Speech Therapy for Children in Kottayam

The concern begins

Most parents will have some concerns about their child’s speech. This could be a 2 year old who still uses gestures, a 5 year old who their teacher says is difficult to understand or a boy who knows exactly what they want to say but struggles with the words.

If this sounds like your child then you are not over reacting. At Catalyst Centre for Speech Therapy in Kottayam we specialise in complicated speech and language difficulties. We begin by discussing your concerns as you will know your child best.

How we work

We use fun activities such as picture books, building blocks, role play in a shop and song and sign activities. We use games to help your child learn to speak their first words, shape their tricky sounds and to wait their turn.

Most children will not realise they are working on their speech.

The concerns we can help with

• Delayed speech: Not many or no words for their age or difficulty understanding what is being said.
• Poor articulation: Difficulty with putting words together, leaving off sounds or distorting sounds. They can struggle to be understood by those closest to them.
• Stuttering: Repeating sounds, prolonging sounds and showing physical tension when speaking.
• Autism/Developmental Delay: Communication has not developed, difficulty with joint attention.
• Feeding difficulties: Difficulty with chewing and swallowing.
• Hearing loss: Support with listening and speech.
• Social communication: Conversations, taking turns and socialising with peers.

Not sure what your child has? Most children don’t have a clear diagnosis. Feel free to come to us as we will work together to figure out what support your child needs.

Who can attend?

We work with toddlers, pre-schoolers and older children who have been struggling for years. We have no minimum age. It is rarely too early to ask questions.

What happens?

• Initial discussion: We discuss your child’s background, what they enjoy, what languages they are exposed to and any concerns you have.
• Assessment: We assess your child’s understanding, use of language, play, listening and lip, tongue and jaw movements. As appropriate we will also assess their motor skills, sensory processing and other areas. This will be done using fun activities.
• Simple explanation: We will discuss what we found out and any uncertainties we have. We will agree on goals.
• Treatment: We use regular and gentle sessions to work on your child’s speech. We will work at a pace that is right for your child’s mood which can change quite quickly at this age.
• Simple activities: A couple of easy activities to complete at mealtimes, play times or school runs.
• Review: We will review your child regularly. We will adjust the plan if they are not making progress.

What techniques do we use?

We have been trained in a wide variety of techniques to help children with complicated needs. No one will know them all. We will choose the most suitable ones for your child during the assessment. As your child progresses we will adapt the techniques.

• PROMPT/OPT: Using tactile prompts and exercises to help shape lips, tongue and jaw. This helps with poor articulation, chewing and swallowing.
• Sensory based play therapy: Helps children to calm their bodies which can become over stimulated by sounds, touch or movement. This helps them to focus.
• Relational, developmental and behavioural: Focus on joint attention and taking turns. Behaviour is seen as a form of communication.
• PECS/Avaz: Using pictures or an app to help children with little or no speech.
• Articulation: Helping with leaving off, swapping and distorting sounds.
• Fluency shaping: Helps children to speak more easily and smoothly.
• Pragmatics: Small group sessions to help children who can speak but struggle with conversations.
• Auditory Verbal: Making the most of whatever hearing they have.

Sometimes parents are concerned that using PECS/Avaz will stop their child from speaking. Usually we find they are less frustrated and are trying to communicate more. This can include speaking.

Working as a team

We can only provide a few hours of therapy each week. Your child will learn from you, grandparents and siblings (who often argue over the remote!). You will see what we do in our sessions, why we do it and gain some helpful ideas.

We will not give you a list of activities to complete. We will work through them with you until they become second nature.

Therapy in the language they know

Many families in Kottayam have more than one language. They may speak Malayalam at mealtimes, English at school and maybe a grandparent’s dialect. Having two languages will not cause delayed speech. We will focus on what your child is hearing everyday and base our therapy around this. We will not expect your family to use a language they are not familiar with.

Progress

Every child is different. Some children may make progress with their first clear “amma” whilst others may begin to come out of their shell when someone visits and says hello. Some children will make quick progress whilst others will need more time. We cannot guarantee how long it will take.

We can guarantee we will be consistent and give you honest updates. If we feel your child should also be seen by a paediatrician, ENT or audiologist we will let you know why.

More than just speech!

Communication rarely develops alone. Many of our children will also benefit from Occupational Therapy to help with their motor and sensory needs and Special Education to help with reading, writing and numbers. These services are available at Catalyst so we will be working as a team and you will not have to repeat the same story. If you struggle to attend weekly we can also offer Tele therapy.

Where we are

Adichira, Ammanchery Road, Thellakom P.O., Kottayam. We also see families from Kochi, Ernakulam and beyond.

Common Questions

When should I be worried about my child’s speech?
If you are asking this question then it is worth having a chat. If your child is not saying many words by 2 years old, struggling to be understood by others by school age or just generally not understanding much of what you say then it is worth having a chat. This will cost very little.

Do they need a diagnosis?
No. If you have concerns then we will complete an assessment. We will then explain what we have seen.

Will they grow out of it?
Some children will catch up but many won’t. The early years are the easiest time for children to talk. We can quickly see what path your child may be on.

How long will therapy take?
This depends on your child, their concern and how much practice they are doing at home. After your assessment you will have a realistic idea and we will review as your child grows.

Can I stay in?
We encourage this. By watching how we play and prompt you can take these strategies home.