Down Syndrome Speech Therapy
for Children in Guelph
by Laura Hutchinson, SLP at Paths 2 Communication
Localized, Reassuring, Parent-Focused
If your child has a diagnosis of Down syndrome or you’re just beginning to explore what support might help, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
At Paths 2 Communication, we provide warm, play-based speech and language therapy for children with Down syndrome in Guelph. We support infants, toddlers and children who communicate through gestures, sounds, words, signs, or AAC, always meeting them where they are. With over 26 years of clinical experience, our focus is on connection first, because communication grows best through relationships, trust, and joyful engagement.
✅ Emphasis on co-regulation, shared attention, and following the child’s lead
Communication Support for Children with Down Syndrome
We support the whole communication profile often seen in children with Down syndrome, including:
Building shared attention, turn-taking, and engagement
Supporting expressive language development at each child’s pace
Improving speech clarity and intelligibility while respecting motor planning differences
Supporting receptive language, processing time, and comprehension
Respecting and encouraging all communication modalities, including gestures and AAC
Supporting early literacy, phonological awareness, and narrative skills
✅ Our work is informed by relationship-based, developmental frameworks of DIR/Floortime, Babble Boot Camp and evidence-based language intervention strategies, adapted thoughtfully for children with Down syndrome.
Our Approach
Relational. Respectful. Rooted in research.
Our therapy approach recognizes the unique learning profile of children with Down syndrome and focuses on strengths while supporting areas of need. This includes:
Relationship-based therapy that prioritizes motivation, joy and connection
Co-regulation before communication demands
Visual, motor, and sensory supports to strengthen learning
Repetition with meaning—not drills
Individualized communication pathways that honor each child’s interests, personality, and family goals
We don’t rush milestones—we build foundations that last.
Services Available in Guelph
In-person speech therapy sessions in a sensory-
supportive environment
Parent-child sessions that model strategies you can
use at home
Support with speech, language, play, social interaction, and early literacy
AAC exploration and support when appropriate
Virtual or hybrid speech therapy options for families and caregivers; support for the whole family
✅ Related services:
/virtual-speech-therapy-guelph
/speech-therapy-cambridge
Who We Support
We welcome children with Down syndrome who:
Are aged 0–18 years
Communicate using speech, signs, gestures, or AAC
Need support with speech, language development, or
social communication
Experience sensory, motor, or regulation differences
Have co-occurring diagnoses (e.g., speech sound disorder,
childhood apraxia of speech, autism)
We also support families seeking collaborative, family-centered care, based on developmental approaches.
Book Your FREE Navigator Call
Not sure what kind of speech therapy your child needs, or when to start?
Our FREE Navigator Call is designed to:
Help you understand your child’s communication profile
Help you understand your child’s communication profile
Clarify next steps and therapy options
Answer your questions without pressure or obligation
You’ll leave the call with a clear map forward, not more questions.
Resources
Wellington Down Syndrome Association
Funding Resources:
https://www.wwdss.ca/programs/therapy-bursaries
“We walk alongside your child’s communication journey, celebrating every connection, every idea, and every step forward.”
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