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:
- Initial contact: Call us or send an email to discuss your concerns and book an assessment
- Assessment session: A thorough evaluation of your child’s communication skills, usually lasting 60 to 90 minutes
- Feedback and planning: We discuss results with you, explain our findings, and agree on therapy goals
- Therapy sessions: Regular sessions targeting your child’s specific needs, with home activities provided
- Progress reviews: Formal reviews at regular intervals to track progress and adjust the plan
- 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.