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Speech Delay & Development

Speech delay means a child (or sometimes teen/adult) is slower than expected in learning to produce sounds and words clearly – focusing on pronunciation, voice quality, and fluency rather than the meaning behind the words. Typical milestones include first words around 12 months and mostly intelligible speech by age 4; delays show up as lisping, substituting sounds, dropping endings, or being hard to understand past the usual age.

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At Hong Kong Speech Therapy, we quickly pinpoint and correct these sound errors with fun, evidence-based therapy so clients of all ages speak clearly and confidently in weeks to months.

Child Pointing Excitedly

What Are Speech & Language?

Speech – is how we say sounds and/or words.

  • Articulation – how we form and produce sounds to create words. Sometimes we need help with placement of tongue, lips, and other articulators to produce the correct sounds
     

  • Phonology – the speech patterns we use. Sometimes we substitute letters (replace ‘r’ for ‘w’ in ‘rabbit’) or omit endings (dropping the ‘t’ in ‘cat’).
     

  • Fluency – the flow or rhythm of speech. Sometimes we experience repetitions (where sounds or words are repeated, like ‘c-c-c-at’), prolongations (where sounds & syllables are stretched out, like ‘ssssstop’), or blocks (sudden stops in speech).

Language – is what we say and how we make sense of what others say.

  • Receptive Language – understanding what is said. Following directions, understanding vocabulary and their meaning, understanding stories.
     

  • Expressive Language – using language. Putting thoughts into words and sentences, asking questions, telling stories, making requests.
     

  • Social Language – using language appropriately in a social setting. Knowing ules of a conversation – initiating, maintaining, ending conversations, staying on topic, turn-taking, understanding nonverbal communication like body language, perspective taking, tone of voice.

How Speech Therapy Can Help

Rapid Clarity Gains

Clients typically see noticeable improvements in clarity early on, with many becoming much easier to understand after consistent therapy. Progress speed varies by age and starting point, but parents and teachers often comment on big differences within the first term.

Age-Tailored Techniques

Little ones learn through games and stories; teens and adults get fast, targeted drills that fit busy Hong Kong schedules and deliver instant confidence. Older clients often leave the first few sessions already using new sounds correctly in conversation.

Bilingual-Smart Therapy

We fix Cantonese-to-English sound transfers (no final consonants, L/R swaps, missing “th”) while keeping home languages strong and respected. This means clear English for school or work without losing the ability to speak fluently with grandparents or family.

Home Practice That

Actually Works

​Short 3–5 minute daily activities with video demos and apps ensure progress continues between sessions without stress. Families love that practice feels like play rather than homework, and progress stays steady even with packed schedules.

Confidence & Social Boost

Clearer speech means less repetition, fewer frustrated moments, and more willingness to chat, answer in class, or speak up with friends. Many children and teens tell us they finally feel proud to raise their hand or join group conversations without fear of being misunderstood.

What to Expect In Our Therapy Sessions

1

Comprehensive,
In-depth Evaluation

We perform a comprehensive evaluation of the client’s speech, language, and communication abilities, incorporating standardized assessments, direct observation, and insights from the client, parents, and caregivers.

2

Develop Individualised Treatment Plan

Drawing from the assessment findings, we develop a customized therapy plan that details targeted objectives, methods, and exercises designed to address the client’s individual requirements.

3

Engaging Activities
and Lessons

We offer engaging and interactive therapy sessions that incorporate natural and light-hearted activities and evidence-based techniques to address communication challenges for patients of all ages.

4

Progress Monitoring and Insightful Reporting

We continually monitor the client’s progress and modify the therapy plan as necessary to promote sustained improvement.

5

Ongoing Education
& Support

We offer guidance, training, and resources to help foster the client’s communication growth both at home and within the community.

Get In Touch

Contact us for a free 15-minute consultation! Reach out to us for any inquiries or support regarding our therapy services for children, teens, and adults. Our dedicated team is here to answer your questions, address concerns, and guide you every step of the way – no matter your age or communication need.

We are also reachable by Whatsapp and email.

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