Does your child repeat phrases from movies, books, or things you’ve said? 💬 This may be a sign of Gestalt language processing—a different, valid way kids learn. Learn more in my latest blog + video 👇 communicatingtogether.ca/%e2%9a%99%ef... #SpeechTherapy #LanguageDevelopment #SLP #WaterlooOntario

Not all stuttering is easy to spot. Some kids work hard to hide it—often at an emotional cost. 💬 Learn about covert stuttering + how to help in my latest blog + video 👇 communicatingtogether.ca/%f0%9f%92%ac... #SpeechTherapy #StutteringAwareness #SLP #ChildDevelopment #WaterlooOntario #KidsHealth

Trust is the foundation for communication. Before kids can work on goals, they need to feel safe + understood. Blog + video on why the “warm-up” matters 👇 communicatingtogether.ca/%F0%9F%8C%89... #SpeechTherapy #ChildDevelopment #WaterlooOntario #SLP #TrustInTherapy #TherapeuticRelationship

💡 Behaviour = communication. Blog + video on how reframing behaviour supports kids, teens & adults to feel understood. Watch here 👇 communicatingtogether.ca/%f0%9f%93%94... #SpeechTherapy #AAC #ParentingTips #WaterlooOntario #SLP #NeurodiversityAffirming

What if your child's biggest breakthrough wasn't a new skill, but understanding their brain? 🧠 Our new blog + video has tips for building confidence. 🔗 communicatingtogether.ca/%f0%9f%a7%a0... power-of-explaining-how-your-brain-works-to-kids/ #SpeechTherapy #Neurodiversity #WaterlooON #SLP

Your role in your child’s speech therapy is more powerful than you may think. 🌟 Learn how everyday moments at home can boost progress—without becoming the therapist yourself. Watch: youtu.be/PlvLQMrG-_I #SpeechTherapy #ParentTips #SLP #CommunicationSkills #WaterlooOntario

Drowning is the leading cause of death for autistic kids in Canada — but it doesn’t have to be. As a speech-language pathologist/speech therapist & former lifeguard, I share inclusive water safety tips for families. 🌊 Read: communicatingtogether.ca/%F0%9F%8C%8A... #AutismSafety #WaterSafety #SLP

💛 To the loving, caring parents out there: you did NOT cause your child’s communication challenges. In my new video I share how SLPs partner with families & why support (not guilt) matters. 🌱 Watch: youtu.be/CNKxkDcwUcY #SpeechTherapy #ParentSupport #SLP #CommunicationMatters #WaterlooON

My new video covers covert stuttering, masking & why therapy should focus on well-being—not just fluency. Thanks to adults who’ve shared their stories, making therapy more compassionate. 🎥 Watch: youtu.be/qWKZ9Nf-m2k #StutteringAwareness #SLP #SpeechTherapy #WaterlooOntario #CovertStuttering

Talking openly about stuttering helps kids feel safe, confident & understood. 💛 I share why openness matters & tips for caregivers in my new video. Watch here 👉 youtu.be/yfi23Kfb-rc #StutteringAwareness #SLP #ParentingTips #WaterlooOntario #OpennessAboutStuttering #SpeechTherapy #Communication

🎥 My first YouTube video is live! I’m Rhonda, a private speech-language pathologist (SLP) in Waterloo, ON, sharing the best toys to support your child’s speech & language (spoiler: it might be YOU!). 💛 Watch here: youtube.com/shorts/ntAtO... #SLP #SpeechTherapy #ParentTips #WaterlooON

DLD in the media again! This time from the BBC in the UK. We are happy to see Siouxsie featured in this article as well. Siouxsie was the designer for last year's DLD day poster. Read more here. www.bbc.com/news/article... If DLD is in the media in your country, we can share it for you! #devlangdis

This has been on my mind too. I’ve also had to explain my title due to confusion around the word “pathologist” in “speech-language pathologist.” “Speech-language therapist” may be a better fit. It’s a conversation worth having in countries still using SLP. Thanks for sharing this editorial. #SLP

(4/4) Let’s raise kids who feel confident being their authentic selves—and who stand up for others too. 💬 Learn more about my SLP services in Waterloo, Ontario: 👉 communicatingtogether.ca #SLP #WaterlooON #SupportNotShame #Stuttering #Autism #ADHD #SpeechTherapy

(3/4) 📚 Books can help start conversations. My son related deeply to “Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets” by Barbara Esham. It helped lift shame and build self-understanding. Do you have book recommendations for talking about neurodivergence with kids? #KidsBooks #Neurodiversity #SLP

(2/4) When kids learn about their own brains—or others’—it helps them grow into allies & feel safer if they are neurodivergent. Talking about stuttering, autism, ADHD, OCD & more reduces fear, fosters empathy & prevents exclusion. #MentalHealthMatters #EveryVoiceMatters #SLP

(1/4) 🌈 At Communicating Together, we believe that nurturing open conversations with children builds a more inclusive future—where neurodivergent voices are understood, respected & valued. #NeurodiversityAffirming #SLP #SpeechTherapy #InclusionMatters

Congrats to the winners of our Speech & Hearing Month Kids Contest! Big thanks to everyone who participated.

