If you’ve got a 10-year-old who seems to speak just fine, you might think speech therapy isn’t something you need to consider. But here’s the thing, speech and language challenges aren’t always obvious. Many kids in this age group struggle with hidden speech and communication issues that only a trained professional can detect. And that’s where speech therapy comes in.
At Total Communication, we work with children across different age groups, helping them overcome communication hurdles that might be affecting their academic performance, social interactions, and overall confidence. But what exactly does speech therapy in Singapore involve for older kids, and what are the hidden speech issues parents often miss? Let’s break it down.
Speech Challenges in Older Kids: More Than Just Pronunciation Issues
When people think of speech therapy, they often imagine younger kids learning to pronounce their “r” sounds properly. But by the time a child is 10, the concerns often go beyond articulation. Some of the more complex issues that require speech therapy in the Singapore region include:
Language Processing Difficulties – Your child might understand individual words but struggle with complex sentences, making it hard to follow classroom instructions or conversations.
Social Communication Deficits – Does your child interrupt conversations, miss sarcasm, or struggle with turn-taking in discussions? These are signs of pragmatic language difficulties, which can affect friendships and social interactions.
Stuttering and Fluency Disorders – Some kids develop fluency issues later in childhood. If your child hesitates frequently, repeats sounds, or gets “stuck” on words, they might need help managing their speech fluency.
Voice Disorders – Does your child frequently lose their voice, speak in a strained way, or have an unusual pitch? Voice disorders can affect communication confidence and even be physically uncomfortable.
Executive Functioning & Language Organisation – Speech therapy isn’t just about talking—it’s also about organising thoughts and structuring sentences properly. If your child struggles with storytelling, summarising information, or explaining their ideas clearly, they might need targeted intervention.
The Hidden Speech Issues Parents Might Not Notice
Many children with speech or language challenges develop coping strategies that mask their difficulties. They might:
Avoid answering questions in class
Stick to short, simple sentences
Use vague words like “thing” or “stuff” instead of specific terms
Struggle to follow multi-step instructions
Get frustrated or anxious during verbal tasks
Since these signs can be subtle, they’re often mistaken for shyness, laziness, or a lack of interest. But in reality, your child might need professional help. This is why an initial consultation for speech therapy in Singapore is, it helps uncover these hidden difficulties before they impact academic performance or social confidence.
How Speech Therapy Helps Older Kids
If your child is facing any of these challenges, early intervention can make a huge difference. Speech therapy in Singapore for older children is highly customised, focusing on their specific needs. Here’s how it works:
Assessment & Diagnosis – A speech therapist conducts an in-depth evaluation to understand your child’s speech, language, and communication abilities. This might include verbal tasks, written exercises, and informal conversations.
Targeted Intervention Plans – Therapy sessions are tailored to address the child’s weaknesses. For example:
Kids with social communication difficulties learn conversational turn-taking and non-verbal cues.
Those struggling with language organisation work on structuring ideas and expanding vocabulary.
Children with fluency disorders practice strategies to control their speech rate and reduce anxiety.
Real-World Application – Speech therapy isn’t just about practising in a clinic. Therapists provide strategies that kids can use in real-life situations—whether it’s raising their hand in class, making a presentation, or having a conversation with friends.
Parental Involvement – Parents play a huge role in reinforcing speech therapy techniques at home. Our therapists at Total Communication provide guidance on how to support your child’s communication growth outside of sessions.
When Should You Seek Speech Therapy in Singapore for Your Child?
If you’re unsure whether your child needs therapy, consider these questions:
Do they avoid speaking in class or social situations?
Do they struggle to organise their thoughts when speaking or writing?
Do they have trouble understanding jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language?
Do they frequently misinterpret instructions or need things repeated?
Do they show frustration when trying to express themselves?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, it might be time to schedule an initial consultation. The sooner speech challenges are addressed, the easier it is for children to build strong communication skills that will benefit them for life.
Get Started with Speech Therapy in Singapore Today
At Total Communication, we’re here to help kids find their voice - literally. Whether it’s building fluency, improving social skills, or making sense of language, our therapists work alongside your child to make real progress in a way that feels natural and encouraging.
If you think your child might benefit from speech therapy in Singapore, reach out to us today for an initial consultation.
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +65 9115 8895
🌐 Visit Our Website: https://www.totalcommunication.com.sg/contact