Speech Therapy in Kent: Is My Child a Late Talker? When to involve a Speech Therapist?
Understanding Speech and Language Development
Worried about your child’s speech? Lycali’s speech and language therapists in Kent explain when to seek help, how early support works, and how therapy can boost confidence.
As parents, it’s natural to compare your child’s speech to others’. Some start chatting early, others take their time — but how do you know what’s normal, and when your child might need a little extra help?
At Lycali, our team of speech and language therapists in Kent help children of all ages develop clear, confident communication skills. Here’s what to watch for, and why early support makes such a difference.
Typical Speech and Language Milestones
Age What to Expect 12 months Babbling, recognising familiar words, saying “mama/dada”. 18 months 20–50 words, using gestures or simple requests. 2 years Two-word phrases like “mummy go” or “big car”. 3 years Can form short sentences and be partly understood by others. 4–5 years Can tell simple stories, ask lots of questions, use more complex sentences.
If your child isn’t meeting these milestones, or you’re worried, it’s worth arranging a speech and language assessment with a qualified therapist.
What Causes Speech Delays?
Speech delays can happen for many reasons and sometimes for none at all.
Common causes include:
Hearing issues such as glue ear
Developmental differences (like autism or ADHD)
Muscle or oral-motor difficulties
Limited exposure to spoken language
General developmental delays
At Lycali, our team identifies what’s behind each child’s challenges, so we can design a plan that works, whether that’s therapy, home strategies, or advice for school support.
🌟 Why Early Intervention Matters
Early help can have a huge impact on your child’s long-term development.
Research shows that children who receive speech therapy before age five are more likely to:
✅ Catch up with peers sooner
✅ Feel confident expressing emotions and needs
✅ Build stronger friendships
✅ Avoid frustration-related behaviour challenges
Even a few focused sessions can make a life-changing difference.
🧩 What to Expect from a Speech Therapy Session
At Lycali, therapy is fun, play-based, and tailored to each child.
Initial consultation – chat about your child’s history and concerns
Play-based assessment – games and conversation to observe speech and understanding
Feedback and plan – clear, jargon-free explanations with next steps
Ongoing therapy – engaging sessions and practical advice for home and school
We also work closely with parents, teachers, and other professionals to ensure your child’s progress continues in every environment.
📞 Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re concerned your child might be struggling to communicate or you’d just like peace of mind, our friendly team is here to help.
👉 Book a consultation today at Lycali Speech & Language Therapy
📍 Based in Broadstairs, Kent | Online sessions available