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Middlesex County

Speech therapy for kids in London

In London, the free preschool program is called tykeTALK, coordinated by Thames Valley Children's Centre and delivered with Western University and Woodstock Hospital.

In London the pieces are Thames Valley Preschool Speech and Language (tykeTALK) (Thames Valley Children's Centre) before school, Thames Valley Children's Centre for rehabilitation to age 19, Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre for hospital clinics, and the Thames Valley District School Board and London District Catholic School Board once a child is in school. Western University's speech-language pathology program is a tykeTALK partner, so some London children are seen in the university's student-led clinic under registered supervision.

Speechie plans virtual appointments for London families once CASLPO registration is confirmed. Until then, this page maps what is free today.

Free and public options in London

  1. 1

    Before school: Thames Valley Preschool Speech and Language (tykeTALK)

    Run by Thames Valley Children's Centre. Free, parent self-referral, birth to school entry. Call 519-663-0273 or 1-877-818-8255.

    Covers London-Middlesex, Elgin and Oxford counties. Intake is through the TVCC referral team.

  2. 2

    In school: 2 boards

    Ask the teacher for a referral to the board's speech-language pathologist.

    • Thames Valley District School Board
    • London District Catholic School Board

    French-language: Conseil scolaire Viamonde and Conseil scolaire catholique Providence.

  3. 3

    Any age: Thames Valley Children's Centre

    Thames Valley Children's Centre serves Middlesex County to age 19 and is the SmartStart Hub entry point; families refer directly. Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre takes physician referrals for specialty clinics, and Middlesex-London Health Unit runs early-years programs.

What is different about London

tykeTALK is the name London families will hear for the free preschool program. Thames Valley Children's Centre coordinates it, but some children are seen at Western University's H.A. Leeper Speech and Hearing Clinic, where graduate students provide services under registered supervision, and others at Woodstock Hospital for Oxford County.

Thames Valley Children's Centre on Base Line Road East is also the Children's Treatment Centre for London, Owen Sound, St. Thomas, Sarnia and Stratford, one of the largest catchments in the province, with satellite sites so rural families are not always travelling to London.

Thames Valley District School Board and London District Catholic School Board both employ speech-language pathologists. London Public Library runs free early literacy programming, and private rates in London are generally below the Toronto range.

Hospital

Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre

Free storytimes

London Public Library

French-language boards

Conseil scolaire Viamonde, Conseil scolaire catholique Providence

Private speech therapy in London

OHIP does not cover private clinics in London; typical 2026 rates are roughly $110 to $180 per hour and $300 to $600 for an assessment (often mid-range in London). Verify any clinician on the CASLPO Public Register, then see the cost guide and questions to ask.

Questions London families ask

How do I get free speech therapy for my child in London?
Before school, parents refer directly to Thames Valley Preschool Speech and Language (tykeTALK), run by Thames Valley Children's Centre (519-663-0273 or 1-877-818-8255): no doctor referral, no diagnosis, no fee. Once in school, ask the Thames Valley District School Board or London District Catholic School Board for a speech-language referral, or refer to Thames Valley Children's Centre directly.
Which hospital in London has a speech-language service for children?
Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre is the hospital route in Middlesex County; specialty clinics such as feeding, cleft or voice need a physician referral. For most speech and language concerns the community program (Thames Valley Children's Centre) or Thames Valley Children's Centre is the faster door.
Does OHIP cover private speech therapy in London?
No. OHIP does not pay for private speech-language pathology in London or anywhere in Ontario. Many extended health plans cover part of it, and fees paid to a CASLPO-registered speech-language pathologist qualify for the medical expense tax credit.
Will Speechie offer appointments in London?
Speechie plans virtual appointments for London families once the clinician's CASLPO registration is confirmed. Until then, use Thames Valley Children's Centre and join the waitlist to be notified.

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Children not yet in school can self-refer to the Preschool Speech and Language Program. No doctor, no fee.

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