Child Speech Therapy
Speech vs. Language: What Is the Difference?
Speech is how sounds and words are made. It includes clear pronunciation, voice, and fluency (smooth talking).
Language is understanding and using words and sentences. It includes vocabulary, grammar, following instructions, and telling stories.
Communication includes both, along with gestures, eye contact, turn-taking, and social skills.
A child may have difficulty in one area or several.
Jannatun Naim
Speech and Language Therapist
Qualifications
BSc, Certified Child and Adolescent Speech and Language Therapist
About & Biography
Jannatun Naim is a certified Speech-Language Therapist specialising in child and adolescent care. She trained at PISER and is affiliated with BUP (Bangladesh University of Professionals). She works with children presenting with language disorders, autism, and developmental communication challenges.
Areas of Expertise
- Child & Adolescent Speech Therapy
- Language Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Developmental Communication
- Dyslexia Support
Appointment Time: Saturday to Thursday ( 10 AM to 8 PM)
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Concerns a Speech and Language Therapist May Help With
- Late talking or speech delay
- Language delay, including difficulty understanding or using sentences
- Unclear speech, where sounds are missing, swapped, or mispronounced
- Stammering (stuttering), where speech is interrupted by repeating or blocking on sounds
- Social communication difficulties, such as taking turns in conversation
- Voice difficulties
- Communication needs linked to other conditions, such as autism, developmental delay, or hearing loss
- Feeding and swallowing difficulties, where this service is provided
Signs to Look Out For
Children develop at different speeds, so these are general guides rather than strict rules. Consider seeking advice if your child:
- Does not babble, point, or use gestures by about 12 months
- Has very few words by about 18 months
- Is not putting two words together by about 2 years
- Is hard for family members to understand by about 3 years
- Does not seem to understand simple instructions
- Stops using words or skills they previously had
- Repeats sounds or gets stuck on words for several months, or seems tense or upset when talking
- Plays or interacts very little with other children
A hearing check is often a useful first step, because hearing difficulties can affect speech and language.
Possible Causes
There is not always one clear reason. Some common factors include:
- Hearing difficulties, including repeated ear infections
- Developmental conditions, such as autism or global developmental delay
- Difficulty with the muscles or coordination needed for speech
- Family history of speech or language difficulties
- Limited chances to hear and use language
Being bilingual does not cause speech or language delay. Children learning two languages can develop skills in both, and they should not be asked to stop using one of their languages.
What Happens in an Assessment?
Step 1: Talking with parents. The therapist asks about your child’s development, health, hearing, family, and daily routine.
Step 2: Play and observation. The therapist observes how your child plays, listens, understands, and communicates. Standard checklists or tests may be used for older children.
Step 3: Feedback. You receive a clear explanation of your child’s strengths and difficulties.
Step 4: A plan. You agree on goals, how often sessions will take place, and what to practise at home. If needed, the therapist may suggest a hearing test or another specialist’s opinion.
What Does Therapy Look Like?
Therapy for children is built around play. Depending on your child’s needs, sessions may include:
- Games, books, songs, and toys that encourage talking and listening
- Practice with specific sounds, words, or sentences
- Activities to build vocabulary and understanding
- Support for smoother speech and confidence when stammering
- Visual supports or other ways to communicate, where helpful
- Coaching for parents and carers so progress continues at home
Progress differs from child to child. Regular practice and positive encouragement make a big difference.
8 Ways to Support Your Child’s Communication at Home
- Talk about what you are doing during daily routines.
- Get down to your child’s level and give them your full attention.
- Read together every day, even for a few minutes.
- Give your child time to answer without rushing or finishing their sentences.
- Repeat and expand: if your child says “car,” you might say “red car, big car.”
- Sing songs and play simple games with rhymes and actions.
- Avoid pressuring your child to “say it properly”; model the correct word gently instead.
- Limit background noise and screen time so language is easier to hear.
Online vs. In-Person Therapy
Online sessions allow therapy from home and involve parents closely, which suits many children and families.
In-person sessions can be helpful for younger children or for hands-on activities. AQIDAH Healthcare offers both, and your therapist will recommend what is best for your child.
Myths and Facts: Child Speech & Language Therapy
Myth: Late talkers always catch up on their own.
Fact: Some do and some do not. Because it is hard to tell in advance, an early check is a safe step.
Myth: Speaking two languages confuses children.
Fact: Being bilingual does not cause speech or language delay. Please keep using the languages that are natural for your family.
Myth: Stammering is caused by nervousness or poor parenting.
Fact: Stammering is a difference in how speech flows, with several contributing factors. Parents do not cause it, and they can help a great deal.
Myth: Therapy is only for older children.
Fact: Young children can benefit too, because therapy is play-based and involves parents.
Why Choose AQIDAH Healthcare?
At AQIDAH Healthcare, we make therapy warm, playful, and practical. We celebrate every small step, explain what we are doing, and give you simple tools to use at home. Because we also offer psychiatry, psychology, behavioural support, and multidisciplinary assessment, your child’s needs can be looked at together when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child grow out of a speech delay?
Some children catch up on their own, but others do not. Because it is hard to know in advance, an early check is a safe and helpful step.
How early can my child start therapy?
Therapy can start whenever there is a concern. Early support is often valuable.
How long will my child need therapy?
It depends on your child’s needs and how consistently skills are practised. Your therapist will review progress regularly.
Do I need a hearing test first?
A hearing check is often recommended. Your therapist can advise you.
Should we speak only one language at home?
No. Please continue using the languages that are natural for your family.
Related Services at AQIDAH Healthcare
Take the First Step Today
If you are worried about your child’s speech or language, you do not have to wait and see. A simple assessment can give you answers and a clear path forward.
Book a Child Speech & Language Therapy Session with AQIDAH Healthcare.
Aqidah Healthcare
Firoz Tower (13th Floor), 152/3B, Bir Uttam Nuruzzaman Sarak, Panthapath, Dhaka-1215
Book an Appointment: +8801339570424
Website: https://www.theaqidah.com/en