not babbling, not using gestures (waving, pointing), not responding to their name.
By 18 months: Fewer than 10 words, not following simple directions like "give me the ball."
By 2 years: Fewer than 50 words, not combining two words ("more juice," "daddy go").
By 3 years: Strangers can't understand most of what they say, not using simple sentences.
School age: Trouble understanding stories, answering questions, following multi-step directions, or expressing ideas clearly.
Why Ottawa Parents Choose Us
The Vitality Kids Difference
Registered SLPs
Play-based therapy
Family-centred plans
Direct billing
How We Help
Our Approach to Language Therapy
01
Comprehensive Assessment
02
Functional Goals
Play-Based Therapy
Parent Coaching
Heard From Ottawa Families
- Ottawa location
- Parking
- Transit
- Insurers we direct-bill
Meet Our Pediatric Speech & Language Pathologist
Elaine Down
Book an appointment with Elaine Down
Speech & Language Pathologist
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
My toddler is a late talker — should I wait?
What's the difference between a language delay and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?
Do you assess older children too?
How is language therapy different from talking with my child more at home?
Related Concerns
Explore Other Speech & Language Areas
Ready to take the next step?
Visit Us
Vitality Kids — Riverside South, Ottawa
Click any concern below to learn about signs, our approach, and how we tailor therapy for children in Riverside South and across Ottawa.
Vitality Kids Family Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre
Address
Earl Armstrong Plaza
160 Blanca Street, Unit 9
Gloucester, ON K1V 2V6
PHONE
Parking & Transit
Free on-site parking at Earl Armstrong Plaza. Accessible by OC Transpo bus routes serving Riverside South and Findlay Creek.
Areas We Serve
Riverside South, Findlay Creek, Barrhaven, Manotick, Greely, and surrounding south Ottawa communities.
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Vitality is a physiotherapy and wellness centre with four locations in Ottawa, Kemptville, and Kanata, Ontario, Canada.
Locations
Vitality Kids
Earl Armstrong Plaza- 160 Blanca Street, Unit 9
Hours
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