Speech and language

Concerned about speech or language delay? Where to begin

“My child is late talking” can describe different observations. This guide helps you put your concerns into words and prepare useful questions before booking an appointment.

Prepared and published by FAD Center·24 October 2026·General educational information

Bring clear examples from your child’s day, then discuss them with a professional to understand the assessment and next step.

When should I ask for advice?

Discuss concerns about your child’s development or communication with their doctor without delay. Age-based milestone checklists can organize observations, but do not replace professional developmental screening.

Are speech and language the same?

Assessment helps clarify the area of difficulty. “Late talking” alone does not identify its cause or the service needed.

Speech

Producing speech sounds and making them clear. Your question may concern how sounds are pronounced.

Language

Understanding and expressing meaning. Your question may concern what your child understands or how they communicate needs and ideas.

What observations can I bring?

A speech-language professional considers understanding, gestures and learning new words. Bring short examples rather than a general description:

Understanding: what happens when you give a familiar instruction?
Expression: how does your child ask for a toy or help, using words, gestures or another way?
Change: what new example of communication have you noticed, and when?

Why ask about hearing?

Hearing difficulties can affect speech and language development. Ask whether a hearing check is needed and where to arrange it; not every rehabilitation center provides hearing tests.

Six questions before booking a speech assessment

Use these questions when contacting a center. Note the answers so you can compare arrangements and understand what the appointment includes:

Is this an initial consultation or a speech and language assessment? What does it cover?
Who conducts the appointment, and what are their specialty and qualifications?
Does the professional work with my child’s age and needs?
How long is the appointment, what does it cost, and are a results discussion or written report included?
Are previous reports needed, and which channel should I use to share them?
How do we discuss next steps? If sessions are suggested, how are goals and progress reviews agreed?

Asking about speech and language services in Riyadh

The FAD Center speech and language page explains the service and how enquiries begin. FAD is on Anas Ibn Malik Road in Al Narjis, Riyadh. Ask the team about ages accepted, assessment availability and fees through the contact and appointments page. The first-visit guide helps you prepare your questions.

Sources and scope

NIDCD informs the speech, language and hearing explanations; the public resource linked by ASHA informs communication observations; CDC informs acting on developmental concerns. FAD prepared the booking questions as discussion aids, not promises about appointment inclusions.

This guide supports learning and preparation for discussion. It is not a diagnosis or a recommendation for an individual treatment plan.