Speech therapy FAQ

Q1. What is speech therapy?

Speech therapy is a specialised service that helps children and adults improve their speech, language, communication, voice, and certain feeding and swallowing skills. It can help individuals who have difficulty pronouncing words, understanding language, expressing themselves, or communicating effectively.

Q2. When does a child need speech therapy?

A child may benefit from speech therapy if they:

Are not speaking as expected for their age.

Have difficulty saying words or forming sentences.

Are difficult for others to understand.

Have difficulty understanding instructions.

Stammer or have speech fluency problems.

Have communication difficulties associated with autism or other developmental conditions.

Early assessment can help identify a child's needs and determine whether therapy is required.

Q3. At what age can speech therapy begin?

Speech and language assessment can be performed in infancy when developmental concerns arise. Therapy can begin as soon as a need is identified. There is no need to wait until a child starts school or reaches a particular age.

Q4. Can speech therapy help a child who is not speaking?

Yes. Speech therapy can help children who have delayed speech or language development. The therapist evaluates the child's communication skills, understanding, gestures, play, and expressive language before developing an individualised treatment plan.

A hearing assessment may also be recommended because hearing difficulties can affect speech and language development.

Q5. Can speech therapy help children with autism?

Yes. Speech therapy can support communication in children with autism spectrum disorder. Treatment may focus on spoken language, understanding, social communication, conversational skills, gestures, and alternative communication methods when appropriate.

Q6. Can speech therapy help children who stammer?

Yes. Speech and language therapists can assess stammering and provide suitable strategies to improve communication and manage speech fluency difficulties.

Q7. How long does speech therapy take to show results?

Progress varies depending on the child's age, diagnosis, communication needs, frequency of therapy, and participation in activities at home. Some children show improvements relatively quickly, while others need longer-term support.

Q8. How often should a child attend speech therapy?

The frequency depends on the assessment and treatment goals. Some children benefit from weekly sessions, while others may need more frequent sessions. The therapist will recommend a suitable schedule.

Q9. Does speech delay always mean autism?

No. Speech delay can occur for many reasons, including hearing impairment, developmental language disorder, broader developmental delays, and other communication difficulties. Autism is one possible cause, but speech delay alone does not establish the diagnosis.

Q10. Is a hearing test necessary for a child with speech delay?

A hearing assessment is often recommended because even partial hearing loss can affect speech and language development. The appropriate test depends on the child's age, developmental level, and clinical history.

Q11. Can adults benefit from speech therapy?

Yes. Adults may benefit from speech therapy for stammering, voice disorders, communication difficulties following a stroke or brain injury, and certain swallowing disorders.

Q12. Where can I get speech therapy in Vijay Nagar, Delhi?

Paartha Diagnostic Centre, E21, Vijay Nagar, Delhi 110009, offers a convenient location for families seeking information about speech therapy and developmental support. Contact the centre to enquire about current speech therapy services, assessment, and appointments.

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