Late Talking Is Common. Waiting to Find Out Why Is the Risk.
Some children simply talk later. Others have an underlying reason that responds well to early support. A speech and language assessment tells you which situation you are in — usually in one appointment.
Book a Speech AssessmentAsk on WhatsAppWhat Usually Develops, and Roughly When
These are typical ranges, not deadlines. Children vary, and being behind on one item is not a diagnosis. What matters more is the overall pattern and whether progress is being made.
Babbles with varied sounds, responds to their name, uses gestures such as pointing and waving, and shows interest in simple games.
Uses a growing set of single words, follows simple one-step instructions, points to show you things, and imitates sounds and actions.
Combines two words ("more juice"), has a vocabulary that keeps growing, follows simple instructions, and is understood by familiar adults some of the time.
Uses short sentences, asks questions, is understood by familiar adults most of the time, and can join in simple conversation and pretend play.
Tells a short story or recounts an event, uses mostly clear speech with people outside the family, and follows instructions with more than one step.
When it is worth booking sooner
If your child has lost words they previously used, does not respond to their name, makes little eye contact or gesture, is not understood by family by age 3, or is becoming frustrated trying to communicate — arrange an assessment rather than waiting for the next birthday.
Delay Is a Description — Not an Explanation
"Speech delay" says what you are seeing, not why. The assessment is about identifying which of these is driving it, because each one leads to a different plan.
Hearing
Even intermittent hearing loss from repeated ear infections can hold back speech. Hearing is checked before anything else is assumed.
Understanding vs expression
Some children understand well but cannot yet produce speech; others struggle with both. The plan differs completely.
Speech clarity
Words are there but sounds are unclear — a motor-speech or articulation issue rather than a language one.
Social communication
Where eye contact, gesture and shared attention are also reduced, we assess the broader developmental profile.
Oral-motor and feeding
Difficulty with chewing, swallowing or mouth control can sit alongside unclear speech.
Language environment
Bilingual homes do not cause delay, but screen-heavy, low-interaction routines can reduce practice opportunities.
One Appointment, A Clear Answer
The first session is play-based. Most children experience it as an hour of games with an adult who is paying close attention.
What the therapist does
Takes a developmental and medical history, observes play and interaction, samples understanding and expression using age-appropriate measures, and checks oral-motor function where relevant.
What you leave with
A plain-language explanation of what was seen, whether it sits inside or outside the expected range, what is likely driving it, and a specific recommendation — which may be therapy, review in a few months, or referral for hearing testing first.
Therapy That Fits the Reason
Sessions are play-based and goal-directed, and parents are coached so the work continues between visits.
Speech & Language Therapy
Individual sessions targeting understanding, expression, clarity and functional communication.
Early Intervention
For younger children, developmental support with the family closely involved.
Oral-Motor & Feeding
Where chewing, swallowing or mouth control affect both eating and speech clarity.
Occupational Therapy
Where attention, sensory regulation or motor skills affect readiness to engage.
Parent Coaching
Practical techniques to build language into everyday routines at home.
Social Communication
Turn-taking, joint attention and peer interaction where these are part of the picture.
What Therapy Can Realistically Do
What we work towards
✓ A reliable way for your child to communicate needs.
✓ Growth in understanding as well as expression.
✓ Clearer speech that more listeners can follow.
✓ Less frustration for the child and the family.
✓ Parents who know how to help day to day.
What we will not claim
✗ That a set number of sessions produces speech.
✗ A guaranteed date by which your child will talk.
✗ That any device or supplement produces language.
✗ Success percentages we cannot evidence.
✗ That therapy alone replaces medical review where needed.
What Families Ask Us Most
My child is 2 and not talking. Should I wait?
A single missed milestone is not an emergency, but waiting without knowing why is what costs time. An assessment at 2 is straightforward and either reassures you or starts support early, when it tends to work best.
We speak two languages at home. Is that the cause?
No. Bilingualism does not cause speech delay. Bilingual children may mix languages and may reach some milestones on a slightly different schedule, but the total language they have across both languages should still be developing.
Does my child need a hearing test first?
Often, yes. Hearing is checked early because even mild, intermittent hearing loss from repeated ear infections can hold back speech. If we think hearing should be tested first, we will tell you.
How long is each session, and how often?
Speech and language sessions are typically 45 minutes. Frequency depends on the assessment findings and what your family can sustain consistently — consistency matters more than intensity.
Will my child need therapy forever?
No. Therapy is goal-based. Goals are written down, reviewed at set points, and when they are met the plan is reduced or discharged. We will tell you when your child no longer needs us.
Can I sit in the session?
Yes, and for younger children we prefer it. Parent coaching is part of the method — what you do during the rest of the week matters more than the session itself.
Is speech delay a sign of autism?
Not on its own. Many late talkers are not autistic. When delay comes together with reduced eye contact, gesture and shared attention, we assess the broader developmental profile rather than looking at speech alone.
Where is the clinic and when is it open?
Spectra Cure Clinics Egypt is on the 2nd floor, Building B, Saga Boulevard Complex, Mohamed Naguib Axis, New Cairo. Open every day 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Call or WhatsApp +20 101 580 8250.
Find Out Why — Then Decide
One assessment usually answers the question families have been carrying for months. Book it, and if your child does not need therapy we will tell you that too.
Book an AppointmentWhatsApp +20 101 580 8250
