About Jana
Jana O'Connor, BA, MSc, RSLP, SLP(C)
I am a private Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in Victoria, BC. I hold a Master of Science degree from the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I studied Speech-Language Pathology. I am certified by Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC) and an active member of Speech and Hearing BC. I am also registered with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC (CSHBC) and a registered member of the Registry of Autism Services Providers (RASP) through Autism Information Services BC (AIS BC).
My approach
I meet people where they're at. Whatever your child's developmental level and communication needs may be, I will help identify that starting point and we can take it from there. I believe in the importance of basing communication goals on what is developmentally appropriate and relevant for children in the context of their daily lives and families. This will look different for every client and I look forward to supporting your child in taking the next step.
My clinical focus
As a Speech-Language Pathologist, my clinical interests include articulation and phonological disorders, language delays/disorders, motor speech disorders, social communication, and executive functioning challenges. I have a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent clients — those with different ways of thinking and seeing the world — such as autistic children or those with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I aim to provide therapy that is neurodiversity-affirming, respectful, and strengths-based. I view autism and ADHD as differences in brain wiring rather than medical disorders that are in need of fixing. I firmly believe those with neurodivergent brains should be supported and helped to play, learn, and communicate in the unique ways that work for them.
My experience
As a parent of a child with ADHD, I have first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by neurodivergent children and their parents. In learning strategies to help my son navigate daily life and school successfully, I have developed an excellent repertoire of executive functioning supports and strategies that I am excited to bring to my work as an SLP. Serving clients with ADHD is an area of particular interest for me and I am committed to supporting all neurodivergent children respectfully and in a way that promotes mental and emotional health.
As an SLP, I have years of experience working in a team-based therapy clinic where the majority of my clients were autistic children. This experience has given me numerous strategies to draw on and integrate into my practice, such as: sensory play, fine and gross motor activities, emotional regulation tools, motivational strategies, visual supports, positive and preventative behavioural strategies, alternative and augmentative communication systems, and executive functioning strategies.
The neurodivergent community
In recent years, I have read and learned a great deal about the experiences of autistic adults and the insight they have shared has shaped my thinking and therapy approach hugely. I believe it’s incredibly important to listen to the voices of the communities I serve in order to inform best practices, avoid harm, and meet my clients’ needs. I commit to continuing to do this work and to be a true ally and resource for every child I serve.
More about the neurodiversity-affirming approach:
Why to use "identity-first language"
The difference between the medical and social models of disability
Autism awareness vs. acceptance
My availability
My availability to take on new clients varies over time. Feel free to contact me to inquire about whether we are a good fit!
