Little Buddies is a team of passionate Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists offering pediatric therapy in Burnaby and Richmond. Many of the families who come to us are looking for speech therapy for autism, and we support kids and families with a wide range of needs. Our relationship-based approach is family-centred, and we see every child as a unique individual with their own strengths.
Our Clients
Little Buddies provides occupational therapy and speech-language pathology services to children from birth through to age 18. We work with children with a range of diagnoses, including the following:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Sensory processing challenges
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
- Hearing challenges
- Visual challenges
- Learning challenges
- Behavioural challenges
- Fine motor challenges
- Down Syndrome
- Developmental delay
- Developmental Language Disorders
- Speech Sound Disorders
- Cerebral Palsy and other motor disorders
Learn more about our occupational therapy and speech-language therapy services.
Speech Therapy for Autism
Every autistic child communicates in their own way. Some use words, some use sounds or gestures, and some use pictures or a communication device. Our Speech-Language Pathologists start with how your child already communicates and build from there.
Just like our OTs, our SLPs use play as the medium for therapy. If your child loves dinosaurs, there’s a good chance their sessions will include a lot of dinosaurs!
Autism speech therapy at Little Buddies can help your child with:
- Sharing their wants, needs and ideas
- Understanding and following directions
- Using AAC, such as picture boards or speech-generating devices
- Playing and connecting with family and friends
- Speaking more clearly
We also share strategies with parents and caregivers that you can use at home between sessions.
Therapy starts with an SLP assessment so we can get to know your child and set goals together with your family. From there, your SLP will create a treatment plan that fits your child.
Occupational Therapy for Autistic Children
Does your child find busy or noisy places overwhelming? Are dressing, mealtimes or bedtime a daily struggle? Many of the autistic kids we work with see both an OT and an SLP. Learn more about our occupational therapy for autism, including DIR Floortime® and sensory integration therapy. Since we offer both services, your child’s OT and SLP can work together on their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does speech therapy help autistic children?
Our SLPs help autistic kids communicate in the ways that work best for them. For one child, that might mean learning new words. For another, it might mean trying out an AAC device. We set goals together with your family and update them as your child grows.
Can my child see both an OT and an SLP?
Yes! Many of the kids we work with see both. When you fill out our service request form, you can choose OT, speech therapy or both.
Is speech therapy for autism funded in BC?
Many families use BC autism funding or extended health benefits to help cover therapy. Visit our Funding Sources page to learn more.
Where are your clinics?
We have two clinics: one in Burnaby and one in Richmond, inside the Pacific Autism Family Network.