💬 Speech development
- The child speaks little or does not speak for their age.
- Uses a small number of words and struggles to form sentences.
- Speech development has slowed or stopped for a period of time.
Therapy for children aged 0–7
Speech therapy — building speech, comprehension, and communication
Focused work on speech, comprehension, and functional communication. Suitable for delayed speech development, articulation difficulties, a limited vocabulary, difficulties understanding instructions, or preparation for kindergarten and school.
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In a few words
What is speech therapy
Speech therapy is a therapeutic discipline that helps the child develop their speech, understand, and communicate fully. When a child speaks little, is hard to understand, has difficulties with grammar, or does not follow instructions, the speech therapist works purposefully on the skills behind these difficulties.
The work is always concrete and functional. We do not teach theory — we teach communication that the child will use right away: to ask for something, to explain what they want, to recount what happened, to understand what is said to them.
Every speech therapy session at the center follows an individual plan that I — Iva Petkova — draw up after the individual consultation. Sessions are led through play and structured activities, in a safe environment, with respect for the child’s pace.
When it fits
What difficulties speech therapy helps with
Speech therapy is appropriate when the child encounters specific difficulties with speech, comprehension, or communication. Among the typical situations are:
🗣️ Articulation and pronunciation
- The child substitutes or omits individual sounds.
- Their speech is unintelligible to people outside the family.
- Has difficulty pronouncing specific sounds (r, sh, s, ts, etc.).
👂 Comprehension of speech
- The child does not respond to their name or to simple instructions.
- Struggles to follow directions of two or more steps.
- Seems to “not hear,” although hearing is normal.
🧩 Expression and vocabulary
- The child knows many words but struggles to use them in communication.
- Cannot recount what happened or what they want.
- Replaces words with gestures, pointing, or crying when struggling.
🤝 Functional communication
- The child does not initiate communication with other children or adults.
- Does not ask questions and does not answer questions.
- Struggles to sustain a conversation beyond a single exchange.
📚 Preparation for kindergarten and school
- Preparation for kindergarten admission — expressing needs independently.
- Developing prerequisites for reading and writing — phonological awareness.
- Acquiring academic concepts — colors, shapes, numbers, sequences.
These difficulties often have an explanation in the way the child perceives, processes, and produces language. Targeted work through speech therapy can lead to real and lasting progress.
A structured process
How a speech therapy session unfolds
The structure of the session is not random. Every session is planned in advance, conducted according to the plan, and documented. This is part of our overall system of work.
1
Before the session
The speech therapist reviews the child’s individual plan and the feedback from the last session. They prepare the specific activities for the day — which sounds or words we will work on, what play materials we will use, how many repetitions, and what adaptations are needed.
2
During the session
The session takes place in a calm and predictable environment. We work through play, pictures, books, and structured activities. The speech therapist observes the child’s reactions in real time, records which goals were achieved, and adapts the pace to the child’s needs.
3
After the session
The speech therapist prepares written feedback immediately after the session — what we worked on, how the child did, and what exercises and games are recommended for work at home until the next session. This feedback is uploaded to the child’s personal folder.
Concrete skills
What we develop through speech therapy
The goals of speech therapy are always functional and aligned with the child’s real life.
🗣️
Articulation
Correct pronunciation of sounds and clear, intelligible speech.
📖
Vocabulary and expression
Building up words and the ability to use them in communication.
👂
Comprehension
Following instructions, understanding questions and stories.
🤝
Functional communication
Initiating conversation, asking questions, sustaining a dialogue.
🧩
Grammar and sentences
Building correct and complete sentences for the child’s age.
📚
Literacy prerequisites
Phonological awareness, rhyming, sound recognition — a foundation for reading and writing.
First step
We do not start speech therapy without an individual consultation
It is necessary for two reasons: first, to assess whether speech therapy is the right therapy for the child, and second, so that I can draw up the individual plan the speech therapist will follow.
The individual consultation is a two-hour meeting that I conduct personally. It includes preparatory materials, observation in real time, and a written plan within seven working days.
120 EUR
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Frequently asked questions
?At what age is it good to start speech therapy work?
The earlier specific difficulties are identified, the more successful the work is. We work with children aged 0 to 7. If delays in speech development are noticed, the consultation should not be postponed — early intervention often has the greatest effect.
?How often are the sessions?
It depends on the child and the goals set. Usually sessions are once or twice a week. The specific frequency is discussed after the individual consultation and can be adjusted upon reassessment of progress.
?How long does a session last?
The standard duration is 60 minutes, but when needed it is adapted to the child’s age and tolerance.
?How long does the process take?
It depends on the child and the specifics of the difficulties. The work proceeds through small and steady steps. We work on short-term goals (for 2–4 weeks) and long-term goals (for 3–6 months), with periodic reassessment.
?What is expected of the parent?
After every session you receive written feedback with concrete exercises and games for home. You are invited to attend the sessions to see how we work. Structured meetings to review progress are held periodically.
?What if the child does not want to speak during the session?
This is normal and often expected at the start. We do not force the process. We work through play, safety, and the gradual building of trust. First the child needs to feel calm with the speech therapist; then the real work on speech and communication begins.
?Can we start therapy without a consultation?
No. The individual consultation is a mandatory step before any therapy at the center. It ensures that the work is directed correctly and that the child receives exactly what they need.
Work ethics
Principles of work
✓We do not compare the child to other children. We compare them only to their own progress.
✓We do not use shame, pressure, or coercion when working with speech.
✓We do not promise that “tomorrow the child will start talking.” We promise a real plan and gradual progress.
✓The goal is for the child to communicate functionally in real life — not just to perform tasks at the table.
✓Every session is documented — nothing relies on verbal memory.
✓We work in partnership with parents — not in isolation from them.
A look inside
The place where we work
Bright rooms with books, pictures, and play materials for speech and communication. They are prepared for work both with young children and with preschool age.
▶ Video
Get to know our speech therapy
Pictures and books
Mirror for articulation exercises
Play materials for communication
School-readiness corner
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Ready to begin?
The first step is always the same — an individual consultation with me. It's where you'll receive a clear assessment, a concrete plan, and direction on what comes next.
Request a consultation →🛡️
External supervisionAll work under oversight
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International trainingRegular team qualification
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GDPR complianceSecure personal data
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Registered facilityHealth ministry — full licenses