(4/4) A neurodiversity-affirming approach supports communication without shame. Let’s value all voices—stuttered or fluent. 💬 Supporting kids & teens in Waterloo, Ontario: communicatingtogether.ca #EveryVoiceMatters #SpeechTherapy #WaterlooON

(3/4) Masking stuttering to appear fluent can come at a cost: anxiety, fear, and exhaustion. When fluency is seen as the only goal, well-being can be left behind. Let’s not confuse the absence of stuttering in someone who stutters with success. #MentalHealthMatters #SupportNotShame #SLP #Stuttering

(2/4) What does covert stuttering look like? It often means switching words, avoiding certain sounds, or rephrasing—so the listener doesn’t hear a stutter. Internally, though, the person may be working very hard to sound fluent. #CovertStuttering #NeurodiversityAffirming #SpeechTherapy

(1/4) 🗣️ Did you know some people who stutter may appear not to stutter at all—or only subtly? This can be a form of "covert stuttering"—when someone works hard to hide or avoid stuttering. Even if it’s less noticeable, it can still be deeply felt. #StutteringAwareness #CovertStuttering #SLP

🌟 Honouring all father figures this #FathersDay —from dads to mentors— who show up with love and care. Your presence shapes young lives in powerful ways. We also hold space for those finding today hard. With warmth, from Communicating Together in Waterloo, ON. 💙 #CaregiversMatter #SLP #WaterlooON

(3/3) Research shows interest-based conversations boost motivation to connect—especially for neurodivergent teens. Want support or ideas? We’re here to help! 🔗 Learn more about our speech-language pathology services: communicatingtogether.ca #SpeechTherapy #SLP #NeurodiversityAffirming

(2/3) When we meet teens where they are—by talking about their interests: ✅ We show them their voice matters ✅ We reduce resistance & build trust ✅ We support language & connection No pressure. No judgement. Just warm, respectful conversation. 💛 #ParentingTeens #RelationshipFirst #SLP #WaterlooON

(1/3) Looking to build a better connection with your teen? Start with their interests! 💬 Whether it’s music, gaming, anime, or sports—talking about what they love builds trust, confidence, and communication skills. #SLP #SpeechTherapy #TeenCommunication #NeurodiversityAffirming #WaterlooON

Watch this clip on two Australian families who shared their stories about Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and how current support does not meet their needs. There are different ways to raise awareness of DLD and media coverage can be powerful. #devlangdis #DLDday youtu.be/75jcsjanqR4?...

(3/3) We meet kids where they are—building on strengths & partnering with families. 💛 Support builds: ✨ Confidence ✨ Connection ✨ Academic growth ✨ Communication for life 📍 Waterloo, ON More at: communicatingtogether.ca #FamilySupport #WaterlooON

(2/3) DLD may look like: 👂 Trouble following directions 💬 Difficulty expressing thoughts 🤔 Word-finding struggles 🗣️ Trouble telling stories 📚 Challenges with reading/writing With the right support, kids with DLD can make progress! 🌱 #SpeechTherapyForKids #LanguageDevelopment

(1/3) ✨ Understanding Developmental Language Disorder (DLD): Empowering Kids & Families! ✨ DLD is a common, lifelong condition that affects how children understand or use language—without other causes. It’s often hidden, but it can impact learning, friendships & self-expression. 🧠💬 #DLD #SLP

#SLP #LanguageDevelopment #ParentingTips #ChildDevelopment #WaterlooON #SpeechTherapy

(3/3) Try saying: 🌟 “Some words are harder to say—what matters is that you’re trying.” 🌟 “Learning takes time. I love hearing your ideas!” At Communicating Together, we support kids & families with compassion—because every voice deserves to be heard. 💕🗣️ #GrowthMindset #SpeechTherapy #ParentingTips

