What is a Communication Disorder Assistant?
What is a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) anyway?
A Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) works closely with a Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist to provide therapy for speech and, language delays and disorders, and communication therapy, as well as audiology services.
Education of CDA:
CDA’s have a college or university degree or diploma, and then complete a post-graduate college certificate. There, they are trained specifically in therapy for speech sounds, early language development, stuttering, voice, motor speech, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), audiology and much more! Our training is specific to therapy and working with the Speech Therapist.
What can a CDA do?
A CDA works closely with Speech Therapist to target the goals that have been set. A CDA can focus completely on the treatment of your child’s speech and/or language challenges without performing assessment. They can also prepare any therapy materials or homework your child may need and give strategies for you to help your child at home!
CDA versus SLP – What’s the difference?
Roles: An SLP will provide assessment, write reports, and set therapy goals, while the CDA will carry out treatment according to the therapy goals set.
Education: An SLP has an Undergraduate Degree from a University, as well as a Master’s Degree, while a CDA has an Undergraduate Degree or Diploma from University or College and a 1-Year Post-Graduate Diploma from College.
Who do I Choose? There is no wrong answer! Both the SLP and CDA work on providing high-quality, effective therapy for your child!
Why use a CDA with Wellington County Speech Therapy
1) Our focus is completely on treatment! What does this mean for you? It means you get a trained professional working exclusively towards your child’s improvement.CDA’s work directly with the client to progress through their goals using evidence-based treatment approaches and help our clients achieve success. With our specific training on therapy, preparing materials, home programming, and parent education and support, you will know you are getting the therapy your child needs.
2) CDA’s are a cost-effective option for families on a budget! Let’s be honest, speech therapy is expensive! Since we do not provide assessments or write reports, and our education requirements are different from that of an S-LP, our rates are a lower-cost option. In addition, most insurance providers cover CDA services under the supervision of an SLP.
3) CDA’s have specific training in providing direct treatment, home programming, and preparing therapy materials! That is our strength and our passion! As CDA’s, we pride ourselves on our abilities to provide high-quality, effective treatment for our clients, while working closely with the Speech Therapist.
How do I find a CDA?
Wellington County Speech Therapy has you covered! We have 2 CDAs with 25 years of combined experience with preschool and early school aged intervention! We also have additional training in:
DIR®/Floortime™
Shanker Self Regulation
Written by Jenn Kentner, B.A., CDA
Reg. CDAAC
More information and resources:
For more information regarding what a CDA is, education, and abilities of Communicative Disorders Assistants, here are some resources you can check out!
CHA Info Sheet Final EN (sac-oac.ca)
For more information on DIR®/Floortime™ and this treatment approach, you can follow this link, or contact Jenn for more information:
Home | Profectum Foundation | Autism Resources
For more information on Shanker Self-Reg® or The Mehrit Centre, you can follow this link.
