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Helping your child find their voice — in Lagos and beyond

Speech Therapy for Autistic Children in Lagos

Whether your child has no words yet, echoes phrases, or struggles to make themselves understood — our speech therapists come to your home and unlock your child's ability to connect.

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Communication is at the heart of everything your child needs — to connect with you, to learn, to express their feelings, and to navigate the world. At Purgo Care, our speech and language therapists work in your home, helping your child build the communication skills that transform daily life.

What Is Speech Therapy?

Speech and language therapy goes far beyond teaching words. Our therapists address the full spectrum of communication: understanding language (receptive skills), using language (expressive skills), social communication (knowing when and how to speak), and alternative communication for children who are not yet verbal. Every programme is built around where your child is right now and the goals that matter most to your family.

Signs Your Child May Benefit

  • Not babbling or making sounds by 12 months
  • No single words by 18 months
  • Not combining two words by 24 months
  • Losing words they previously used
  • Echoing phrases without apparent meaning (echolalia)
  • Difficulty following simple instructions
  • Rarely initiating communication
  • Unable to have a simple back-and-forth conversation

Session Length

45–60 minutes

Frequency

2–5 sessions per week

Age Range

1–9 years

Benefits of Speech Therapy

Expressive Language

Builds vocabulary, sentence structure, and the ability to express thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly.

Receptive Language

Improves understanding of spoken language, instructions, and social cues — so your child can follow what's happening around them.

Alternative Communication

Introduces AAC (pictures, devices, or sign language) for non-verbal children, giving them a voice immediately.

Social Communication

Teaches the pragmatic skills of conversation — taking turns, reading social cues, staying on topic, and making friends.

Reduces Frustration

When a child can communicate their needs, meltdowns driven by frustration reduce significantly — benefiting the whole family.

Home Practice Programmes

You receive specific, doable exercises to practise between sessions — turning everyday moments into speech therapy opportunities.

What to Expect

Your therapist begins with a comprehensive communication assessment, looking at both receptive and expressive language, social communication, and play skills. They will set clear, measurable targets and begin working 1:1 with your child through structured activities and play-based learning. Sessions are adapted to your child's attention span and interests. Between sessions, you receive practical home exercises so your child's communication development doesn't stop when the therapist leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can speech therapy help a completely non-verbal child?+

Absolutely. Non-verbal does not mean unable to communicate. Our speech therapists introduce augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) — from picture exchange systems (PECS) to speech-generating devices — enabling your child to communicate meaningfully right away. Many non-verbal children develop some spoken words alongside AAC, sometimes within months.

My child echoes everything people say — is that a concern?+

Echolalia (repeating words or phrases heard from others) is very common in autism and actually signals that language is developing. However, it often interferes with functional, intentional communication. Our therapists work specifically on moving from echoed language to flexible, communicative speech.

What is the difference between a speech delay and an autism communication difficulty?+

A straightforward speech delay means a child is developing language but more slowly than typical. Autism-related communication difficulties often involve different patterns — using language without social intent, preferring monologue, taking language literally, or losing words. Our therapists assess both and design programmes that address the specific pattern your child presents.

How often should my autistic child have speech therapy?+

For autistic children with significant communication needs, 3–5 sessions per week produces the strongest outcomes — combined with daily home practice. Even 2 well-implemented sessions per week, with consistent practice between appointments, produces meaningful and measurable gains.

Can you work with my child alongside their school programme?+

Yes. We schedule sessions around your child's school hours — afternoons, weekends, or school holidays. With your permission, we also communicate with school staff to ensure consistency between home therapy and the school setting, which significantly improves outcomes.

Is there a minimum age to start speech therapy?+

There is no minimum age. The earlier we start, the better — the brain is most receptive to language learning in the first three years of life. However, children of all ages benefit from speech therapy. If you are concerned about your child's communication at any age, contact us and we will advise on the best approach.

Ready to Get Started?

Speak with our team to discuss speech therapyfor your child — we'll come to you, anywhere in Lagos.