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Speech Therapy FAQ Malta

Service
Speech Therapy
Location
Mosta, Malta
Team
Sarah Agius
Contact
+356 77048650

Choosing speech therapy for your child is an important decision, and it is natural to have questions about what to expect. At WonderKids in Malta, we believe informed families make the best decisions for their children. Below we answer the most common questions parents ask about children’s speech therapy.

What Is Speech Therapy and Who Needs It?

Speech therapy is a specialist service that helps children develop their communication skills. It covers speech sounds, language understanding, language expression, social communication, fluency, and voice. Children may need speech therapy if their communication skills are behind what is expected for their age or if a specific difficulty is affecting their ability to communicate effectively.

Speech therapy is relevant for a wide range of difficulties, from mild articulation errors to more significant language delays or disorders. It is also valuable for children with conditions such as autism, hearing impairment, and developmental language disorder.

How We Help at WonderKids

Our approach is always child-centred and evidence-based. We begin every journey with a comprehensive assessment to understand your child’s unique profile. This involves standardised assessments, clinical observation, and detailed discussion with parents about developmental history and current concerns.

Therapy plans are individualised, with clear goals that are reviewed and updated regularly. Sessions are play-based, meaning children are engaged and motivated throughout. We provide extensive parent coaching because the strategies used at home are just as important as what happens in the clinic.

What to Expect from the Process

The typical process at WonderKids follows these steps:

  1. Initial contact: Call us or send an email to discuss your concerns and book an assessment
  2. Assessment session: A thorough evaluation of your child’s communication skills, usually lasting 60 to 90 minutes
  3. Feedback and planning: We discuss results with you, explain our findings, and agree on therapy goals
  4. Therapy sessions: Regular sessions targeting your child’s specific needs, with home activities provided
  5. Progress reviews: Formal reviews at regular intervals to track progress and adjust the plan
  6. Discharge: When goals are achieved, we discharge with confidence and provide guidance for ongoing support at home

How Can Parents Support Speech Development?

Talk to your child throughout the day, narrating activities and expanding on their words. Read together daily. Reduce screen time and increase face-to-face interaction. Follow your child’s lead in play and conversation. Avoid correcting speech errors directly; instead, model the correct production naturally. Our therapist will provide tailored strategies specific to your child’s needs.

Why Choose WonderKids?

WonderKids offers no waiting lists for speech therapy in Malta. Our qualified speech and language pathologist works collaboratively with our occupational therapy team to provide holistic support. We are based in Mosta and open Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 18:00. Contact us on +356 77048650 or email info@wonderkids.mt to get started.

Written by Sarah Agius

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can my child start speech therapy?

Children can benefit from speech therapy from as young as 12 months. Early intervention is highly effective, so if you have concerns about your child's communication at any age, we recommend an assessment. It is always better to seek advice early rather than wait and see.

How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?

Signs that your child may benefit from speech therapy include not babbling by 12 months, no words by 18 months, no two-word phrases by age two, speech that is difficult for others to understand, difficulty following instructions, limited vocabulary compared to peers, and frustration when trying to communicate.

What happens during a speech therapy assessment?

The assessment includes a parent interview about your child's developmental history, standardised tests of speech and language skills, observation of your child's play and communication, and an oral motor examination. We then discuss findings and recommendations with you.

How long are speech therapy sessions?

Sessions typically last 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your child's age and needs. Younger children may have shorter sessions to match their attention span, while older children usually benefit from longer sessions.

How often does my child need to attend?

Most children attend weekly or fortnightly sessions. The recommended frequency depends on the nature and severity of the difficulty. Our therapist will advise on the optimal schedule following assessment.

Will my child just play during sessions?

Play is the primary medium through which children learn, so our sessions are play-based. However, every activity is carefully chosen to target specific speech and language goals. What looks like play to your child is actually structured therapy designed to build communication skills.

Do you provide a report after assessment?

Yes. Following the assessment, we provide a detailed written report including test results, clinical observations, a summary of your child's strengths and difficulties, and specific recommendations. This report can be shared with schools and other professionals.

Can parents attend the sessions?

Yes. We encourage parent involvement. For younger children, parents are usually present throughout the session. For older children, we may work one-to-one but always include parents at the end to discuss progress and demonstrate home activities.

How long will my child need speech therapy?

The duration of therapy varies depending on the nature of the difficulty. Some children achieve their goals within a few months, while others with more complex needs may require longer-term support. We set clear goals and review progress regularly to ensure therapy remains effective.

Do you offer services in Maltese?

Yes. Our speech and language pathologist is bilingual in Maltese and English and can provide assessment and therapy in both languages. We are experienced in supporting bilingual children and understand the unique considerations of bilingual language development.

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Get in touch to discuss how we can support your child's development.