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Seyon Occupational & Speech Therapy Centre logoSeyonOccupational & Speech Therapy Centre
Speech Therapy

Toddler Speech Therapy

Early intervention during the brain's most responsive window.

Suitable for ages 12 months – 3 years

Overview

Between 12 and 36 months, language learning is at its fastest. Toddler therapy is therefore parent-mediated: we coach you in the strategies that turn everyday routines into a hundred language opportunities a day.

Sessions are floor-based and playful, using Hanen-style techniques — observe, wait, listen; follow the child's lead; add one word — with weekly video review of your own interaction.

Signs your child may need this therapy

  • No pointing or waving by 12 months
  • Fewer than 10 words at 18 months
  • No two-word phrases at 24 months
  • Does not respond consistently to their name
  • Little pretend play
  • Heavy reliance on screens for entertainment

Benefits of Toddler Speech Therapy

  • Faster vocabulary growth
  • Improved joint attention and play skills
  • Parents confident in daily language strategies
  • Fewer frustration tantrums
  • Reduced likelihood of ongoing delay
  • Early detection of underlying conditions

Treatment process

  1. STEP 1

    Speech and language assessment

    A 60-minute evaluation of receptive language, expressive language, articulation, oral-motor structures, fluency, voice and social communication, with parent interview and play observation.

  2. STEP 2

    Diagnosis and goal setting

    We explain exactly where your child sits against age expectations and agree on functional communication goals — first words, two-word phrases, clearer /s/ and /r/, smoother speech.

  3. STEP 3

    Customised therapy plan

    Approaches are matched to the child: Hanen-style parent coaching for toddlers, minimal pairs or cycles for articulation, PECS or AAC where speech is not yet functional.

  4. STEP 4

    Weekly sessions

    45-minute one-to-one sessions, 2–3 times per week for early intervention, in a distraction-controlled therapy room with live modelling for parents.

  5. STEP 5

    Parent training and home practice

    You receive weekly home activities that fit into daily routines — bath time, mealtimes, the drive to school — because 15 focused minutes a day outperforms an hour once a week.

  6. STEP 6

    Progress monitoring

    Word counts, intelligibility ratings and language sample analysis are re-measured monthly, with a written progress report every quarter.

FAQ

Toddler Speech Therapy — your questions answered

Not sure where to start? Begin with an assessment.

One hour with our team gives you a clear picture of your child's development and a written plan you can act on — whether or not you continue therapy with us.