WonderKids provides expert speech delay therapy for children in Malta. Our qualified speech and language pathologist assesses and treats children with expressive and receptive language delays, helping them develop the communication skills they need to connect with others, learn, and thrive.
What Is Speech Delay?
Speech delay occurs when a child’s speech and language development falls behind the expected milestones for their age. This can involve:
- Expressive language delay: Difficulty producing words, forming sentences, or expressing thoughts and needs
- Receptive language delay: Difficulty understanding spoken language, following instructions, or processing verbal information
- Mixed delay: Challenges with both understanding and producing language
Speech delay is one of the most common developmental concerns in young children. Early identification and intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes.
How Do We Help Children with Speech Delay?
At WonderKids, our speech and language pathologist Sarah Agius provides a comprehensive approach to speech delay therapy:
- Thorough assessment: Standardised assessments to evaluate your child’s receptive and expressive language abilities, speech sound development, and communication skills
- Play-based therapy: Engaging, age-appropriate activities designed to stimulate language development naturally
- Parent coaching: Teaching parents strategies to support language development at home during everyday routines
- Targeted interventions: Evidence-based techniques tailored to your child’s specific type of delay
What to Expect from Speech Delay Therapy
Our therapy process includes:
- Initial consultation: Discussion of your concerns and your child’s developmental history
- Comprehensive assessment: Standardised and observational assessment of speech and language abilities
- Therapy plan: Individualised goals and therapy approach based on assessment findings
- Regular sessions: Typically weekly, 45-minute play-based therapy sessions
- Home programme: Activities and strategies for parents to use between sessions
- Progress reviews: Regular monitoring and adjustment of goals
Signs Your Child May Have a Speech Delay
Consider seeking assessment if your child:
- Is not babbling by 12 months
- Has fewer than 50 words by age 2
- Is not combining two words by age 2.5
- Is difficult for familiar adults to understand by age 3
- Is not speaking in sentences by age 3-4
- Has difficulty following simple instructions for their age
- Is frustrated when trying to communicate
How Do I Get Started?
Contact WonderKids at +356 77048650 or email info@wonderkids.mt to book a speech and language assessment. Our centre at 72 Constitution Street, Mosta serves families across Malta with fast appointments and no long waiting lists.
References
- Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). Speech and Language Development Milestones. www.rcslt.org
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Late Language Emergence. www.asha.org