Speech therapy in Vila do Conde
Assessment and intervention for communication, language, speech and orofacial motor disorders. Focused on communication development in children — finding the right way for each one to be heard.
What it is
Speech therapy is dedicated to the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of communication, language, speech, voice, orofacial motor and swallowing disorders. At Clínica da Vila, the focus is on communication development in children, from the first gestures and words through to fluent speech and reading.
Communicating is much more than speaking. It's looking, it's gesture, it's symbol. Every child is assessed individually, and the therapy plan is built together with the family and the school, to ensure continuity across every context.
When it makes sense to seek help
Language delay
The child speaks less, or less clearly, than expected for their age.
Articulation and speech
Substitutions, omissions or distortions of sounds that persist beyond what's expected.
Stuttering and disfluency
Repetitions, prolongations or blocks in speech that affect communication.
Orofacial motor function
Changes in breathing, chewing, swallowing and oral posture, often linked to speech difficulties.
Reading and writing difficulties
Suspected dyslexia, delayed decoding or persistent difficulty learning to read.
Language comprehension
Difficulty following instructions, understanding stories or organising speech.
Augmentative communication
When speech isn't enough, using gestures, images and support systems to ensure functional communication.
ASD and developmental disorders
Communication support for children with autism spectrum disorder and other conditions.
How it works
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01
First session with parents
A conversation to understand the child's history, the family's concerns and what's already been noticed at home and at school.
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02
Assessing the child
Sessions adapted to age, with play, visual materials and formal tests when indicated, to assess communication, language, speech and orofacial motor function.
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03
Feedback and plan
A meeting with parents to share our understanding of the case and propose an intervention plan, with clear goals, suggested frequency and an estimated timeline.
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04
Intervention sessions
Regular sessions, usually weekly, working towards the defined goals. In each session, we share with parents what was worked on and strategies for home.
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05
Coordination with school
Whenever it makes sense, we coordinate with educators and teachers, because communication happens in every context and care needs to be consistent.
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06
Review and discharge
Periodic reviews to assess progress. When goals are reached, we prepare the discharge with the child and the family.
For parents
Parents are an active part of the work. In each session, we share concrete strategies to use at home, because what happens in the everyday minutes has more impact than what happens inside the therapy room.