(2/3) A growth mindset reminds kids: 💡 It’s okay not to be perfect 💡 Mistakes are part of learning 💡 Your voice matters, no matter how it sounds This belief builds confidence—not just in speech, but in life. 🧠💚 Let’s shift from “perfection” to “progress”. #SLP #ProgressOverPerfection #SpeechTherapy

(1/3) 🌱 Did you know a growth mindset can help kids communicate with more confidence? As an SLP, I meet many children with big ideas who feel unsure about speaking—especially when talking feels tricky but, with support, things can change. 💬✨ #GrowthMindset #SpeechTherapy #WaterlooON

Communicating Together Therapy & Wellness Associates in Waterloo, ON, is committed to creating a safe space for all, including our 2SLGBTQIA+ clients and families. We support your communication journey with respect and inclusivity. Happy Pride! #PrideInWaterloo #2SLGBTQIAInclusive #SpeechTherapy

Thanks to Waterloo Region Family Network (WRFN) & Carmen Sutherland (WRFN Coffee Club Facilitator) for creating spaces like Coffee Club—a welcoming place for those 16+ with exceptional needs to connect. Check out the summer schedule here: wrfn.info/CommunityNew... #WRFN, #WaterlooON, #Community

#SLP #EarlyLiteracy #BabyTalk #LanguageDevelopment #NewParents #Waterloo

The WRFN in Waterloo Region is a standout resource for families. As a local SLP, I'm so grateful for their dedication & positive impact. Thank you WRFN! ❤️ Find their fantastic resources: wrfn.info #WaterlooON #FamilyNetwork #WRFN #SpeechTherapy

(3/3) This Speech and Hearing Month, we’re proud to show how SLPs support more than speech—we support the whole child. Healing and communication can grow together. #SpeechAndHearingMonth #DoingMoreThanYouThink #SLP #TraumaInformedCare #ChildDevelopment #InclusiveCare

(2/3) Speech-language pathologists do more than help with sounds and words. We support children in building the safety, trust, and connection they need to communicate. Trauma-informed care means meeting kids where they are—with patience, play, and compassion. #DoingMoreThanYouThink #SLP #Waterloo

(1/3) Trauma—like loss, neglect, or chronic stress—can affect how children learn to communicate. When a child is in survival mode, their brain focuses on safety, not speech. That can look like silence, emotional outbursts, or trouble putting thoughts into words. #TraumaInformedCare #SLP

(3/3) SLPs don’t replace mental health pros but we do support a child’s ability to connect, belong, and thrive. Communication health is part of mental health. I’m proud to walk that journey with families in Waterloo, ON. 🤝 communicatingtogether.ca #SLP #MentalHealthMatters #SpeechTherapy

(2/3) When mental health is impacted, kids may disengage—making communication growth harder. As an SLP, I support the whole child by building not only language skills, but also confidence, connection, and resilience. This work matters. 💛 #SLP #MentalHealthMatters #SpeechAndHearingMonth

(1/3) As a speech-language pathologist, I know communication extends far beyond our words; it’s integral to connection and well-being. When kids struggle to express themselves, it can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal. Mental health and communication are deeply connected. #SLP

(3/3) Adults with lived experience are helping us do better. Their courage is a gift. When they say: 🗣 “Support me to communicate my way.” 🤐 “I wasn’t unwilling—I didn’t feel safe.” 🎙 “No one asked what I wanted to say.” we must listen—with openness and humility. 💛 #LivedExperience #Neurodiversity

(2/3) Adults with learning disabilities, apraxia, or motor speech challenges. Many are now sharing their stories—on social media, in research, or as parents in therapy sessions. They show us what helped, what hurt, and what they wish had been different. #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #SLP #Neurodiversity

(1/3) 🧠 Listening to lived experience matters. As an SLP, the most powerful insights I’ve gained haven’t come from textbooks—they’ve come from adults who’ve been there. Those who stutter. Autistic adults. People who’ve lived through selective mutism or been “reluctant talkers.” #SLP #Neurodiversity

How do we feel about our stammer? #stammering #stuttering www.youtube.com/live/OlG9tln...

"Person who stutters" puts the person first – stuttering is one aspect of them. "Stutterer" can be an embrace of identity, similar to how some in autistic/Deaf communities prefer. Individual preference is key. Let's listen & use the language people prefer to create inclusive spaces. #Inclusion

Did you know language matters when talking about stuttering? Like other aspects of neurodiversity, there are different ways to refer to someone who stutters: "person who stutters" (person-first) or "stutterer" (identity-first). #StutteringAwarenessWeek #Neurodiversity