Speech and language delay is one of the most common reasons for pediatric referral — and one where outcomes are most strongly determined by timing. The earlier structured therapy begins, the better the long-term outcome. If your child isn't using single words by 18 months, two-word phrases by 24 months, or if speech is hard to understand by age 3, an assessment is appropriate.
What we treat
- Expressive language delay (vocabulary, sentence structure, story-telling)
- Receptive language delay (understanding)
- Articulation disorders (specific sound errors)
- Phonological disorders (patterns of sound errors)
- Childhood apraxia of speech
- Stuttering and fluency disorders
- Speech and language difficulties in bilingual children
- Speech difficulties associated with structural issues (cleft palate, tongue-tie post-revision)
- Selective mutism
Our program
Speak Easy, Speak Efficiently — Speech Delay Program.
A structured pediatric speech-language program with individualized session content based on assessment findings. Session frequency is typically 1–2 per week, with parent inclusion and home program work between sessions.
Our approach
Evidence-based speech-language therapy techniques matched to the specific disorder. Play-based delivery — sessions look like play because that's how children learn best. Parent inclusion in every session, with explicit coaching on how to support speech and language development at home. Coordination with the child's school or nursery where relevant. For stuttering in younger children, the Lidcombe Program. For older children with stuttering, evidence-based fluency strategies.
Bilingual children
Many of our pediatric patients are growing up bilingual or multilingual — Arabic and English, English and other languages. Bilingualism is not a cause of speech delay, and we never advise families to drop a language. We work in the language(s) the child uses most and the family wants to support.
Outcome measures we use
- CELF-5 (Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals)
- Preschool Language Scales (PLS-5)
- Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation
- Stuttering Severity Instrument (SSI-4)
- Parent-Reported Communication Milestones
- Goal Attainment Scaling
Who leads this work at Kent
Pediatric speech therapy at Kent is led by Nihal Muneer, DHA-licensed speech-language pathologist with specific pediatric training.
Frequently asked questions
When should I be concerned about my child's speech?
Specific milestones to watch: no single words by 18 months, no two-word phrases by 24 months, speech that's hard to understand by age 3, sudden loss of words previously used, or any concern raised by your pediatrician. Earlier assessment is always better than waiting.
My child is bilingual — could that be why they're delayed?
Bilingualism does not cause speech or language delay. Bilingual children may mix languages or develop vocabulary in each language at slightly different rates, but their overall language development should track normally. If you have concerns, an assessment will tell you whether there's a true delay.
How often will my child need speech therapy?
Typically once or twice a week. Higher frequencies generally produce faster gains for most children. The exact schedule depends on the child's age, the nature of the difficulty, and what's sustainable for the family.
Will my child grow out of it?
Some speech and language difficulties resolve naturally; many don't. The challenge is that it's hard to predict which is which without assessment. Earlier therapy is more effective than waiting — and if your child would have caught up anyway, structured therapy still helps.
Do you do stuttering therapy for young children?
Yes. For young children (typically under 7), we use the Lidcombe Program — a well-evidenced approach delivered through parents in everyday situations. For older children, we use evidence-based fluency strategies.
Will I be in the session with my child?
For young children, yes, almost always. Parent inclusion is one of the strongest predictors of pediatric therapy outcomes. As children get older, we may work separately for parts of the session.