Speech Delay
Helping Your Child Say Their First Words and Keep Going
Some children are quiet for longer than expected. Others babble but don’t progress to words. If your child isn’t speaking yet or is using fewer words than peers, they may be experiencing a speech delay — and early support can make a lasting difference.
At KidsHeart Medical Center, our Pediatric Speech Therapy Services help children across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain find their voice. We offer play-based, encouraging therapy that helps kids learn to speak — one sound, one word, one sentence at a time. We support each child’s communication journey with care, patience, and proven strategies.
What Is a Speech Delay?
Speech delay means your child isn’t developing speech — the physical act of producing sounds and words — at the expected pace for their age.
This may look like:
- No words by 15–18 months
- Only a few words by age 2
- Slurred, unclear, or incomplete words
- Sounds that are hard to understand
- Limited attempts to imitate speech
Speech delay is different from a language delay. A child may understand well but have trouble producing sounds, words, or phrases clearly.
Speech delays can occur on their own or alongside other conditions, such as hearing loss, autism, or developmental challenges.
When Should You Seek Support?
It’s never too early to reach out if you’re concerned about your child’s speech.
Speech therapy may be helpful if your child:
- Isn’t babbling, gesturing, or trying to talk by 12–15 months
- Uses very few words after 18 months
- Doesn’t imitate sounds or simple words
- Is difficult to understand — even by close family
- Gets frustrated or gives up trying to speak
- Points or pulls instead of using words
Early speech therapy can give your child the tools they need to catch up — and feel confident doing so.
What to Expect in Speech Therapy
Therapy is fun, interactive, and carefully designed for your child’s stage of development.
Speech sessions may include:
- Sound imitation and repetition games
- Play-based techniques to encourage vocalization
- Oral-motor exercises for jaw, lips, and tongue movement
- Visual aids, gestures, and picture prompts
- Early word modeling and prompting
- Parent coaching on speech-building strategies at home
Every child progresses at their own pace — and we celebrate each new sound and word along the way.
Why Choose KidsHeart?
- Therapists skilled in early speech development and delays
- Positive, motivating sessions that encourage progress
- Support for children with or without additional diagnoses
- Parent involvement and at-home support strategies
- Accessible therapy across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain
We help your child move from silence to speech — in a way that feels safe, supported, and joyful.
Every Sound Counts Every Word Matters
If you’re concerned about your child’s speech development, we’re here to listen and help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Most children say their first words around 12 months and start combining words by age 2. If this isn’t happening, a speech evaluation can help.
Not quite. A speech delay affects how sounds and words are formed. A language delay affects how words and sentences are used to express ideas.
Some children do — but many benefit from structured speech therapy to avoid ongoing frustration or academic delays.
No need. Early therapy (even at 18 months) can be very effective. The earlier we start, the better the results.
We’ll meet your child where they are — whether they’re babbling, silent, or somewhere in between — and help them take the next step.