Kim French & Associates: Speech-Language Pathology & Autism Consultation

10/31/2025

As AAC Awareness Month comes to a close, we would like to repeat a message that has been shared many times over the last 31 days. But this cannot be said enough….All Forms Of Communication Are Valid! There is no hierarchy of communication with verbal speech at the top! Everyone communicates differently and we all use multimodal communication on a daily basis. No one has the right to gatekeep or invalidate someone else’s mode of communication. Everyone deserves the proper supports and acceptance to be able to say what they want, how they want.

For information on using AAC with Gestalt Language Processors, please check out our presentation at the Autism Symposium in St. John’s, NL on September 27th, 2025. Go to kimfrench.ca/autismsymposium

10/26/2025

🗣️ The City of Mount Pearl proudly proclaims October 22, 2025, as International Stuttering Awareness Day! 💙

Did you know? Stuttering affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide - that's about 70 million people globally and approximately 350,000 Canadians.

The Newfoundland & Labrador Stuttering Association works tirelessly to provide advocacy and support for people who stutter, representing a diverse group of individuals with varied occupations, cultural identities, personal experiences, and accomplishments.

Key facts about stuttering:

🧒 Affects millions of pre-school and school age children, adolescents, adults, and seniors
💪 People who stutter face daily physical, emotional, and psychological challenges
🚫 Stereotyping and discrimination remain significant barriers
🏥 Access to affordable and effective speech therapy is essential

Today is an opportunity to:

🎯 Raise public awareness of this poorly understood disorder
👨‍⚕️ Support speech-language pathologists and allied health professionals
🗣️ Ensure the voices of people who stutter are heard at all political levels
🔬 Support continued research to find the causes of stuttering
🛡️ Work toward the prevention of stuttering in children

Together, we can educate people about stuttering, break down barriers, and ensure that everyone who stutters has access to the support and resources they need. Let's amplify their voices and celebrate their strength! 🌟

10/22/2025

Pop the confetti because it’s finally here! 🎉 We’re thrilled to roll out the recorded presentations from the 2025 Autism Symposium, “Thriving Together: Community, Supports, and Stories.” It was a day drenched in knowledge, education, and pure inspiration! Dive into the world of our fantastic presenters, vibrant panel discussions, and the soul-stirring Lauda Choir performance at https://www.kimfrench.ca/autismsymposium. We’re already counting down the days to see you next year!

10/16/2025

Truth and Reconciliation should be honoured year-round. September 30th marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour survivors and children who never returned home from residential schools. It also provides an opportunity to honour their families, communities, and culture.

One of the national calls to action from the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is to learn aspects of indigenous culture. To be a part of this and to learn more about the indigenous cultures of Newfoundland (Ktaqmkuk) and Labrador, the staff at KFA will record an indigenous word of the month.

The Indigenous Language Word of the Month for October is: Atelihai
An Inuktitut word meaning “Welcome”

09/28/2025

Looking for something to do with your kids to honour Truth and Reconciliation Day on Tuesday? Check out the Mi’kmaw Women’s Circle Performance at The Art Factory

🥁 Mi’kmaw Women’s Circle Performance – Truth and Reconciliation Day 🥁

The St. John’s Mi’kmaw Women’s Circle will be performing at The Art Factory on Tuesday, September 30th at 1:30 PM.

Join us to honor Truth and Reconciliation Day through powerful rhythms and vibrant storytelling. An experience not to be missed!

09/26/2025

We are so lucky have such a passionate and caring SLP on our team 🩷

Katelyn Mayo is the fourth of four panelists attending our upcoming symposium! Scan the QR code or click the link to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVz5hqgQIOaz6h7QfrSoSpk7QW_-5ug4tfDoF-SU1qnZU5cA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=115392704983952382448

Any questions, reach us at mindfulsolutionsnonprofit@gmail.com!

09/21/2025

So proud to be a part of this amazing project! I can’t believe we finally get to show you the hard work that has been happening behind the scenes! 🎉🥳 Cindy and Dave started with a simple idea and turned it into something beautiful that is sure to help many kids in their language development (and of course have lots of fun along the way!)
~ Kim

09/20/2025

Come together for a day of connection, learning, and inspiration at the Autism Symposium: Thriving Together – Community, Supports, and Stories.

📅 Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
📍 Location: The Capital Hotel, St. John’s
⏰ Time: Doors open at 8:30AM

🎟️ In-person attendance encouraged — enjoy networking, swag bags, and a chance to win prizes!

Let’s work together to support and celebrate our autism community. 💙

09/20/2025

Check out the fabulous line up of speakers for the upcoming Autism Symposium on Sept 27th. For more information or to register for in-person or online attendance click here www.kimfrench.ca/autismsymposium

09/18/2025

In need of a new iPad??? Great News! 🎉🎉 All in-person attendees at the Autism Symposium on September 27th have a chance to win our exciting door prizes…including a Brand New iPad and much much more!! 🎉🎉.