What is speech therapy for children?
Speech therapy for children is treatment that helps them communicate more clearly and confidently. A speech therapist — also called a speech-language therapist and audiologist (SLTA) in South Africa — assesses how a child speaks, understands language, and uses communication in daily life. Treatment depends on what the assessment finds, and can range from working on specific speech sounds to building vocabulary, improving fluency, or supporting a child with autism or hearing loss.
Signs your child may need speech therapy
The clearest sign is when your child’s communication doesn’t match the milestones for their age. But milestones are ranges, not deadlines — some variation is normal. These are the signs that warrant a professional assessment rather than watchful waiting:
- Not using any words by 18 months
- Not combining two words (like “more milk” or “daddy go”) by 24 months
- Hard for family members to understand most of what they say by age 3
- Hard for strangers to understand by age 4
- Stuttering that has lasted more than 6 months, or is getting worse
- Struggling to follow simple instructions at an age when they should be able to
- Avoiding talking or becoming frustrated when trying to communicate
If your child shows any of these signs, book an assessment. The assessment will give you a clear answer — either reassurance that your child is on track, or a specific plan if intervention is needed.
What happens at a speech therapy assessment?
The initial assessment at SpeakClearly takes about 60-90 minutes and has two main parts.
First, your therapist will talk to you about your concerns, your child’s developmental history, and what you’ve noticed at home. Parents are the experts on their child — this conversation matters.
Second, your therapist will assess your child directly through a mix of play-based and structured activities. They’ll look at:
- Speech sounds — which sounds your child produces correctly and which need work
- Language comprehension — how well your child understands what’s said to them
- Language expression — how many words they use, how they build sentences, and how they communicate their needs
- Fluency — any signs of stuttering or dysfluency
- Voice — if relevant, how their voice sounds during conversation
You’ll receive a written report within a few days. The report will include your child’s standardised scores, a summary of strengths and areas of concern, and specific recommendations for therapy or monitoring.
How does medical aid work for speech therapy?
Most South African medical aids cover speech therapy under their allied health or ancillary benefits. Exactly how it works depends on your scheme and plan:
- Discovery Health — covers speech therapy under the Insured Benefit for most plans. Some plans require a referral from a GP.
- Bonitas — covers speech therapy under the Specialist and Allied Health benefit, with limits varying by plan.
- Momentum Health — covers speech therapy under the Complementary and Alternative Medicine benefit on most plans.
- Medshield — covers speech therapy on most plans with an annual rand limit.
- Bestmed — allied health benefit covers speech therapy, limits vary by plan.
Before your first appointment, phone your medical aid’s member services line and ask: “What is my speech therapy benefit, how many sessions are covered per year, and do I need a referral?” Write down what they tell you.
SpeakClearly works with all major medical aids. When you book, give us your medical aid details and we’ll help confirm your coverage before your first session.
How to find the right speech therapist in Johannesburg
In South Africa, speech therapists must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). You can verify any therapist’s registration on the HPCSA website.
When choosing a speech therapist for your child, the most important things to look for:
- HPCSA registration as a Speech-Language Therapist and Audiologist
- Experience with children in the specific age group and concern area you have
- A practice that feels calm and welcoming — children respond better in comfortable environments
- Clear communication with parents — you should always understand what’s being worked on and why
- Practical home activities — progress happens in the sessions, but also between them
How to prepare for your child’s first speech therapy session
You don’t need to do much. Don’t try to “pre-teach” your child anything before the session — the assessment is designed to see how your child communicates naturally, not how well they perform under pressure.
What is helpful:
- Arrive with your child in a comfortable, rested state if possible
- Bring any relevant reports from the school, GP, or previous therapists
- Have your medical aid card and details ready
- Write down 2-3 specific examples of what concerns you — these help the therapist understand what you’ve observed
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
Book an assessment if: your child is not using words by 18 months, not combining two words by age 2, hard to understand by age 3, stuttering more than occasionally, or if you have a gut feeling something is off. Earlier is almost always better.
Does medical aid cover speech therapy in South Africa?
Most South African medical aids cover speech therapy under allied health or chronic benefits. Discovery, Bonitas, Momentum, Medshield, and Bestmed all offer speech therapy benefits. The number of covered sessions varies by plan. SpeakClearly will help you confirm your benefits before your first appointment.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a speech therapist?
No GP referral is needed to see a speech therapist in South Africa. Some medical aids require a referral for benefit claims — check with your scheme. SpeakClearly can help you navigate this.
How long will my child need speech therapy?
Duration depends on what’s being treated. A child with one or two unclear sounds might need 3-6 months of weekly therapy. A child with a significant language delay may need 12-18 months or more. Your therapist will give you a realistic estimate after the initial assessment.
Where is SpeakClearly based in Johannesburg?
SpeakClearly sees children in Randburg and Bryanston. We serve families from across the northern and western suburbs of Johannesburg, including Sandton, Fourways, Northcliff, Fairlands, Weltevreden Park, and surrounding areas.
What happens at the first speech therapy session?
The first session is an assessment — not treatment. Your therapist will observe your child’s communication through play and formal tasks, talk to you about what you’ve noticed at home, and complete standardised assessments. You’ll leave with a clear next step.