Speech Disorders in Kids

Sophie KILZI 

20 years experienced speech therapist

Clinic in Antelias, Matn, Lebanon 

Online Speech Therapy

Treat in French, Arabic and English 

 Parental guidance Weekly guest on OTV 

Founder of : Reading Time with Sophie

Tel: +961-81-011 011 

[email protected] 

@sophiekilzi

In kids, speech therapy treats very different issues such as speech delay,  stuttering, autism, articulation, learning disabilities, dyslexia… It is a wrong belief that being spoiled is the reason for speech issues.  

A few signs of some speech disorders are :  

– In speech delay: poor vocabulary, unintelligible speech, child not  using sentences to express himself, he doesn’t seem to understand  instructions. 

– In stuttering : sometimes at the beginning of some words the child  seems to hesitate and repeat one or more sounds. Specially, in this  case the earlier the better for treatment. 

– Autism : poor interest in social interaction, little eye contact,  inappropriate use of toys, never answers his name. 

– Articulation: whether it’s one or more sounds, the child can never say  it properly. 

– Learning disabilities: reversed writing, increased number of mistakes  in dictations or calculation, mixing up letters in writing and /or reading. 

During the pandemic, online speech therapy has proven itself to be as  effective as on site sessions (with children who have the capacity to enjoy  it).It has annihilated distances and waste of time in traffic and waiting  areas.  

Whenever you have doubts about your child’s speech development seek  proper care. Early intervention is THE key for fast improvement.  The main goal of speech therapy is to improve specific aspects of  communication through guided entertaining activities.  

Here are some general tips for parents to improve speech development  overall : 

– Reduce as much as possible direct and indirect screens exposure, – Cease every opportunity to communicate, 

– Choose his toys wisely, 

– Read a book everyday mostly to toddlers, 

– Make him listen to audio songs without viewing the videos, – Create a specific daily playtime even if it’s short, 

– Be interested in what he likes, 

Talk and elaborate about his toys, family, body parts, environment,  animals, food…

« »