Parents’ questions, answered in plain language

Every child develops at their own unique pace. However, when there are concerns about the development of language, speech or communication, an assessment by a speech-language therapist can help provide a clearer understanding of the child’s needs. Signs that may be worth exploring include: limited use of words or no words at around 18 months, difficulty combining words into simple phrases during the toddler years, difficulty understanding or expressing language, speech that remains difficult for people outside the family to understand after the age of 4, persistent difficulties with articulation or the use of speech sounds, difficulties with speech fluency, such as stuttering. Early assessment can help identify potential difficulties and, where needed, support the planning of personalised speech and language therapy aimed at the child’s communication development.

When a child is not developing language in line with expected developmental milestones, or there are concerns about their communication, an assessment by a speech-language therapist can be helpful. An assessment does not necessarily mean that the child needs therapy. It can provide a clearer picture of their development, lead to simple monitoring of their progress, or, where there is a need, inform a personalised speech and language therapy plan. Early assessment helps identify potential difficulties and makes it possible to provide the right support when needed.

No. Multilingualism does not cause delays in speech or language development. Exposure to two or more languages is a normal form of language development. Mixing languages—for example, using words from different languages in the same sentence—is an expected and normal phenomenon in the early years and is not a sign of a language disorder. When there is a genuine difficulty with language development, signs usually appear across all the languages the child uses. They are not caused by multilingualism, although they may be related to other developmental or language factors. The assessment of a bilingual or multilingual child needs to take their entire language environment into account, not just one language.

Some speech sound errors are expected during the early years of speech development, as the child gradually acquires the sound system of their language. Speech intelligibility increases gradually with age. As a general guide, by around age 3 a child’s speech should be largely understandable to familiar people, while by around age 4 it is expected to be reasonably understandable even to people who do not know the child. However, if speech is very difficult to understand, the difficulties persist, or they affect the child’s communication with others, an assessment by a speech-language therapist can be helpful. Early assessment helps determine whether this is part of typical development or whether the child needs support.

The first appointment begins with a discussion about the child’s developmental and medical history, how their communication has developed so far, and the family’s concerns or questions. The child is then assessed through play, observation and appropriate activities, depending on their age and needs. Where considered necessary, standardised assessment tools may be used to provide a more complete picture of language, communication and/or articulation skills. The aim of the assessment is to identify both strengths and areas that need support, so that a personalised plan with clear next steps can be developed.

The frequency of sessions and the overall duration of speech and language therapy are determined individually, according to each child’s needs, age and goals. In many cases, intervention begins with one or more sessions per week, depending on the assessment findings, and progress is reviewed at regular intervals. Some children may need short-term support, while others may require a longer period of intervention. In every case, the family is given realistic goals and a clear picture of how therapy is progressing.

Yes, as much as possible. The family is a partner: I show you what we are working on and how you can support it at home, because that is where much of the progress happens. For older children, we adapt the level of family involvement.

Speech and language therapy is for both children and adults. Children can receive support for difficulties involving communication, speech and language development, articulation, phonology, speech fluency (such as stuttering), and other communication-related skills. For adults, speech and language therapy may address aphasia, dysarthria, dysphagia (swallowing disorders), voice disorders and fluency disorders, among other needs. These difficulties may arise, for example, following a stroke, traumatic brain injury or another neurological condition. Each treatment plan is personalised around the individual’s needs, goals and everyday life.

Speech and language therapy may be provided through the General Healthcare System (GESY), in accordance with the system’s current criteria and procedures. Access to speech and language therapy through GESY requires a referral from an authorised doctor, depending on the individual case and the applicable procedures. For more information about the referral process, GESY arrangements or available appointments, please contact me and I will guide you.

Sessions are conducted in Greek. Assessment and therapeutic intervention are planned according to each person’s language profile and needs, taking their language environment into account. For bilingual or multilingual children, assessment is carried out carefully to develop a complete picture of their communication and language skills.

The practice is located at 16is Iouniou 1943, 12 G/D, 3022 Limassol. To arrange an appointment, you can contact me by phone or WhatsApp, or complete the website’s contact form. I will be glad to answer your questions and explain the assessment process and available services.